OLYMPIA – The American Dream of homeownership can quickly change into a nightmare for those who own mobile homes. Each time land making up mobile home parks is bought and sold, residents face displacement as they do not own the land the home sits on.
House Bill 1582 is the first time in over a quarter century the Legislature has addressed comprehensive reform of the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (MHLTA), and provides more protections to mobile home owners. The bill would:
- Require two-lease agreements between park and mobile home owners
- Require landlords to provide historical information about rent for the past 5 years in lease agreements
- Increase the time a mobile home owner has to vacate a park after they receive a notice of closure
- Requires that notices of closure be translated into the top 10 languages in the state
“This legislation is part of a comprehensive approach in addressing our housing affordability and homelessness crisis head on,” said sponsor Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac). “These mobile home parks are often one of the most affordable options for low-income families and seniors. When a park closes, entire communities risk falling into homelessness.”
In 2017, mobile home park closures displaced 203 families across the state. The Department of Commerce estimates there could be another four to five closures in the next fiscal year.