URGENT UPDATE: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has just spotlighted a critical issue affecting seniors and veterans in manufactured home communities, urging lawmakers to advance vital rent relief legislation. The call to action comes as residents face skyrocketing lot rents—some increasing by as much as 50% in just one year—while legislative support has stalled in the state Senate for months.
With over 2,200 manufactured home communities across Pennsylvania, many residents own their homes but do not own the land beneath them. As private equity firms acquire these communities, the financial strain on low-income seniors and veterans on fixed incomes has become unbearable. Governor Shapiro emphasized the urgency of the situation during his recent budget address, signaling potential support for House Bill 1250, which aims to stabilize lot rent increases.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Liz Hanbidge, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 144-59, and is awaiting action in the Senate, where Sen. Judy Schwank has introduced companion measures (Senate Bills 745 and 746). These bills aim to tie annual lot rent increases to the consumer price index while expanding consumer protections, such as requiring fee disclosures and longer notification timelines for any changes.
Bob Besecker, founder of the Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities, revealed that he spoke with Shapiro after the budget address and was assured the governor would sign the bill if it reaches his desk. Besecker organized the coalition in 2022 after facing significant rent hikes in his own community, aiming to protect residents from predatory practices by private equity firms.
The coalition currently represents 122 member communities statewide, highlighting the widespread impact of rent increases. Besecker noted that research shows for every $100 increase in lot rent, property values decline by approximately $10,000, forcing many residents to abandon their homes.
Rep. Dan Moul, a community owner himself, condemned the actions of private equity firms as “disgraceful,” stating that they exploit the unique challenges faced by homeowners in manufactured communities. “These white-shirt bastards in their ivory towers are screwing senior citizens,” he declared. Moul stressed that unlike apartments, homeowners cannot simply relocate their residences, leaving them vulnerable to unchecked rent hikes.
As the clock ticks, the coalition fears that if the bills do not pass by the end of the year, they will be “dead” and must be reintroduced in the next session, further delaying relief for desperate residents. Besecker warned that failure to act would mean that residents will continue to suffer, while private equity firms profit from exorbitant rent increases.
The situation is dire, with many seniors and veterans anxiously awaiting news on the legislation, as shared on the coalition’s Facebook page. Besecker stated, “If the Senate fails to act, the residents lose, and the private equity firms win.”
As advocacy efforts intensify, the coalition remains determined to push forward, believing that they can find a solution that protects both residents and community owners. “We cannot quit—there are too many people counting on it,” Besecker affirmed, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable populations.
The next steps are critical: the Senate must act swiftly to pass the bills and provide the relief desperately needed by these communities. If not, the consequences for thousands of residents could be devastating.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we continue to monitor the progress of this crucial legislation.