UPDATE: An urgent call for action has emerged for over 2,200 manufactured home communities in Pennsylvania as Governor Josh Shapiro highlights a critical rent relief bill in his recent budget address. With the clock ticking, seniors and veterans on fixed incomes are increasingly anxious as legislation designed to protect them stalls in the state Senate.
Residents of these communities, many of whom own their homes but not the land, face staggering rent hikes — some as high as 50% in just one year. The situation is dire, with many struggling to afford basic necessities while fearing eviction. Governor Shapiro has urged lawmakers to advance House Bill 1250, which has already passed the House with bipartisan support.
Sponsored by Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Blue Bell, the bill aims to stabilize annual rent increases by tying them to the consumer price index and enhancing consumer protections, including longer notification timelines for rent hikes. Companion measures, Senate Bills 745 and 746, introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank, are currently awaiting action in the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.
Bob Besecker, founder of the Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities of Pennsylvania, confirmed that Governor Shapiro expressed his support for the bill. “If it reaches his desk, he will sign it,” Besecker stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The coalition, which has grown to include 122 member communities, has been advocating for measures to protect residents from aggressive rent increases driven by private equity firms.
“These companies are exploiting our residents,” said Rep. Dan Moul, R-Gettysburg, who owns a manufactured home community. “People can’t just pick up their homes and move, which is why they are being trapped in these escalating rent situations.” Besecker’s coalition has worked with lawmakers to ensure that the legislation does not harm “mom-and-pop” community owners while still providing essential protections for residents.
Research from the coalition highlights the severe impact of rising rents: for every $100 increase in lot rent, property values drop by about $10,000. Many residents face the heartbreaking choice of giving up their homes and moving in with family due to financial strain.
As the year draws to a close, the urgency intensifies. If the Senate fails to act by the end of the calendar year, all proposed bills will be considered “dead” and must be reintroduced in the next session. “We cannot quit — there are too many people counting on it,” Besecker asserted, emphasizing the dire stakes involved.
Residents are increasingly vocal about their concerns, with many sharing their stories on the coalition’s Facebook page. “If the Senate votes against our bills, the residents lose and private equity firms win,” Besecker warned, stressing the moral imperative for lawmakers to protect their constituents.
The coalition’s efforts represent a growing movement among manufactured home residents who are fighting back against what they see as unfair practices in the housing market. As lawmakers reconvene, all eyes are on the Pennsylvania Senate to see if they will act to safeguard the homes and livelihoods of vulnerable residents.
Senator Joe Picozzi, chair of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, has yet to respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the coalition continues to push for timely action, underscoring that the lives and homes of thousands hang in the balance.
