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Many of our state residents live in manufactured home communities where they own their home but not the land. The landlords of these properties are not restricted by law on what rent they assess for those. These properties have become cash cows for private equity firms.
The Coalition for Manufactured Home Communities of PA was formed with the purpose to secure legislation that ensures any land rent increases be tied to the consumer price index instead of being unlimited. Many communities pay more than $700 to $1,100 per month and it increases every year.
Moving these homes is not feasible. It's too expensive and renting elsewhere is not affordable. One consultant who teaches private equity firms on the purchasing properties puts it, "it's like owning a Waffle House and the customers are chained to the tables."
What's the solution? We need our state senators on both sides of the aisle to vote yes for HB 1250, Senate Bill 745 and 746. HB 1250 was passed in the House by a strong bipartisan vote of 144-59.
We ask our Senators to put donors and lobbyists aside and pass this critical legislation. We don't want our seniors to have to decide whether to pay their rent or buy groceries or medicine.
We ask all who read this letter to call your state senator and tell them to pass this bill. Ask them "do you represent our residents or do you represent the lobbyists for the private equity firms?"
Mark Fiddes
Martinsburg