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Iowa AG, Tom Miller, Urges Legislators To Strengthen Protections For Manufactured Home Park Residents

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is urging legislators in Des Moines to strengthen protections for residents of manufactured home parks. Predatory practices have become an increasingly common occurrence in communities throughout the state, according to Attorney General, Tom Miller. Concerns have grown as out-of-state corporations have purchased parks with consumers reporting rent increases of up to 69 percent; utility fees that exceed actual costs; arbitrary charges and fines; a lack of clear titles to residences; forced relocation and other problems. Miller says, “For years, our office has been a lone voice raising concerns about abuses to manufactured homeowners. Our ask to lawmakers is simple: Iowa law should recognize that these consumers own actual homes and treat manufactured home park residents as equal to apartment tenants, if not better.” Miller is recommending changes that would limit how often and by how much landlords can increase rent, require cause for lease termination, expand the Attorney General’s Office’s ability to protect residents and more. The Consumer Protection Division worked with legislators during last year’s session to implement some of these protections, but the bill stalled. Miller says members of both parties have shown interest in making changes fair to landlords and residents. He offers tips to Iowans who are considering purchasing a mobile home. Investigate the history of the park and its owners, always correspond in writing when conducting business with a landlord, determine the true cost of utilities and have your manufactured home inspected. To file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, call 888-777-4590.

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