Un-mobile homes

published 2/28/2007

Mobile home residents contend with a set of issues unique from most homeowners because they own the house they occupy, but not the land beneath it.

So when a park owner announces the sale and closure of his property, tenants are faced with several expensive options: relocate and desert the home, move the home or buy the land instead.

Sponsored by Rep. Scott Kranz (DFL-Blaine), HF1205 would force park owners to pay residents relocation costs upon the closure of a park. Sponsored by Rep. Frank Moe (DFL-Bemidji), HF1301 would give park residents first right of refusal — the opportunity to match the purchase price — for a 90-day period if a park owner intends to sell. It also offers tax incentives to owners who sell to park residents.

The House Housing Policy and Finance and Public Health Finance Division approved both bills, sending HF1205 to the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee and HF1301 to the House Taxes Committee.

Both companion bills, SF1196, sponsored by Sen. Michael Jungbauer (R-East Bethel), and SF1253, sponsored by Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville), await action by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.

- Mike Cook