Manufactured home park owners sue over WA cap on rent increases

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An organization representing owners of manufactured home communities is suing to block Washington’s landmark law capping rent increases.

Much of the conversation around House Bill 1217 in the last legislative session was about its limits on residential rent increases. But the law, which took effect in May, also blocks annual rent hikes of more than 5% for manufactured homes when residents own their home but have to lease the land they live on. No rent increases are allowed in the first year of a tenancy.

Manufactured Housing Communities of Washington argues in the lawsuit filed Tuesday that its members have felt “significant cost increases and lost revenue” because they can’t raise rents on their tenants more than 5%.

Advocates argued the limit was necessary to give residents predictability so they’re not suddenly displaced by drastic rent hikes they can’t afford. But opponents said it would drive away developers and leave landlords unable to keep up with rising maintenance costs.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/manufactured-home-park-owners-sue-over-wa-cap-on-rent-increases/