SB177 Summary

• Defines an abandoned manufactured dwelling as one where a tenant is absent for 30 days following lease default, termination, or expiration, or 30 days after a court order requiring the tenant to vacate.

• Reduces the timeframe for tenants and lienholders to contact the manufactured dwelling community owner from 45 days to 30 days after receipt of notice regarding abandoned dwellings.

• Requires manufactured dwelling community owners to provide notice to lienholders by certified or registered mail with return receipt no later than 30 days prior to the sale date.

• Allows community owners to deduct unpaid rental fees from sale proceeds only to the extent their lien has priority over other lienholders' liens, and specifies deductible costs include notice, storage, sale expenses, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

• Authorizes community owners to condition approval for occupancy of new purchasers upon verification that the new tenant qualifies for rental under existing criteria, and repeals Section 35-12A-9 regarding sale or disposal of abandoned dwellings.