DE SB205

Repeals existing § 7021 and establishes new rent increase approval procedures for manufactured home community owners seeking increases exceeding the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

Requires community owners to demonstrate to the Governor's Advisory Council on Manufactured Housing that operating and maintenance costs have risen more than the CPI-U before approving rent increases beyond that threshold.

Establishes hearing procedures where owners must submit financial documentation, residents receive at least three weeks advance notice, and the Advisory Council consults with economists and real estate experts before issuing findings within 30 days.

Prohibits community owners from incorporating civil penalties, criminal fines, or litigation costs into rent charges and imposes penalties of forfeiting rent for three to six months from affected homeowners for illegal increases without Advisory Council approval.

Exempts resident-owned communities from these requirements and allows either community owners or homeowner organizations to appeal Advisory Council decisions to Superior Court within 30 days.