DE HB131

Requires community owners to deposit disputed rent increase payments into a federally-insured escrow account within 7 days of receipt, with separate accounts maintained for each community owned.

Mandates community owners notify the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority and the Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General's Office within 30 days of the first disputed payment, providing the financial institution name and account number.

Prohibits community owners from using escrowed funds for any purpose not expressly permitted and requires maintenance of auditable financial records by the Consumer Protection Unit.

Establishes penalties including $500 per day fines for failure to provide notice and forfeiture of the disputed rent increase (with potential double damages if not returned within 20 days) for failure to properly escrow payments.

Upon final dispute resolution, returns escrowed funds plus accrued interest to the home owner if the increase is not approved, or allows the community owner to retain approved portions plus interest if the increase is upheld.