MA H1513

Cities and towns may establish local boards to oversee and regulate use and occupancy payments (lot rent) for manufactured housing communities through local ordinances or by-laws

Annual rent increases for manufactured home residents are capped at the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U), unless the board approves a higher increase to ensure fair net operating income for owners

Local boards would have authority to require owner/operator registration, compel attendance and production of documents, issue binding orders, and adjust rent levels upward or downward

Violations of board orders or local ordinances are punishable by fines up to $5,000, and local boards of health may suspend or revoke manufactured housing community licenses after a hearing

Factors for determining fair net operating income include property tax changes, operating expenses, capital improvements, changes in services/amenities, and community deterioration