MA S990

Cities and towns may establish local boards to oversee and regulate rent and occupancy payments in manufactured housing communities (mobile home parks)

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 based on fair net operating income factors

Violations of board orders or local ordinances are punishable by fines up to $5,000, and the local board of health may suspend or revoke a community's operating license after a hearing

Boards may require owner/operator registration, compel testimony and documents, make binding orders on owners and tenants, and adjust rents upward or downward as needed

Factors for approving above-inflation rent increases include property tax changes, operating expenses, capital improvements, service changes, and community deterioration