On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of senators filed a bill to protect Iowans who own manufactured homes. Senate File 2238 garnered 30 Senate cosponsors—15 Republicans and 15 Democrats.
The House filed a “companion” bill (i.e., the same bill). The first public hearing on House File 2351 will be 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 in room 19.
The legislation would update Iowa Code Chapter 562B to be fairer and curb predatory practices with four changes to Iowa law:
1. Eviction: Require “good cause” for eviction.
2. Rent increases: Mandate 180-days’ notice of rent increases, limit increases to once per year and require an explanation if the increase is more than the rate of inflation.
3. Enforcement: Give the Iowa Attorney General authority to enforce the mobile home park laws under the Consumer Fraud Act.
4. Equity: Provide mobile homeowners the same protections afforded apartment renters.