SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the Minnesota House passed House File 156, authored by Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton). The bill creates additional protections for residents of manufactured housing communities by ensuring that the cost of utilities is passed along in a transparent, fair manner. It also creates uniformity and protections around park owners transitioning to metering. The bill passed on a vote of 127-3.
Frequently, manufactured home parks own both the land and the infrastructure for utility services, such as sewer and water. Often, the parks provide these utilities as a pass-through service and include the cost in the lot rent. In this case, the park is considered the utility customer, and no consumer protections are afforded to the park resident under current law. Therefore, park residents have no recourse when the park owners impose excessive rates or fees for utilities because utility companies can’t negotiate with or take complaints from anyone except the customer whose name is on the meter.
“Utility billing is integral to understanding the monthly costs of our homes,” said Rep. Feist. “When manufactured home park residents are caught with a surprise bill, it can throw families into debt and despair. These unique housing units are found in nearly every county across Minnesota, and residents deserve utility pricing transparency. As we continue to tackle our ongoing housing crisis, I’m delighted to see my House colleagues join me to pass this legislation that makes manufactured housing fairer for Minnesota families.”
The Senate’s companion bill is moving through its committee processes. Video of the House floor debate can be found here.
###