Residents urge rent caps and right‑to‑purchase as committee rejects manufactured‑home protections bill

Representative Norris presented House File 2381, a bill aimed at protecting manufactured‑home residents who own their homes but rent the land underneath them. Norris said about 180,000 Minnesotans live in manufactured homes and that rising private‑equity purchases have driven substantial lot‑rent increases.

Several residents testified in favor. Tammy Fry of Blaine told the committee she bought her home as a single homeowner and described being ‘‘trapped’’ after private‑equity ownership raised lot rent from $325 to more than $700. ‘‘No other policy in this bill will matter if we don't have a place to live,’’ Fry said, urging committee members to adopt a 3% lot‑rent cap.

Industry witnesses warned of unintended consequences. Mark Bruner, president of the Manufactured/Modular Home Association of Minnesota, said the bill would impose statewide rent control, chill investment and harm the supply of non‑subsidized attainable housing. Community owners and managers described rising property taxes and infrastructure costs and argued a 3% cap could compromise maintenance and long‑term viability.

Members debated who would determine whether an increase above 3% was justified — a court or local body — and whether court costs would fall on residents who challenge increases. Representative Norris said courts would resolve fact‑specific disputes, and that the bill targets situations where lot‑rent margins have grown large in a short period after private‑equity purchases.

The committee took a roll call and the motion to refer the bill failed with seven ayes and six nays. Sponsor Norris said supporters would keep pursuing protections for manufactured‑home residents in subsequent sessions and committees.