Hancock enacts 180-day moratorium on mobile-home-park lot rent increases

Moderator Jack Bridges presided over a Special Town Meeting in Hancock on June 17, where voters approved a temporary moratorium that prevents increases to mobile-home-park lot rents for 180 days.

The moratorium, explained by Moderator Jack Bridges, applies to lot rent only; the town record requires any correspondence with the Code Enforcement Officer regarding the moratorium to be submitted in writing for inclusion in municipal files. Resident Carol Lowrie moved to adopt the moratorium as written and to move forward with developing a Rent Stabilization Ordinance; Resident Robin Stratton seconded the motion. The measure passed 61–1.

Supporters said the pause will give the town time to consider longer-term rent-stabilization measures. The motion does not itself set permanent rent limits; it establishes a 180-day pause on lot-rent increases while the town pursues next steps. The meeting record does not include direct quotes from proponents or opponents.

The moratorium was recorded on the warrant as Article 2 and will be posted at the town office for public inspection. No further timeline for a proposed Rent Stabilization Ordinance was specified at the meeting.