Pennsylvania Governor Pushes for Rent Caps in Manufactured Housing Crisis
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has urged lawmakers to pass new laws protecting residents of manufactured housing communities. During a visit to Berks County, he highlighted rising lot rents and called for stricter controls on private equity firms. The proposals have been stalled in committee since mid-2025, despite growing bipartisan support.
Shapiro met with residents and the Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities of Pennsylvania, a group formed in 2022. One resident, Christine Ziemer, shared how her lot rent jumped from £380 to £690 since 2019, leaving her struggling after her husband's death. The governor argued that these increases far exceed maintenance costs, cutting services and reducing home values for those on fixed incomes.
The coalition, now representing 139 communities across the state, has gained equal backing from Democrats and Republicans. Founder Bob Besecker accused private equity firms of funding lobbyists to block what he called 'lifesaving legislation'. Shapiro believes at least 40 senators would back the bill if brought to a vote. The proposed laws would tie rent increases to the consumer price index and expand consumer protections. However, the measures remain stuck in the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, delaying action for over a year.
The legislation aims to cap rent hikes and shield residents from exploitation. With bipartisan support growing, the next step depends on committee approval. If passed, the rules would directly address rising costs in Pennsylvania's 2,200 manufactured home communities.
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