The Brunswick Town Council is set to discuss a proposed moratorium on mobile home lot rent increases during its next meeting, responding to concerns over rising living costs in the town’s seven mobile home parks. If approved, the temporary measure would prohibit landlords from raising lot rents for a period of 180 days, regardless of prior notifications to tenants. Violating the moratorium would result in a fine of $200 per lot.
The council unanimously voted on November 13, 2023, to advance the measure to a public hearing scheduled for November 17, 2023. This move follows the council’s allocation of $32,000 in September to fund a study examining potential rent stabilization policies for mobile home parks. In a bid to gather resident feedback, the town distributed 1,200 notices to park residents in October, informing them about an online and in-person survey available at the town clerk’s office, as stated by Town Manager Julia Henze.
Addressing Resident Concerns
The study was initiated after a workshop in June, where council members heard from residents and explored the possibility of a rent stabilization ordinance. Such an ordinance would limit the authority of park owners to increase rents arbitrarily. Residents from Bay Bridge Estates, the largest mobile home park in the state, have been particularly vocal about their concerns, supported by District 1 Councilor David Watson.
Many mobile home owners face the challenge of paying lot rent in addition to their mortgage, utilities, and maintenance costs. Relocating a mobile home can be prohibitively expensive, often costing thousands of dollars, which leaves residents vulnerable if landlords decide to increase lot rents. “It’s really an urgent policy decision that we’re facing,” said Sally Costello, Brunswick’s economic and community development director. “There are more than 1,200 mobile home lots that provide vital housing for thousands of Brunswick residents at or below the median income level.”
If adopted, this pause in rent increases would allow the town sufficient time to finalize the mobile home rent study and contemplate subsequent actions. The moratorium would specifically apply to mobile home parks where residents own their homes but lease their lots. Notably, it will not affect two parks where residents only rent their homes.
Future Housing Developments Under Scrutiny
In addition to the potential moratorium on rent increases, the Council plans to hold another public hearing on November 17, 2023, regarding a separate emergency measure to temporarily halt new housing developments outside Brunswick’s designated growth zoning area. This pause would enable the town to assess its development policies. During the proposed six-month moratorium, the council aims to consider implementing a cap on new housing units in rural areas, responding to residents’ concerns about rapid growth.
As the Council prepares for these critical discussions, the outcomes could significantly impact the town’s housing landscape, especially for those residing in mobile home parks. The decisions made in the coming weeks will reflect Brunswick’s commitment to balancing growth with the needs of its residents.
