Meeting Public Comments

Len Sandler [Law and Policy in Action Clinic]

March 14, 2022House Ways and Means CommitteeIowa General AssemblyState Capitol Building1007 East Grand AvenueDes Moines, Iowa 50319RE: Iowa Mobile Home Park Law Chapter 562B Amend House File 2441/SSB3151 to Require OneYear LeasesLeadership and Members of the House Ways and Means Committee:We are writing to request that you strengthen Iowa law by requiring mobile home park owners to give a oneyear lease to tenants who own their home but rent lot spaces. The 12month lease benefits landlords and tenants, provides fairness and a minimum level of security and stability for families, and creates a community of tenants who pay rent and fees on time, comply with park rules and state laws, and are good neighbors. The attached fact sheet explains the many reasons why monthtomonth leases or 90 days notice of rent increases or lease terminations is detrimental to tenants and their families, local communities, and park owners. We have researched the mobile home laws of the 50 states and incorporated our findings and recommendations into the fact sheet, which is printed below in jpeg format for your convenience. Take the first step toward more fairly balancing the interests and significant investments of tenants and park owners by amending Iowa Code Section 562B.10.5 to read:562B.10. Terms and conditions of rental agreement. 5. Rental agreements shall be for a term of one year unless a tenant in writing requests a shorter term or the tenant and landlord agree in writing to a longer term. otherwise specified in the rental agreement. Rental agreements may shall be terminated canceled by at least ninety days written notice given by either party at least ninety days before the oneyear term is due to expire. A landlord shall not terminate cancel a rental agreement solely for the purpose of making the tenants mobile home space available for another mobile home. Rental agreements shall clearly and conspicuously inform the tenant in writing of the duty to provide notice of termination at least 90 days before the oneyear term is due to expire.Improve the quality of life for Iowans. Maintain affordable housing.Put an End to Some Predatory Practices Require OneYear Leases Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,Len SandlerClinical Professor of LawDirector, Law and Policy In Action ClinicAnd on behalf of Clinic Law Students Amber Crow, Michael Eberle, and Morgane HaddadUniversity of Iowa College of LawClinical Law Programs380F Boyd Law BuildingIowa City, Iowa 5224211133193359030 (phone)3193535445 (fax)www.uiowa.edu/legalclinicPronouns: he, him, his