Wisconsin Senate Bill SB930

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Residents' right to purchase a mobile or manufactured home community. (FE)

Impact

Under SB930, if the community owner decides to sell or change the use of the property, residents must be given a 90-day period to make an offer to purchase the community after receiving notice. If the residents secure financing, they are granted an additional 90 days to finalize the purchase. The bill emphasizes good faith negotiations between the community owner and residents, enabling residents to access necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their potential purchase.

Summary

Senate Bill 930 aims to empower residents of mobile or manufactured home communities by granting them the right to purchase their community under certain conditions. The bill mandates that community owners provide written notice to tenants if there is any intention to sell the community or alter its use, with a notice period of at least 12 months before any closure or change can occur. This provision is critical in ensuring that residents are informed and can take necessary steps to secure their living environment before significant changes happen.

Contention

One notable point of contention around SB930 is the provision that allows residents to assign their right to purchase the community to local or state governments, housing authorities, or nonprofit organizations. This provision may raise questions about the engagement or influence of external entities in community matters. Additionally, the bill includes exceptions to the notice and purchase requirement, which could be a point of controversy among legislators and community advocates seeking to protect residents' rights fully. The nuances of these exceptions and how they are applied may lead to further discussions in legislative sessions.