Iowa Senate Bill SSB1011

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the provision of water service for manufactured home communities.

Impact

The bill is poised to have a notable impact on the management of utilities within manufactured home communities. By enabling direct billing to tenants based on individual water usage, there is an expectation of improved accountability and transparency in water consumption. Furthermore, this legislation shifts some responsibilities onto landlords for maintaining the water infrastructure within their properties, which could have financial implications for them regarding repairs and service compliance. Water systems will hold landlords accountable for tenant payments, introducing a potential risk for landlords with delinquent tenants.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1011 (SSB1011) proposes significant changes to the provision of water services specifically for manufactured home communities and mobile home parks. The bill allows landlords the option to elect water service directly to tenants through a water service agreement with the water system. This agreement would entail a structured process where landlords must comply with the standards set by the water system for plumbing facilities, including submeters and meter pits, thus aiming to create a regulated infrastructure for individual water consumption.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SSB1011 presents points of contention among stakeholders. Critics may argue that placing additional financial and operational responsibilities on landlords could lead to increased costs, which might ultimately be passed down to tenants. Moreover, the requirement for landlords to ensure compliance with water system standards could create administrative burdens, especially for smaller operators. The expectation to notify tenants and provide documentation concerning water services introduces another layer of complexity to property management which could be unwelcome from a regulatory perspective.