Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8013

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Gives mobile home residents a right of first refusal to buy or lease their park, requiring owners to notify the residents’ association and the Department of Business Regulation of bona fide offers and allow time to match the terms.

Impact

The impact of H8013 on state laws is substantial. It aims to strengthen the position of mobile home park residents by providing them with more leverage in negotiations with park owners. If enacted, the bill will amend existing statutes related to mobile home park operations and sales, emphasizing the importance of resident organizations. Residents can organize into homeowners’ associations to exercise their rights collectively, thus promoting resident ownership and involvement in decisions affecting their community.

Summary

House Bill H8013 proposes a significant change to the rights of mobile home residents by granting them a right of first refusal to purchase or lease their mobile home park. This bill mandates that park owners notify the residents’ association and the Department of Business Regulation of any bona fide offers they receive to sell or lease the park. Residents will be allowed sufficient time to match the offer terms, ensuring they have the first opportunity to maintain control over their living environment.

Contention

Notable points of contention around this bill include concerns raised by park owners regarding property rights and economic implications. Some stakeholders argue that the requirement for owners to provide extensive notice and the opportunity for residents to match offers could impede the sale process. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about the implications for the financial feasibility of selling mobile home parks, as owners may feel constrained by the necessity to negotiate with resident associations.

Further_actions

Further discussions may center on defining the specific parameters of what constitutes a 'bona fide' offer and the obligations placed on park owners to facilitate resident purchases. As the bill progresses, both proponents and opponents will likely present a range of viewpoints, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding housing rights and community control in mobile home parks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0851

Allows the owner of a residential unit to rent it for tourist or transient use. Prohibits a municipality any means to deny the owner from offering and renting the unit for tourist or transient use.

RI S0445

Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first- time homebuyers saving account with Rhode Island Housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home.

RI H5549

Provides a framework through which the department of business regulation can seek grants to fund a home hardening program.

RI S0604

Provides a framework through which the department of business regulation can seek grants to fund a home hardening program.

RI S0900

Includes manufactured homes on leased land under a long-term lease in excess of thirty (30) years at the time of enrollment within the classification of affordable housing.

RI H6163

Includes manufactured homes on leased land under a long-term lease in excess of thirty (30) years at the time of enrollment within the classification of affordable housing.

RI H5656

Allows social gaming in private residences and in public taverns or private clubs as long as the gambling is incidental to a bona fide social relationship between the participants and no person other than the participants receive anything of value.

RI S0202

Grants a right of first offer to qualified nonprofits for the purchase of certain multi-family residential properties at market prices, within a reasonable period of time to promote the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing.

RI S0753

Allows the dismissal of a teacher after the March 1 deadline if there is gross misconduct by a teacher upon a student. Also allows the notice to be given at any time and will not have any time constraints.

RI H5585

Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.

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