Standish enacts emergency mobile home park rent control ordinance
Standish Council Passes Emergency Rent Moratorium for Mobile Home Parks
STANDISH, Maine — The Standish Town Council on Tuesday approved an immediate 90-day emergency moratorium on rent increases at mobile home parks, a move designed to shield residents from potential hikes before voters decide on a permanent rent control measure in November.
The unanimous vote halts any rent adjustments at local parks, including Pine Tree Estates, a 223-site community where residents have faced steep increases since its purchase by RHP Properties in 2019. Advocates say the temporary measure is crucial to prevent last-minute rises that could undermine the upcoming ballot initiative, which was placed on the November 3 election ballot after collecting sufficient signatures.
Residents of Pine Tree Estates, many of whom live on fixed incomes, described dire financial pressures as rents climbed. Ivy Ferrelli, who cares for her brother Josh, who has a disability, warned during the public hearing, “We’re one choice away from, or one choice by RHP, away from being homeless.” She and others emphasized that owning their homes without the land underneath leaves them trapped, as relocation costs are prohibitive.
Joel Brown, president of RHP Properties, argued that the company’s rent increases have been moderate compared to regional housing costs, keeping Pine Tree Estates affordable. However, he declined to commit to no increases during the moratorium, stating, “Given the fact that everything is very fluid, I don’t want to make a commitment to something that I’m not able to do because of that.” Brown also raised concerns about Standish’s administrative capacity to oversee the proposed permanent ordinance, which would require a five-member board to review financial statements and hold hearings. He noted that such oversight could lead to higher operating costs, potentially passed on to tenants.
Other park owners, including Clifton Marean of Northeastern Estates and David and Karen McNutt of Westside Sebago Mobile Home Park, voiced opposition, with the McNutts revealing they had planned a rent hike from $400 to $450 to preempt the ordinance but are now barred from implementing it for 90 days.
The emergency ordinance highlights the role of investment firms in acquiring parks and driving up rents, a trend advocates say threatens affordable housing for seniors and low-income families. Several Maine towns, including Sanford and Kittery, have enacted similar measures recently.
Councilor Lisa Struebing urged residents to mobilize before Election Day, reminding them, “You guys still need to rally.” If approved by voters, the permanent rent control ordinance would take effect on November 13, establishing long-term safeguards against unaffordable increases.
