Harrisburg, PA — June 25, 2025 — Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Liz Hanbidge (D-Montgomery) joined the Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities of Pennsylvania and the Community Justice Project today to advocate for legislation that would protect manufactured homeowners.
Private equity firms are increasingly purchasing manufactured home communities across Pennsylvania and the United States, then dramatically increasing land lot rental fees. This practice jeopardizes a vital source of affordable housing that countless Pennsylvanians—many of whom are seniors, veterans or individuals with disabilities—rely on for shelter.
Manufactured homeowners own their homes but not the land they sit on. Relocating a manufactured home is extremely costly and often impractical, leaving many residents effectively trapped. Private equity firms are exploiting this vulnerability and taking advantage of homeowners.
The Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities of Pennsylvania has partnered with Schwank and Hanbidge to advance legislation that establishes commonsense protections for manufactured home communities. Hanbidge’s House Bill 1250 passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 144-59 on June 10, 2025.
“Pennsylvania cannot afford to stand by as one of the last affordable housing options we have left is picked apart by private equity,” Schwank said. “Every lawmaker in the commonwealth has an opportunity to stand with seniors, veterans and folks with disabilities by supporting these bills. No one should be choosing out-of-state firms looking to make a quick profit over the people of Pennsylvania.”
“House Bill 1250 is about more than just policy — it’s about ensuring dignity, stability and protection for people living in manufactured home communities,” Hanbidge said. “Manufactured homes provide a stable and affordable housing option, especially as the market becomes increasingly unaffordable. I’ve heard from many residents who tell me that excessive rent increases are forcing them to choose between paying for their lot and paying for basics like food and medication. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home without being exploited. My legislation would preserve that right by shielding residents of manufactured home communities from financial abuse.”
Other speakers at the event included Bob Besecker from the Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities of Pennsylvania, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, Rep. Dan Moul and Dan Vitek from the Community Justice Project.
Video of the full event is available at senatorschwank.com/manufactured-home-communities-press-conference.
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