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Assembly approves statewide rent-control measure for manufactured-home communities after heated debate
Summary
The New Jersey General Assembly passed Assembly Bill 3361, creating a statewide limit on annual rent increases for certain manufactured-home and mobile-home communities. Sponsors said the bill protects residents; opponents warned it could accelerate deterioration and reduce supply.
The New Jersey General Assembly on final passage approved Assembly Bill 3361, a statewide measure that sets limits on rent increases for certain manufactured-home or mobile-home communities, after extended floor debate and objections from several members. Assemblyman David Hutchinson, the bill sponsor, moved the measure for a vote; the House recorded 51 yeas, 19 nays and 2 abstentions, and the bill was declared passed.
Supporters told the Assembly the bill protects residents of covered dwelling sites from sudden, large rent increases and helps preserve one of the state’s more affordable housing options. Hutchinson said the measure responded to concerns he heard while campaigning and emphasized its intent to protect tenants.
Opponents said a single statewide standard would be unworkable and could harm both parks and residents. One Assemblymember questioned whether the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had been consulted and asked if DCA would add staff to handle appeals; Hutchinson said he had not received a response from the DCA. Critics warned that capped increases could leave owners unable to perform maintenance, leading some park owners to sell land for higher-density development and shrinking the future supply of manufactured housing.
Assemblyman Bergen, during debate, sharply criticized the policy, calling it “socialist garbage” and arguing that economists overwhelmingly view rent control as failed policy that reduces supply and quality. Other members urged leaving rent and level decisions to local governments and local rent boards, saying municipalities are better positioned to account for local cost shocks such as utility or sewer increases.
The record on the floor shows multiple members urged careful consideration of implementation and appeals processes, with several saying the DCA may not be prepared to manage enforcement or dispute resolution. The transcript does not record a departmental response on staffing or operational plans.
The bill was moved and carried through the roll call and will take the customary next steps to be transmitted as a passed bill.
