New Mexico House Bill 442 Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Act Passes House Committee

New Mexico House Bill 442 (HB442)   Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Act introduced by Rep. Marian Matthews, Rep. Cristina Parajón and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero.  It passed the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.

The bill has no negative fiscal impact to the state budget. The bill amends the Mobile Home Park Act to include updated definitions and provisions aimed at enhancing tenant protections. Key changes include a revised definition of "landlord" to encompass individuals responsible for managing mobile home parks, and a clearer definition of "mobile home" that now explicitly includes manufactured homes while excluding recreational vehicles

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section on rent stabilization, which limits landlords to one rent increase per year, capping the increase at three percent for the first year and five percent for subsequent years.

Furthermore, the bill expands private remedies available to residents by imposing civil penalties on landlords for violations of the Mobile Home Park Act. Instead of a fixed penalty, landlords found in violation may be liable for twice the total monthly rent.

The bill also clarifies that each violation constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade practice, allowing residents to seek further legal recourse under the Unfair Practices Act. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Locally, advocates for reform such as Gary Perry and several others have been advocating for mobile home residents over the last year. Their advocacy has brought significant changes to local mobile home parks that were out of compliance in infrastructure maintenance and development safety forcing them into compliance. Mr. Perry in partnership with other mobile home residents and supporters advocated for action, involving the local governments, the attorney general and utilized the press as a resource to educate the public via a series of articles to include...

New Mexico Mobile Home Act Special Educational Series Introduction

New Mexico Mobile Home Act Special Educational Series: Tenancy Termination

New Mexico Mobile Home Act Special Educational Series: Part 3

Mobile Home Park Act Educational Series Part 4 by Gary Perry

New Mexico Mobile Home Park Act Summary and Needed Changes Part 5

These efforts in partnership with efforts in Northern New Mexico caught the attention of state legislators and several have crafted legislation this session to enhance protections for mobile home park residents. That advocacy has led to several bills being introduced in the 2025 legislative session that propose needed changes to the New Mexico Mobile Home Park Act. 

HB442, which just committe provides rent stabilization protection to mobile home park residents by proposing a maximum annual rent increase cap

Gary Perry and others have endorsed this legislation yet received resistance from local politicians such as Rep John Block and his sidekick Rep Lord. Block and Lord have each received significant financial backing during their campaigns from mobile home park owners among other interests. This money trail following Block and Lord is consistent with his legislative agenda which always follows his handlers and those that have funded him. 

Specific to HB 442 it now goes to the next committee. Reach out to your legislators and those around the state and let your voice be heard. 

For more information spedlcific to this bill visit
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=442&year=25

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