Enacted in 1969, 40B has never included manufactured homes (MH) as affordable housing, but 16 legislators filed House Bill 1103 that would allow MH to be counted toward that ten percent. Communities who do qualify under the ten percent rule are eligible to receive certain grants and other benefits, according to telegram.
Manufactured homes are considered personal property and are exempt from real property taxes. Community owners pay a land assessment fee based on income and expense forms, and MH owners pay a license fee of $12 monthly to the Board of Health. A state issued “Guide to Manufactured Housing” refers to MHCs as offering “a viable, affordable housing option to many elderly persons and families of low income,” but in terms of 40B they are not considered affordable housing.
Rep. Paul K. Frost, R-Auburn, one of the 16, noting that MH can be luxurious and provide quality homes, said, “The bigger issue is these mobile homes should be considered affordable housing. The irony is the federal government wanted these parks and units to provide affordable housing opportunities for our returning soldiers from World War II. They were affordable housing units then and should still be considered as such today.” ##
(Photo credit: archerland2005/flickr–manufactured home)
