The city council of Hayward, California has approved a new measure regarding the closure of  manufactured home communities (MHC), according to contracostatimes.com. The new guidelines would require the owner to pay the full relocation costs of the home, including installation expenses, lodging during the move, as well as first and last month’s rent and the security deposit at the new location. If the home is not moveable, the MHC owner has to buy it. City attorney Michael Lawson says he does not know of any community that is set to close in Hayward, but as land values increase, it is bound to happen, and it’s best best to have guidelines in advance. “If the tenant is a senior, low-income or disabled, they’re entitled to a 36-month subsidy. I think that’s reasonable,” he said. The Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association sent an email opposing the ordinance, saying it would make it near impossible to close a community. While the council was unanimous in support of the new rules, Councilman Greg Jones said: “I hope we never have to use this.” ##

(Photo credit: santeepatch.com–manufactured housing community in Santee, California)