Updating a story MHProNews last published Feb. 15, 2013 regarding a freeze on rents residents of Easton Mobile Home Park won in Easton, Mass. in 2005, and then lost in 2011 when the freeze expired, community residents may see a rent control bill passed in the Mass. legislature that they hope will roll back the increase. On July 29 House lawmakers passed House Bill 1106 which the 200 homeowner residents of Easton Mobile Home Park say will protect them from unfair rent hikes and evictions. The bill, which provides for a locally-appointed rent control board, now goes to the Senate. Meanwhile, the residents are negotiating with owner Morgan Management LLC to purchase the community and form a cooperative. According to enterprisenews, a 1993 law requires community owners to assist residents to move if the community closes.

(Photo credit: Greg Derr/patriotledger–Westwood Village Cooperative, Plymouth MA)