SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy, residents of mobile home parks could see improved transparency and protections.

“As any member of the community, mobile home owners deserve to know their basic rights,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “They have a right to know that if the park owner does not have a license, they do not have the right to continue to collect rent, nor can they be evicted for failing to pay rent during that time.”

Murphy’s measure would require mobile home park owners to give notice to tenants that parks must be licensed to operate, and if they are not licensed, the owner cannot collect rent. Lease agreements would be required to have this disclaimer included in a clear and conspicuous manner.

Under current state law, mobile home park owners are required to obtain a license to operate. If a park owner fails to maintain their license, the tenants are not required to pay rent. Murphy’s bill would ensure no tenant could be evicted for complying with the law. A licensed mobile home owner would retain the right to evict a tenant for failure to comply with park rules, nonpayment of rent due, and failure to comply with local ordinances and state laws regulating mobile homes.

“Mobile home parks have been licensed entities in Illinois for nearly 52 years, so this is nothing new,” Murphy said. “Licenses must be kept current to protect tenants and owners, and it is my hope that by requiring these notices, tenants will have a greater measure of protection.”

Senate Bill 2834 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate floor for further deliberation.