Context:

Despite Michigan's leadership in safe drinking water initiatives post-Flint crisis, mobile home parks remain a significant challenge, particularly due to the lack of regulatory power over unlicensed parks. The involvement of private equity firms exacerbates the issue, often prioritizing profits over residents' welfare, leading to inadequate water services. The case of North Morris Estates, where the owner was criminally charged for operating without a license, highlights the enforcement challenges and the role of persistent advocacy by residents. Legislation efforts to strengthen the enforcement of regulations and improve water safety in mobile home parks are ongoing, with varying support from industry groups and lawmakers. The problem is further complicated by the rising cost of mobile homes, limiting affordable housing options for many residents in the state.

Dive Deeper:

• Michigan has made significant progress in safe drinking water policies, including the removal of lead pipes and reduction of harmful chemicals, but mobile home parks remain a weak point due to regulatory gaps, especially in unlicensed parks.

• Private equity firms have acquired a significant number of mobile home parks in Michigan, focusing on maximizing returns rather than ensuring safe living conditions, often resulting in inadequate water services for residents.

• The case of North Morris Estates underscores the enforcement difficulties, where resident Theo Gantos' persistent efforts led to a criminal charge against the park owner for operating without a license, marking a rare legal action under existing mobile home laws.

• Efforts to pass legislation to strengthen enforcement and ensure water safety in mobile home parks have faced opposition and mixed support, with some proposed laws failing while others continue to be debated in the state legislature.

• The affordability of mobile homes is diminishing, with prices rising significantly, limiting access to this crucial housing option, which is compounded by the lack of regulatory intervention in unlicensed parks, leaving residents vulnerable.

• The Michigan Manufactured Housing Association has opposed certain legislative measures, arguing they could make mobile homes less affordable, but supports extending water protections within parks as proposed in recent legislation.

• Regulatory challenges are heightened by the fact that parks often use city water, complicating enforcement when water quality issues arise on private property, leaving residents uncertain about addressing problems when owners neglect responsibilities.