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SB 6059

Concerning the sale or lease of manufactured/mobile home communities and the property on which they sit.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Noel Frame and 9 co-sponsors

Strengthens tenant power when a manufactured/mobile home park is sold or closed by boosting notice, info sharing, and eligibility rules; preserves parks and expands relocation aid.

Effective date 6/6/2024.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 6059

SB 6059 — Summary (Chapter 325, 2024 Laws)

Title: Concerning the sale or lease of manufactured/mobile home communities and the property on which they sit
Effective date: June 6, 2024

Purpose and intent

SB 6059 updates Washington’s Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord‑Tenant Act to strengthen tenant opportunities and protections when a manufactured housing community (MHC) or mobile home park is being sold, leased, closed, or converted. The bill clarifies who qualifies as an “eligible organization,” increases transparency in sales negotiations, adjusts procedural deadlines, and expands eligibility for state relocation assistance.

Key provisions

  • Notice of opportunity to compete to purchase

    • Requires the notice to include the date it was mailed by certified mail or personally delivered. Tenants have 70 days to notify the landlord of their intent to compete; that 70‑day period runs from the certified mailing or delivery date.
    • Extends the window for parties to exchange written information requests: within 20 days (was 15) of tenants notifying the landlord, the qualified tenant organization (QTO) and landlord may make written requests for information.
    • Requires landlords to inform any QTO, eligible organizations, and competing buyers participating in negotiations if a preferred offer is submitted (and to work fairly by sharing information about the highest bid so others can make counteroffers).
    • Clarifies that “eligible organizations” include entities (community land trusts, resident co‑ops, local governments, housing authorities, nonprofit housing organizations, federally recognized tribes, etc.) whose mission aligns with long‑term preservation of the MHC.

  • Notice of closure / conversion

    • Closure notices must state that the closure is effective two years after the notice date.
    • If the landlord provides relocation assistance that shortens the required notice to 12 or 18 months, the shorter written notice must include Department of Commerce contact information and identify financial and technical assistance programs available to tenants.

  • Mobile Home Relocation Assistance Program (state program)

    • Preserves the existing maximum relocation payment amounts (previously cited as up to $17,000 for multisection homes and $11,000 for single-section homes under program rules).
    • Allows tenants who receive relocation assistance from an outside source to still receive the maximum amounts under the state program (removes prior disqualification where outside assistance exceeded program maximums). Tenants who receive landlord relocation assistance remain eligible for program amounts.

  • Definitions and statutory clarifications

    • Amends various RCW definitions (e.g., “eligible organization,” “community land trust,” “qualified tenant organization”) to clarify eligibility and governance expectations and align terminology across MHLTA provisions.

Who is affected

  • Tenants and homeowners in manufactured/mobile home communities (especially low‑income homeowners).
  • Qualified tenant organizations and community groups seeking to purchase or preserve an MHC.
  • Landlords/owners of manufactured/mobile home communities and their agents.
  • Eligible preservation organizations (community land trusts, housing authorities, nonprofits, tribes).
  • State agencies involved in notification and assistance (Department of Commerce, WA Housing Finance Commission).

Timeline and status

  • Passed both houses (Senate: 49–0; House: 96–0) and concurred in House amendments.
  • Signed by Governor: March 28, 2024.
  • Filed as Chapter 325, 2024 Laws. Effective: June 6, 2024.

Potential effects

  • Strengthens tenant and community ability to organize and compete to acquire parks by improving notice content, transparency, and access to information.
  • Clarifies and standardizes timelines and requirements for sale and closure notices.
  • Broadens access to state relocation assistance by allowing tenants who received outside help to still obtain full program benefits, potentially increasing tenant financial support when parks close or convert.
  • Encourages preservation of MHCs by emphasizing organizations with missions to preserve communities (e.g., community land trusts, resident cooperatives).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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