Colorado lawmakers passed a new bill (HB26-1224) to give mobile home park residents greater transparency and stronger financial protections. The measure is now waiting for the governors signature to become law.The bill focuses o n improving communication between landlords and residents, especially regarding rent increases, property sales, and fees.For Monument resident Herb McKarn, who has lived in his mobile home park for decades, affordability and stability matter.I think we bought it back in 1980,... maybe 1989, McKarn said.McKarn said his family has generally had positive communication with park management, but believes protections are still important for residents living paycheck to paycheck.Its hard to adjust sometimes, he said.One of the bills sponsors, Representative Elizabeth Velasco, said her personal experience growing up in mobile home parks motivated her to support the legislation.I grew up in mobile home parks, Velasco said. Ive also worked with communities trying to buy their mobile home parks.Under the proposed law, landlords would be required to provide more notice about rent changes and share more information if a mobile home park is put up for sale. Landlords would also need to explain why they reject offers from residents attempting to purchase the property themselves.Velasco said transparency is important because many residents own their homes but not the land beneath them.Theres a fear of displacement, Velasco said. This is about helping families protect their investment and build wealth for the future.The bill also limits how much landlords can charge residents for certain registration fees, capping the amount at $17 per resident.Supporters say the goal is to create clearer communication and stronger protections for both residents and landlords. _______Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching. ...read more read less