Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across the country—especially for seniors, Veterans and families living in manufactured home communities. As someone who represents owners of these communities, I believe it’s time to take a closer look at the policies being proposed and ask whether they truly serve the long-term interests of residents.

While well-intentioned, blanket solutions like government-imposed rent caps risk undermining the very communities they aim to protect. The reality is that operating and maintaining manufactured housing communities involves significant and rising costs—from property taxes and infrastructure repairs to regulatory compliance and staff wages. These financial pressures are real, and they don’t move in lockstep with the Consumer Price Index.

Manufactured housing communities are not the financial windfall some imagine. Owners face unpredictable and escalating expenses: insurance premiums, utility upgrades, road and sewer maintenance, and evolving regulatory requirements. These costs often outpace inflation, making it difficult to plan ahead. 

Rent control policies, while politically popular, ignore these economic realities. They restrict the ability of responsible owners to adjust rents in line with actual operating costs, which can lead to deferred maintenance, reduced services and ultimately, deteriorating living conditions.

While the term “private equity” has a negative connotation in the Capitol, the reality is that many community owners—especially local, independent owners—are trying to balance fair rent practices with the financial realities of keeping communities safe, operational and viable long-term. These owners are deeply invested in the well-being of their residents and the sustainability of their communities. They strive to balance fair rent practices with the financial demands of keeping properties safe, functional, and livable. When rent control laws strip away flexibility, they also strip away the ability to reinvest in infrastructure and services.

Manufactured housing community owners, just like other private business owners, generously contribute to local and state economies. Owners are frustrated by the relentless attacks on their private business decisions.

To go back to Economics 101, we’re dealing with the basic principles of supply and demand. Housing costs overall are skyrocketing nationwide due to lack of supply. And rent control will only continue to stifle the supply by discouraging new investment.

Instead of one-size-fits-all legislation, we should focus on solutions that support both residents and property owners: addressing zoning restrictions, increasing rental assistance for those truly in need, creating incentives for responsible ownership and developing greater transparency between owners and residents. That’s how we preserve affordable housing without compromising its quality or sustainability.

Let’s work together for solutions that are equitable, long-term, and grounded in economic reality—not emotional appeal.

Mary GaiskiPennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association
New Cumberland, PA