Florida residents are facing an escalating housing crisis, with rising rents and lot fees pushing many, particularly seniors and those on fixed incomes, to the brink. Reports indicate significant increases in housing costs across the state, impacting manufactured home park residents, apartment dwellers, and even those considering renting over owning.
Skyrocketing Lot Rents Displace Residents
Many residents in Florida’s manufactured home parks are experiencing dramatic increases in lot rents, forcing them out of their homes. In communities like Spanish Village, lot rents have nearly doubled, from $480 to $850 per month. This surge is often attributed to corporate purchases of mobile home parks, which then implement substantial rent hikes. For residents on fixed incomes, such as those relying on Social Security or small retirement accounts, these increases are unsustainable. Many are forced to sell their homes at a significant loss, with some homes that were once valued at $150,000 now selling for as little as $30,000.
- Key Takeaways:
- Lot rents in manufactured home parks have nearly doubled in some Florida communities.
- Corporate ownership of parks is linked to aggressive rent increases.
- Residents on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable to these hikes.
- Home values in these parks are plummeting due to unaffordable lot rents.
The Broader Rental Market Squeeze
The affordability crisis extends beyond manufactured home parks. Miami has been identified as the least affordable city for renters in the U.S., with median annual rent consuming over 33% of the median household income. Statewide, the median monthly rent in Florida has increased by approximately $500 over three years, from $1,238 to $1,719. This surge is driven by strong population growth, with over a million new households, including nearly 195,000 renters, moving to Florida between 2019 and 2023. Despite the addition of new multifamily units, the demand continues to outstrip supply.
Legislative Efforts and Resident Challenges
Efforts are underway to address the crisis. Florida legislation, such as House Bill 613, allows for mediation between mobile home owners and park owners regarding lot rent disputes. However, some park owners are reportedly finding ways to circumvent these mediation processes. Another proposed bill aimed at providing financial assistance for mobile home owners did not pass. Residents are exploring options like negotiating with landlords, understanding their rights, and, in some cases, banding together to resist rent increases. However, for many, the rising costs leave them with few viable options.
Seniors and Vulnerable Populations Most Affected
Seniors and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the housing affordability crisis. Renters aged 55 and older constitute a significant portion of cost-burdened households, with their numbers increasing over the years. Many of these individuals rely on fixed incomes, making them especially susceptible to rent hikes and additional fees, often referred to as "pass-through fees," which can cover services like utilities or property taxes. The stress of potentially losing their homes, coupled with the difficulty of finding affordable alternatives, creates immense hardship for these vulnerable populations.
Sources
- This 55-plus
community in Florida saw rents skyrocket nearly 100% — leaving them with no choice but
to move. Here’s what to do if your living costs explode while on a fixed income, MoneyWise.com. - How Florida’s manufactured home parks are growing unaffordable, WUSF.
- Miami has the least affordable rent in the U.S. – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.
- Florida renters struggle with housing costs, new statewide report finds News, University of Florida.
- Rising lot rents squeeze Florida mobile home park residents, report says, Axios.