Search Results

Legislative bills which are sponsored by the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association. DMHOA-Sponsored Bills House Bill 193 was signed into law on Sept. 3, 2025. To see the entire Bill go to: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142410 Key parts of House Bill 193 we want you to know: This bill changes the distribution of the $1.50 fee that homeowners were paying with their monthly lot rents. Previous Distribution: $1.00 allocated for the Relocation Trust Fund and $.50 allocated for an attorney fund to support manufactured homeowners. Community landowners matched each $1.00 for the relocation fund. New Distribution: The entire $1.50 fee will be directed to the Delaware Manufactured Home Owner Attorney fund effective January 1, 2026. The Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) currently holds the contract in Delaware to provide legal assistance to manufactured homeowners on leased land. This will provide more money for CLASI so they can better support our homeowners when they need help. Senate Bill 56 with Senate Substitute #2: This is an edited version of the adopted Bill from the 153rd General Assembly in late 2025. https://legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=42368 Our Editing : we have removed strikethroughs and insertions as noted in Section 1 below and added appropriate paragraph indentations. We have also applied yellow highlights to specific text about buying or selling a manufactured home on leased land, or the death of a homeowner. Please remember that this document shows only the changes made by this Bill. We highly recommend that you read the entire Chapter 70 of Title 25 which is found online at: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c070/index.html At the end of this document, DMHOA provides a recap of “Important Issues to Consider When Selling Your Home” for your convenience. DOWNLOAD SB56 PDF

What an HOA membership does for you Works with the DE Legislature to pass laws to protect you and your home. We have direct communication with state homeowner advocacy groups. We serve as your voice at the state level, with the help of several powerful partner organizations who support our mission. We have been effective at passing laws that make a difference. See our “Sponsored Legislation” page. We worked with the DE Governor, Attorney General’s Office and Legislators to create an OMBUDSPERSON position to help protect you and your home. Helps homeowners form an HOA that represents the interests of those living in the community. Counsels homeowners facing eviction or other actions by the landowners. Files complaints with the Ombudsman’s Office and Attorney General’s Office on behalf of homeowners and follows up on these complaints. DMHOA helps to overcome challenges faced by manufactured home owners living on leased land Stories from Delaware manufactured homeowners on leased land often feature the struggle with escalating lot rents, vulnerability to their landlords' decisions, and the difficulty of selling their homes, but recent legislation, like Senate Bill 56, aims to provide stronger legal protections and more clarity for residents in land-lease communities. This new law provides stronger protections for residents, aiming to protect heirs, simplify home sales, and clarify outdated land-lease laws. Today's manufactured homeowners share experiences of feeling "held hostage" by rising rents, the potential for property owners to reject new buyers, and disputes over rent increases, while also enjoying amenities that would be more costly in traditional homes. Common Problems Faced by Homeowners on Leased Land Rising Lot Rents Many homeowners have seen their lot rents more than triple over the years, forcing them to prioritize rent over other expenses. Vulnerability to Landowners Homeowners on leased land are at the "whims of absentee or abusive landlords," with situations such as landowners failing to pay bills or causing damage to homes. Difficulty Selling Landlords have the right to reject potential buyers, which can make it hard for homeowners to sell their homes when they want to move. Lack of Financial Security Homeowners can feel "held hostage" because moving their manufactured home is often not a viable option due to the cost and the specific nature of the homes, limiting their ability to escape rising costs. Benefits and Community Aspects Shared Amenities Many land-lease communities offer shared amenities like pools, clubhouses, gyms, and trash collection, services that can make the land rent comparable to the annual expenses of owning a traditional home. Affordable Housing Manufactured homes provide a more affordable housing option than traditional single-family homes, though the "affordable" aspect of manufactured housing is a subject of differing interpretations by homeowners and landowners. Advocacy and Legal Protections Senate Bill 56 This new law provides stronger protections for residents, aiming to protect heirs, simplify home sales, and clarify outdated land-lease laws. Delaware Manufactured Home Owners' Association (DMHOA) Homeowners can find support and resources from DMHOA to understand the law and advocate for their rights. Resident-Run HOA Joining or forming a resident-run homeowners association is encouraged as a way to address concerns and support other tenants. Don't wait until it's too late - learn how to form an HOA in your community today!

Meet our Board of Directors The Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who live in manufactured home communities and understand the challenges residents face every day. Our Board of Directors represents homeowners from across the state, bringing experience, compassion, and commitment to the mission of protecting the rights of those who own their homes but lease their land. Together, they work tirelessly to guide DMHOA’s advocacy, education, and community outreach efforts—ensuring that every homeowner’s voice is heard in Dover and beyond. Joyce O'Neal President WHITE HOUSE BEACH Beth McGinn Veteran Affairs Director MARINER'S COVE Jerry Brainard Director at Large VILLAGE AT COOL BRANCH Janet Toulson Treasurer WHITE HOUSE BEACH Teresa Walters Membership Director POT NETS LAKESIDE Craig Rein Director at Large POT NETS BAYSIDE Rich Hrycyshyn Director at Large BARCLAY FARMS Ron Amadio Director at Large BAY CITY Not pictured: Director at Large: Erin Lee Director at Large: Mike Gray Past President: Henry Clum BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

Applying for Rental Assistance An important explanation of the updated lot rental assistance program There are times when a homeowner’s household income decreases substantially. The death of a loved one, or some other dramatic change in income. With the passage of Delaware SB317, the lot rent assistance program changed dramatically. Previously, it was almost impossible to qualify for this program. Effective July 1, 2022, the program has significantly improved. Under this legislation, a community owner shall provide lot rental assistance to qualified homeowners. Qualifications are as follows: The homeowner must have owned the manufactured home or resided in the home in a manufactured home community for 5 consecutive years before requesting lot rental assistance. The homeowner must reside full-time and exclusively in the manufactured home in the manufactured home community and the manufactured home must be the homeowner’s only residence. A homeowner qualifies for limited lot rental assistance if the total income of the homeowner and all occupants are greater than 40% and below 55% of the county median household income as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban development. The total assets of the homeowner and all occupants do not exceed $50,000. Total assets means all liquid assets including bank accounts, stocks & and the total amount of excess lien paydowns against the manufactured home during the previous 5 years that exceed the scheduled amortization of the lien balance. The homeowner and occupants must provide to the community owner all documentation necessary to determine eligibility for lot rental assistance, such as bank records, tax returns, etc.. The homeowner, occupants and the manufactured home must be in substantial compliance with all manufactured home community rules, regulations and standards. The above is an abbreviated text taken from Delaware Title 5, Chapter 70 Sub-Chapter II 7022B. The complete text can be found at https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c070/sc02/index.html#7022. T here is no single downloadable application for the Delaware lot rental assistance program; instead, homeowners must contact their community owner to get information and apply. Community owners are required to provide eligible homeowners with the necessary paperwork, which includes submitting documentation to verify eligibility, such as bank statements and tax returns.

How our HOAs are different A Homeowners Association (HOA) for manufactured home owners on leased land in Delaware is different from a traditional HOA for stick-built home communities in some key ways, mainly because of the ownership structure and the laws that apply. Here’s a breakdown: Manufactured Home Communities Homeowners own the house itself but lease the land from a community owner or park owner. This means residents pay rent (called “lot rent” or “ground rent”) to the landowner. The HOA functions more like a homeowners association combined with a tenant association—advocating for fair lot rent, maintenance of common areas by the park owner, and legal compliance. Land Ownership Legal Framework Governed by the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act (Title 25, Chapter 70). This law provides protections for homeowners on leased land, such as limits on rent increases, rules for community owners, and procedures for dispute resolution. Primary Expenses Residents pay lot rent to the landowner, which typically covers land use, infrastructure (roads, utilities, trash pickup, etc.), and sometimes amenities. HOA dues may be minimal or voluntary if the HOA is more advocacy-oriented. Dues are MUCH lower than traditional HOAs! Traditional HOAs Homeowners own both the house and the land underneath it. The HOA owns or controls common areas and enforces community rules (architecture, landscaping, amenities). Members pay HOA dues that are used to maintain shared property. Land Ownership Legal Framework Governed by the Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (DUCIOA, Title 25, Chapter 81) or other state HOA laws. Rules are centered around managing common interest communities and protecting property values. Primary Expenses Homeowners pay HOA dues/assessments to fund maintenance of common property, amenities, and community services. There is no separate land rent. HOA dues can cost thousands of dollars a year! Protect your most valuable investment - your home! If your community does not have an HOA, learn how to start one now . We can help!

Why your Community Needs a Home Owners Association (HOA) What is an HOA? A legal organization formed by a dedicated group of homeowners who act together on shared values and visions for their community. Why have an HOA? The concept is simple: there is great strength in numbers. Homeowners Associations give structure and legitimacy to any group of neighbors who want to organize to protect and improve their community. Homeowners Associations strengthen the voices of manufactured homeowners in negotiation, and help them to: preserve property values, create safe neighborhoods, and ensure that community management complies with the law. In short: they are assets to the community as a whole! HOAs are about protecting YOUR most important investment - YOUR home! Help protect your investment! What does membership in your HOA do for you? If your landowner decides to sell the land, only HOAs have the Right of First Offer. Landowners must inform HOAs of impending changes that will affect the community. Only HOA members benefit from arbitration winnings. To use the “Attorney Fund” for rent increases you need to be part of an HOA. Your HOA membership includes DMHOA membership. HOAs represent their community at the monthly DMHOA meetings. DMHOA membership strengthens your voice when speaking to State Legislators and introducing laws that protect and affect us. Keeps homeowners aware of what is happening within their community. Improves communications between the community and the landowner. Encourages homeowners to take a proactive role in their community. Don’t have an HOA in your community and want to start one? Contact DMHOA President Joyce O'Neal at joyce.oneal@dmhoa.org

Use this form to submit changes to HOA officers. Officer Information Please use this document to provide your contact information so we can confirm our records and fill in any missing information. *Indicates required question. Community Name* President's Name* President's Email* President's Phone Number* Vice President's Name* Vice President's Email* Vice President's Phone Number* Secretary's Name* Secretary's Email* Secretary's Phone Number* Treasurer's Name* Treasurer's Email* Treasurer's Phone Number* Submit

DMHOA sincerely Thanks You for your donation. We are a unique organization, made up of volunteers (with 1 exception) who are currently or have lived in manufactured housing on leased land. We are your neighbors and the only statewide organization advocating for homeowners on leased land. Your generosity will help us continue to fight for fair treatment, stronger protections and thriving communities legislatively, provide educational information for homeowners and our non-traditional Homeowner Associations (HOA’s) and much more. I encourage you to visit us on Facebook – Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association- DMHOA. THANK YOU AGAIN! Sincerely, Joyce O’Neal President DMHOA

Senate Housing & Land Use Committee 153rd General Assembly Members (8) Chair : S. Elizabeth Lockman Vice-Chair : Russell Huxtable Members : Daniel Cruce Kyra L. Hoffner Bryan Townsend John "Jack" Walsh Eric Buckson Gerald W. Hocker Committee Staff Melissa Van Gorkom - Staff Coordinator 412 John A. Cherberg Building, (360) 786-7491 Riley Benge - Counsel 424 John A. Cherberg Building, (360) 786-7316 Sierra Daley - Committee Assistant 435A John A. Cherberg Building, (360) 786-7463 Andrew Parks - Clerk 311 John A. Cherberg Building, (360) 786-7420 SENATE HOUSING & LAND USE SITE ALL SENATORS The below links will bring you to Delaware General Assembly pages

Online membership form for DMHOA General Membership Form NOTE THAT DMHOA DOES NOT SHARE OR SELL YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Individual Memberships: $21 for 1 year | $30 for 2 years | $37 for 3 years Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association PMB 5, 24832 John J. Williams Highway, Unit 1 Millsboro, DE 19966 (302) 945-2122 www.dmhoa.org The only statewide organization for owners of manufactured homes on leased land in Delaware. Also, a member of Manufactured Home Owners Association of. America. First name* Last name* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Email* Phone* Community Name* Does your community have a homeowner's association?* Yes No If no, would you help to start one? Yes No Product* One Year Membership $21 Two Year Membership $30 Three Year Membership $37 Submit

Other HOA events We regularly organize events to bring manufactured homeowners together and create opportunities for people to learn more and get involved in our organization. Support Your Community HOA by attending events that they hold: Aspen Meadows HOA Barclay Farms Home Owners Association Bayside Homeowners Association Cool Branch Home Owners Association Camelot Meadows Mariner's Cove Home Owners Association Rehoboth Bay Homeowners Association Shady Park Homeowners Association White House Beach Homeowners Association Wild Meadows HOA Most events are OPEN to the PUBLIC but please contact the particular HOA for verification or if you need more details.

Housing and Other Assistance Rent assistance programs that are still active post-COVID: https://ipropertymanagement.com/guides/rent-relief-programs#delaware-rental-assistance-programs Mortgage Assistance This program is not currently active. A list of the agencies can be found at https://demortgagehelp.com/. Locating Housing & Other Assistance For individuals looking for a rental home, a good resource is the Delaware Housing Search website . Individuals can search by location, room number, cost, and other factors, and locate sites with waiting lists for affordable housing. Also, individuals can call 1-877-428-8844 for assistance with this process. In addition, individuals can contact their nearest State Service Center (SSC) for assistance. SSCs may be able to provide individuals and families with hotel/motel vouchers, as well as additional resources like EBT cards and Medicaid. To locate and contact your nearest SSC, click here . If you are experiencing a crisis and need emergency shelter, contact Housing Alliance Delaware’s centralized intake at 1-833-FIND-BED or intake@housingalliancede.org . Utility Bills Assistance with utility bills available through DEHAP. Click here For assistance with utility bills and to stop disconnections, individuals can contact Drew Slater at the Office of the Public Advocate, at andrew.slater@delaware.gov or 1-888-607-2427. Food Assistance For individuals and families in need of emergency food assistance, Delaware 211 can help. Visit their website here , call 211, call 1-800-560-3372, or text your zip code to 898-211. Also, the Food Bank of Delaware has locations in Newark and Milford. For more information, click here , email foodbank@fbd.org , or call 302-292-1305 (Newark) or 302-424-3301 (Milford). Security Deposits: If you need financial assistance for a security deposit, contact the below nonprofit organizations with which the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) partners. They may be able to help: West End Neighborhood House: 302-658-4171 (Offer a statewide security deposit loan program for individuals who need help paying a security deposit.) Lutheran Community Services: 302-654-8886 (Have a statewide homelessness prevention program and may be able to provide rental assistance.) Catholic Charities: 302-655-9624 (Provide rental assistance information, and referrals.) Utility Bill Help as of August 3, 2021: For assistance with utility bills and to stop disconnections, individuals can contact Drew Slater at the Office of the Public Advocate, at andrew.slater@delaware.gov or 1-888-607-2427. Food Assistance Help as of August 3, 2021: For individuals and families in need of emergency food assistance, Delaware 211 can help: Website: https://delaware211.org/index.php/basic-needs/food/food-assistance Call 211 or 1-800-560-3372 Text your zip code to 898-211 The Food Bank of Delaware has locations in Newark and Milford. Website: https://www.fbd.org/get-help/ Email foodbank@fbd.org , Call 302-292-1305 (Newark) or 302-424-3301 (Milford) Where to go for Delaware Assistance 1. Official Delaware Government Coronavirus link The most up-to-date information for the State of Delaware: Information categories include: What you can do to stay healthy, testing, community resources, and much more. Website : https://coronavirus.delaware.gov Individuals with general questions about coronavirus can call the Department of Public Health from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Phone : 1 (866) 408-1899 Individuals with hearing impairment call: 7-1-1. Email : DPHCall@delaware.gov . 2. Emergency Food Assistance and Much More Delaware 2-1-1 is the state’s referral hotline - One central resource for access to the health and human service organizations such as: Emergency food assistance during the current public health crisis (or anytime), they can provide you with contact information for food pantries. Legal help Emergency/Transitional Shelters Child Nutrition Sites Utility Assistance Crisis Services Other human service providers. Phone: 2-1-1 or 1 (800) 560-3372 Text: Text your zip code to 898-211 Website: https://delaware211.org/ 3. MHAP – Manufactured Housing Assistance Program If you are 90 days or more delinquent on the lot rent and or home loan payment or have received notification of intent to evict or repossess, contact this organization. Phone: 1 (888) 363-8808 Website link to PDF: https://www.destatehousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mhap-counselor-presentation.pdf.

Issue/Concern in a Manufactured Home Community INSTRUCTIONS Please complete this form with details about your question, concern or issue in your community. Providing this information helps us track data more effectively and respond more quickly. A DMHOA representative will contact you within 24-48 hours after we receive your submission. If you have photographs which support your claim, you may email those to joyce.oneal@dmhoa.org . In the body of your email, please describe what the photos are showing. Please note : This form does not apply to individuals who both rent the home and the lot where it is located. * - Indicates required question Mark which best describes your concern or question. Check all that apply.* Banning of friend or family member Eviction HOA Lot rent Request HELP Initiative Retaliation by management Trees Water/sewer lines Other Full name* Phone* Email* Community where you live* Do you have an HOA?* Are you a member of your HOA?* Describe the concern or issue:* Date concern started:* Month Day Year How many people are impacted by the concern or issue?* Submit

Habitat for Humanity Tornadoes, Flooding, Hurricanes and Nor'easters are just a few of the challenges we face living near the coast. Get trained & become part of a CERT team. To contact the state representative, email Marny McLee or call 302-659-2243. Below is information for each of our counties. Programs by County Sussex County (302) 855-1153 info@centraldelawarehabitat.org or visit their website Kent County (302) 526-2366 info@centraldelawarehabitat.org or visit their website New Castle County ( 302) 652-0365 info@habitatncc.org or visit their website

House Housing Committee 153rd General Assembly Members (8) Chair : Kendra Johnson Vice-Chair : Larry Lambert Members : Stephanie T. Bolden William J. Carson Mara Gorman Sherae'a Moore Josue O Ortega Madinah Wilson-Anton Valerie Jones Giltner Ronald E. Gray Kevin S Hensley Shannon Morris Jeffrey N. Spiegelman The below links will bring you to Delaware General Assembly pages HOUSE HOUSING PAGE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES