Maine towns face mobile-home rent-control votes

Maine communities are moving to limit lot-rent increases in mobile home parks, where residents typically own their homes but rent the land and can face steep increases with few options to move. Voters in multiple towns are considering local rent-control measures, while Lewiston’s City Council is weighing a cap of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower, with possible exceptions for major improvements. Proposed limits vary, including caps tied to inflation or fixed percentages. The local efforts follow a state law requiring advance notice of increases and limiting them to once a year, but which sets no statewide rent cap. Supporters say local protections could help residents remain in their homes; park owners have opposed rent controls, and some residents say corporate ownership has contributed to sharp increases.