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Comment

Thank you for hearing my concerns. I have lived in, and serviced, manufactured housing for more than 40 years of my life. I now live in a manufactured home community that was purchased by the Kingsley Management Corporation a few years ago. They are financed by Fannie Mae. Within a couple of years, it became quite obvious that our monthly lot rent increases were going to be very substantial compared to what I was used to over 40 years of experience. It has also become obvious that the quality of our park maintenance has significantly decreased.
My concern is that it appears we have lost our more people and family-oriented owners and managers, and are being bought up by the corporate world that is mainly about getting the most profit. At the rate our lot rent is increasing, which is our major cost of living, it is questionable whether we will be able to afford to stay here through our retirement years and on a fixed income. It's certain that our quality of life will be reduced.
As I see this is happening all over our nation, my greater concern is that we could see the decline, and possible elimination of, the manufactured home way of life. What a shame that would be as it is a very good way of life for over 22 million people in America. It has been an affordable way for us to own our own home and live in a quality, well-managed community. From 40 years of experience, I know that these major rent increases are not justifiable in order to maintain a quality park. About 30 years ago the park I now live in received an award for best in Illinois. It was then managed by a caring family with very modest rest increases.
So, this is my appeal to you as an organization that has some power to intervene and set some boundaries for these extremely large corporations. Many of us have chosen to live a life of service to others, which most of the time does not come with higher incomes. Please consider that our country/society cannot function without us and help us, and thank you.