Copying Ordinances

ORDINANCES FROM THE 1980S

Commonly, the drafting of rent stabilization ordinances has consisted of copying ordinances from other jurisdictions which have been upheld in court. Typically the ordinances which are used as models were either drafted in the early 1980s or are modeled after ordinances drafted during that period. At that time, experience and understanding of the issues associated with mobilehome rent ordinances was far more limited. Often, the ordinances which are commonly used as models have major weaknesses as well as strengths.

POLICY CHOICES

In fact, there are significant differences among the mobilehome rent stabilization ordinances now in existence. Selection of a particular ordinance as a model means the selection of very significant policy choices. Drafters are commonly unaware of the alternatives that are available when they draft new ordinances.

Source: The GSMOL Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance Handbook, Second Edition: Guidelines for Drafting and Enacting a Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

Prepared by: Bruce Stanton, Esq., Corporate Counsel

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net.