Price gouging of seniors
Rep. Joseph Ciresi August 13, 2025 | 10:06 AM
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today released the following statement regarding proposed lot rate increases at the Willow Run manufactured housing community in Limerick Township:
“The proposed rent increase at Willow Run is deeply troubling. Raising lot rents by over 50% with just a month’s notice – on top of already steep increases over the past several years – is not only unreasonable, but also disruptive and destabilizing for a community of seniors who deserve better.
“These are Pennsylvanians who’ve built their lives, raised their families, and planned for retirement in a community they thought was safe and economical. This sudden spike threatens their ability to remain in their homes and maintain the stability they’ve worked for their entire lives. It’s not bad business – it’s bad policy, and it undermines the very idea of attainable housing for older adults.
“I stand with the Willow Run community and demand this hike be delayed, re-evaluated, and scaled back immediately. I urge the owners to open direct communication with the community and develop a rent adjustment plan that is fair, gradual and transparent. Across Pennsylvania – the fifth-oldest state in the country – there are more than 2,000 mobile or manufactured home communities, and 21 right here in Montgomery County. Those in elected office cannot be bystanders to this type of greed when it comes to something as basic as housing.
“We need to act, even when we can’t guarantee the outcome. That is why the House passed House Bill 1250 to cap annual lot rent increases on manufactured homes. It’s now time for the Senate to act.
“No resident should be forced out of their home because of an abrupt and excessive rent increase. We must do better – not just for Willow Run, but for every community facing similar pressures across Pennsylvania.”
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