Definition: “Catch 22,” a frustrating situation in which one is trapped by contradictory regulations or conditions.
Leased land homeowners have just such a predicament. Last year there was an unsuccessful attempt in the General Assembly to resolve part of that problem by addressing homeowner and landowners’ rights in lease-land communities. A problem of rent fairness exists because the courts have changed what was normal contract law, and thus legislature needs to re-define the rights that have been adversely impacted.
That sounds rather simple, but the unique and unprecedented relationship in land-lease communities has no parallel in contract law. Therefore, clarifying and justifying contractual rights and responsibilities is always without adequate comparison. Our system of law allows courts to interpret the rights of parties while the legislature has the duty to change or redefine laws when an injustice results. As the new year starts a new legislative cycle, another voice for leased-land homeowners will present some new personalities and hopefully, fresh ideas to the debate.
The Leased Land Homeowners Coalition will attempt to raise the level of understanding on this issue and promote open dialog with all parties involved. Homeowners and community owners are invited to contact us at; coalition@llhc.us. State senators and representatives will be contacted shortly as a new version of rent justification legislation is drafted. We welcome everyone’s input.
Peter Couming
Camden
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