Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead
When tenants of two mobile home parks in Bismarck were told their parks had been purchased by new out-of-state owners and received letters and leases detailing new terms and rent increases they did not hesitate to band together and get local leaders involved in requesting modifications to the lease agreements. Several consumer-organized, very well-attended community meetings were held in August with Senator Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, in attendance along with Kent French, Director of Governmental Affairs with the ND Manufactured Housing Association.
The Dakota Center for Independent Living organized a Community Education Event presented by Legal Services of North Dakota based on Landlord/Tenant Law. The presentation, held August 29th at the Bismarck Veteran’s Memorial Library, was a direct result of consumers advocating for themselves by contacting Legal Services of ND and notifying all residents of the two mobile home parks of the meeting. Topics addressed at the meeting included: tenant rights/obligations; security deposits; late fees/penalties/other charges; rent increases; lease changes; utilities; landlord right of entry; abandoned property/landlord liens; termination/eviction.
The new owners have said they agree to some of the requested modifications to the lease agreements and are planning to accept many of them. Tenants are eager to see this in writing.