Rockland, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 288 § 288-6
Standards for adjusting rents (Rockland Mobile Home Parks)
Operative Text
A. The rent board shall make such individual or general adjustments, either upward or downward, of the maximum rent for any controlled mobile home park accommodation or any class thereof as may be necessary to assure that rents are established at levels which yield to park owners a fair net operating income for such units. For the purposes of this section, the word "class" shall include all the controlled mobile home park accommodations within the Town or any categories of such accommodations based on size, rent, geographic area or other common characteristics, providing the board has by regulation defined any such categories. B. The following factors, among other relevant factors, which the board by regulation may define, shall be considered in determining whether a controlled mobile home park accommodation yields a fair net operating income: (1) Increases or decreases in property taxes; (2) Unavoidable increases or any decreases in operating and maintenance expenses; (3) Capital improvements of the mobile home park as distinguished from ordinary repair, replacement and maintenance; (4) Increases or decreases in space, services, equipment, etc.; (5) Substantial deterioration of the mobile home park other than as a result or ordinary wear and tear; and (6) Failure to perform ordinary repair, replacement and maintenance. C. For the purpose of adjusting rents under the provisions of this section, the rent board may promulgate a schedule of standard rental increases or decreases for improvement or deterioration in specific services and facilities. D. The rent board may refuse to grant a rent increase under this section, if it determines that the affected mobile home park does not comply with the state sanitary code and any applicable municipal codes, ordinances of bylaws, and if it determines that such lack of compliance is due to the failure of the park owner to provide normal and adequate repair and maintenance. The rent board may refuse to grant a rent decrease under this section, if it determines that a tenant is more than 60 days in arrears in payment of rent unless such arrearage is due to a withholding or abatement of rent under the provisions of MGL c. 239, § 8A .
Section 288-6 of Rockland's Code of Bylaws establishes the framework by which the Rockland Rent Board may raise or lower the maximum rent for controlled mobile home park spaces, individually or as a class, to ensure park owners receive a fair net operating income. The board weighs factors such as changes in property taxes, operating costs, capital improvements, service levels, and the condition of the park. The board may withhold a rent increase if the park fails to meet state sanitary or local codes due to the owner's neglect, and may withhold a rent decrease if a tenant is more than 60 days behind on rent (unless that arrearage stems from a lawful rent withholding or abatement under MGL c. 239, § 8A).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 288 § 288-6, operators of controlled mobile home parks in Rockland generally document changes in property taxes, operating expenses, capital improvements, and service levels when seeking a rent adjustment from the Rent Board. Compliant park owners maintain the property in accordance with the state sanitary code and applicable municipal codes, because the board is authorized to deny a rent increase if code deficiencies are attributable to the owner's failure to provide normal repair and maintenance. Keeping thorough maintenance records and addressing code violations proactively supports a complete and credible application before the board.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 288-6 gives residents of controlled mobile home parks in Rockland the right to have their rents adjusted downward when park conditions deteriorate—for example, due to reductions in services, equipment, or space, or substantial park deterioration beyond ordinary wear and tear. Tenants may raise the board's authority under this provision when opposing a proposed rent increase if the park is out of compliance with the state sanitary code or local ordinances because of the owner's maintenance failures. Tenants who believe a rent decrease is warranted or that an increase should be denied can contact the Rockland Rent Board directly, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about the complaint and hearing process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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