Can the government force park management to limit the number of people living in a mobilehome?

The occupancy standard issue is difficult to solve. The issue has arisen at both the federal and state levels. Legislation has been considered but not enacted to create a “2 persons per bedroom plus 1” standard that is presently only a HUD guideline (e.g., if the home had 1 bedroom, the occupancy standard would be 3 persons; if the home had 2 bedrooms, the standard would be 5 persons, etc.). Proponents argue that occupancy standards are necessary to avoid overcrowding and unhealthy living conditions. Opponents contend that, especially in areas where the cost of housing is high, an occupancy standard may be interpreted as a form of discrimination against persons who can’t afford larger homes. Some

cities have attempted to legislate occupancy standards, only to have their ordinances challenged in court. Mobilehomes usually have a design standard established by the manu- facturer as the recommended occupancy for the size of the home. The park manager could try to establish an occupancy standard in the park rules based upon the design standard of each home or the HUD guideline, but the rule could possibly be subject to legal challenge