DEMHRA Report for Aug. 19, 2025 Executive Board Meeting

Information from July 24, 2025 minutes

Chair's Report

Mr. Rogers referenced a previous discussion regarding HB193 and the language in it.  There were concerns about the language around credit to the community owners, and redirecting the entire tenant’s portion of $1.50 to the attorney fund. It was finally decided to leave the credit language as is. The DEMHRA attorney, Ms. Rhoads, added that this Board does not have the ability to change the language written by the legislators. Mr. Rogers will talk to the Governor regarding his re-appointment which expires on September 29, 2025.

Executive Director's Report:  

Mr. Sutton was contacted by Crystal Schenk, a resident of Lazy Pine Retreat MHP. The Board previously approved her application for relocation assistance. However, the mover she was going to use informed her that they required payment up front and that she would have to get another contractor to connect her electricity and plumbing. She was advised that she would have to submit a supplemental request for a mover who can perform the entire job and that DEMHRA would pay the mover after she confirmed that her home had been moved and set up.  

Legal Counsel Report:  

Of the four matters assigned for litigation at the last meeting, two have paid. Oakway and Quality Homes remain unpaid. THP was also referred and sent a demand letter. All three have not responded and will be referred for further litigation.

The Exantus (County Seat Gardens) judgement was satisfied and all of the documents from the court pertaining to that have been provided to the new owner of the park, and for our files.  

Arbitration: (Update on Status of Open Dockets as of 6/26/25):

Docket 02-2021 (Ridgewood Manor vs. Ridgewood Manor LLC): As of 7/20/25. Attorney Sharp reported that the parties are still working on finalizing the settlement.

Rent Increase Certification Requests:

There were 35 rent certifications sent out in June. See § 7051A. Rent increase; health or safety violations in Title 25 for additional information.

Update on Parks for Sale:

Holly Oak Park – Updated 7/24/25. Settlement date scheduled September 15th.

Update on Parks Going Through Change in Use as of July 2025:

• Timberlane - There are 17 applications remaining.
• Lazy Pine Retreat - There are 3 remaining.
• Lake Forest – There are 14 remaining.

Financial Matters: (amounts are rounded to nearest dollar)

• The Trust Fund assessments collected during June totaled $11,960.00, plus interest of $42,538.00. A Trust Fund payment of $4,000.00 was paid out in June for relocation assistance. The Trust Fund as of June 30th is $14,810,784.00.
• The 2025 Legal Fund Year-to-Date is $61,357.00.
• The June CPI/U was 3.433%, effective July 19th. This would equate to an increase of 5.22% for one-year leases beginning in November and December. The next CPI/U will be out around September 14th.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 1:30.  

Our address is 1979 S. State Street in Dover and is opened to the public.

Please visit our website for additional information at demhra.delaware.gov.