Lewiston council extends mobile home lot rent moratorium to September 2026

The Lewiston City Council voted 5-2 to extend the moratorium on mobile home lot rent increases through September 29, 2026, to prevent a coverage gap while a rent stabilization ordinance undergoes final legal review. The decision followed extensive public comment from park owners and residents, with councilors debating the necessity of the extension and the procedural history of the ordinance.

Key points

• Council voted 5-2 to extend the moratorium, with Ward 1, 3, 5, 6, and the Mayor voting in favor and Ward 2 and 7 voting against.
• A subsequent motion to waive rules for final passage of the ordinance failed 4-3, meaning the ordinance itself was not voted on tonight.
• Councilor Bret Martel criticized the use of executive sessions and noted the council had voted 5-2 against extending the moratorium just weeks prior.
• Public comment was heavily divided, with park owners arguing the moratorium devalues properties and discourages investment, while residents and some committee members cited the need to prevent rent spikes.
• The City Administrator explained that the extension is a stopgap to allow time for the city attorney to finalize the rent stabilization ordinance.

Next steps

• The city attorney will complete the final legal review of the rent stabilization ordinance.
• The council will schedule a future meeting to consider the rent stabilization ordinance once legal review is complete.

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