(a) It is the purpose of this part to accomplish both of the following:
(1) Assure protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of all mobilehome park residents.
(2) Allow modifications in regulations adopted pursuant to this part in a manner consistent with the criteria established in this part.
(b) The regulations adopted by the department pursuant to the authority granted in this part shall provide equivalent or greater protection to residents of mobilehome parks than the statutes and regulations in effect prior to January 1, 1978.