CoMo-CAL — Advocates For You

In my opinion, this just isn’t working.  I’m talking about the life of mobilehome owners in parks where we rent our space.  In fact we are in a very unique situation.  The fact that we own our mobilehomes, rent the space under them, and are “protected” by the current laws sets us apart.  In fact I believe we are very vulnerable and you don’t have to look far to see our park owners working hard to “maximize” their investment at our expense.  Where else in America must people just walk away from their homes, without any compensation?  And many of these people have no place to go and are without funds.  

 ·   Remember, mobilehome owners continue being unjustly evicted, they are losing equity in their homes with every rent increase or even having to just walk away from their homes.

·   For example, a friend of mine tried to sell his home and the park interfered in several ways.  Rather than fight back, my friend sold to the real estate company friendly with the park for $20,000 less than what a private party had offered.  This is just one incident and a $20,000 loss to a mobilehome owner!

One would think the enforcement of reasonable Rules and Regulations is important when so many live  together in a small community, such as a mobile home park. Residents should be able to count on management for this enforcement and residents should obey reasonable R&R. But is this really happening in our parks? Let’s take a closer look at enforcement of just one rule in Chatsworth Mobile Home Park where I live.

Running a state-wide coalition certainly has its ups and downs.  I am very grateful to all of you becoming members and renewing your membership. Your membership dues helps us get THE VOICE to you, but we have little left.  I appreciate the support and kind words from many.  One member has even contributed $3500.  However CoMO-CAL and I are still very limited.  We can’t do it for you.  In fact no organization can solve your problems without your help.  WE NEED YOU TO BE ACTIVE, IF YOU CAN.

We understand it is difficult, almost impossible, for you to really understand what’s happening today.  There are many issues that affect us all as mobilehome owners.  We will try to put them in perspective. In fact most of what is going on in Sacramento is ultimately about Rent Control

Rent Control

About 25% of mobilehome owners live under rent control.  Those without rent control live in constant fear of large rent increases.  They are at the mercy of their park owner, simple as that.

This issue focuses primarily on Enforcement of the law and the need for you to be involved.  Also the June 3rd election is fast approaching, tell all voters - NO on 98, YES on 99.

We hope you share this issue with your friends and neighbors. They need to be involved also.

The Threats.  The threats are real.  You know this if you’ve been reading THE VOICE.  Threats to rent control—AB1309 and Proposition 98 (the   Jarvis Initiative).

Other threats occur daily in many parks—interference of sales, out of control managers, failure to maintain, unfair business practices, harassment, intimidation, etc.  Too numerous to count!