Several low-income coach owners retained California Rural Legal Assistance, which claimed there have been scant park improvements under the new ownership and that on-site management is unresponsive to tenants.During the hearing comment, at times became heated between the city’s consultant, Dr. James Gibson of Newport Group and Coriot attorney Mark Alpert...several tenants also addressed the Commission asking that rents be held in check.Rod Elliot, Coriot’s principal, told the Commission that when the park was purchased it was “in very bad condition” and several of the units that belonged to the property “were below standard of living” that needed to be replaced.In addition, major sewer system upgrades were required that required the removal of trees - an issue that troubled some tenants - and a new laundry facility was created.The park currently has nine empty spaces and Elliot noted that several spaces had to be combined as “manufacturers don’t even make units to fit” the undersized space.After several tenants testified about the impacts of a rent increase on the fixed low-income Alpert told Commissioners that those who can document same would receive a break on the monthly rent, but that “residents want improvements but don’t want to pay for them...he cannot improve the living conditions of people for free.”Even if the requested increase were implemented Pepper Tree would still provide affordable housing Alpert added.“Looking at this park there definitely has to be a rent increase,” but not what was requested, Commissioner Hicks said later. “...what I have to look out for is the people in the park and also give you a fair return.”Hicks noted that “you need a return I totally believe that, just the point we’re at is how much and what these folks can live with...if you want to give them a break on the rent that’s your business.”
Mobile Home Commission rent increase below request
April 04, 2007
Santa Paula News
Residents of Pepper Tree Trailer Park can breath a little easier after the Mobile Home Rent Review Commission allowed a smaller space rent increase than requested at a hearing held at the Community Center on March 29.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesResidents of Pepper Tree Trailer Park can breath a little easier after the Mobile Home Rent Review Commission allowed a smaller space rent increase than requested at a hearing held at the Community Center on March 29.Coriot Inc. had requested that rents be bumped by $246.98 monthly, a 93 percent increase, on spaces at the city’s oldest park.Instead Commissioners Tim Hicks and Ron Merson decided on a $53.66 monthly increase, slightly more than the $38.28 recommended by the city’s consultant.A family-style park with no age restrictions, the total area of about 2.60 acres has 39 spaces, down from the 44 spaces when the parked changed hands in March 2002.The application for the proposed rent increase noted fair return on investment as well as to bring it more in line with other city mobile home parks.The application also noted various capital expenditures and maintenance improvements.The city’s rent control ordinance - approved by voters in 1992 - caps annual rent increases to 12 percent.Since purchasing the park Coriot has purchased and replaced mobile homes - sometimes utilizing two plots - on 12 spaces leaving 30 spaces subject to rent control.
