Sonoma County May Temporarily Ban Rent Increases On Mobile Home Spaces

Press release from the Sonoma County Government:

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — During its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will consider an urgency ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on rent increases in mobile home park spaces in unincorporated areas.

The temporary freeze on rent increases is designed to preserve housing for vulnerable populations while the Board of Supervisors considers updating an existing ordinance that regulates rent increases in mobile home parks in unincorporated areas.

If approved, the ordinance would take effect immediately and will remain in effect until the board adopts an ordinance amending the existing regulations, or through February 29, 2024, whichever is earlier. It would not apply to mobile home parks in the county’s nine cities.

Members of the public may comment on the proposal by attending the Aug. 22 meeting in person, virtually on Zoom or by calling in by telephone. The agenda has been published at: https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

The Board of Supervisors is considering updating an existing ordinance that caps annual rent increases at 100 percent of the Consumer Price Index or 6 percent, whichever is less. At the board’s Aug. 15 meeting, supervisors directed staff to draft an urgency ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on rent increases while it considers permanent changes.

Evictions following rent increases are one of the primary causes of homelessness in Sonoma County, according to a staff report presented to the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 15. A significant number of mobile home tenants in unincorporated areas are on fixed incomes with little capacity to absorb anything beyond a modest rent increase.

Mobile homes and mobile home parks provide an important alternative form of housing for a substantial number of county residents. While many mobile homes are owned by their occupants, it is common for owners to rent spaces in mobile home parks. Despite the name, mobile homes are difficult and expensive to move. Some require permanent fixtures, which limit their ability to be relocated. As a result, many tenants must remain where they are situated and pay the rent requested by mobile home park owners.

This press release was produced by the Sonoma County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.