The Mobilehome Rent Review Commission held a contentious meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19 and reviewed the Mobilehome Ordinance and Administrative Rules.
Item number two, regarding the biannual review, drew dozens of public comments expressing their concerns over mobilehome rent adjustments and a fair return.
A fair return is a legal concept developed in courts to evaluate the constitutionality of a rent control ordinance.
Rent control regulations are permissible if they are reasonably calculated to eliminate excess rents and at the same time, provide the landlord with a just and reasonable return on their property.
“All I hope is that the rent review commission has read our submissions. Park residents should have never had the burden of covering all capital improvement costs; they should have been shared 50/50,” said Tony Slaick, Chairman of Yucaipa Mobilehome Rent Association.
“If we could get an agreement with park owners paying 50/50 we would consider 100 percent of CPI and limited vacancy control,” said Slaick.
Mobilehome residents seemed nervous, angry, emotional, and expressed gratitude to city council for approving the 90 day moratorium on Oct. 13.
“I came to Yucaipa 12 years ago. I used to work for the Colton Walmart. I really appreciate it, thank you for all your time and effort. I would like you to consider Tony’s select proposals. Reconsideration of the fair return on investments. This time in life, we depend on you, the rent control and their recommendations, thank you. I appreciate it,” said Suzan Taylor, Hillside Mobilehome Park resident.
“One thing the city should not follow is vacancy decontrol. Vacancy decontrol makes it difficult for the mobile home owner to sell their property,” said resident Barbara Delahoyde.
City staff and the commission carefully listened to the stakeholders and resident concerns for over an hour.
“We’re trying to limit the spikes and increases, that’s where this concept is coming from,” said Jennifer Shankland, deputy city manager.
The city of Yucaipa is currently in the middle of its biannual review.
The city is seeking to find a way to prevent substantial increases; while also implementing a way to gradually increase rents in the future.