Residents of a San Jose mobile home park say they have been pushed to a breaking point after organizing to protect their housing rights, alleging that property owner Monte Christo Communities retaliated against tenants who spoke out.
Their complaints also highlight a wider affordability crunch, as some of the last lower-cost housing options become harder to keep.
Here's what to know
According to the San Jose Spotlight, residents of the San Jose Mobile Home & RV Park say Monte Christo Communities retaliated against them after they joined a resident association. They allege that management sent notices about minor issues, pressured them into signing new leases, and photographed their belongings on their property.
Maria Munoz, the founder and vice president of the resident association, said she began receiving seven-day notices for minor infractions, such as feeding stray cats, after she refused to sign a new lease.
"I've been targeted so many times, so many times. We are under a lot of stress," Munoz told the outlet.
The association has 18 members in a park with 81 spaces. Rafael Lopez, president of the resident association, said "nearly everyone" involved has received violations over minor issues.
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Monte Christo Communities owner Brock Kaveny disputed the idea that management keeps records of who belongs to the association, telling the Spotlight, "We do not track or have any record, or have any need to have any record (of association members)."
Kaveny said the notices are intended to enforce park rules tied to health and safety.
More background
Mobile homes are still among the few comparatively affordable places to live in San Jose.
The Spotlight reported that many residents in the association pay about $700 a month for space rent, plus utilities, while Monte Christo Communities' website lists a new space for nearly $1,500 a month.
According to the Spotlight, Alma Bailon, who has lived in the park for nearly two decades, said she got three seven-day notices after joining the association.
"I can't sleep, I can't eat, my hair is falling out and now I'm going to be taking medication for depression," Bailon said to the outlet through a translator.
Among the issues at hand is steep rent increases employed by ownership.
According to the Spotlight, even though San Jose has a mobile home rent control policy that limits annual increases to 3% to 7%, some park owners have circumvented those limits by encouraging residents to sign long-term leases.
San Jose Housing Commissioner Dan Finn said landlords once used long-term leases to sidestep local mobile home rent control before a 2021 state law banned that practice.
"It's a very sneaky way that landlords end up getting over on their people," Finn said.
In the case of a resident in the mobile park home who goes by Melina Cervantes, this tactic was allegedly used to raise her rent by nearly $500, with an additional 5.5% increase each year over a 25-year term, as the Spotlight reported.
Residents at the park are organizing, keeping records of complaints, and asking local officials for help.
The Spotlight reported that a spokesperson for Councilmember Anthony Tordillos said his office has been in contact with residents and supports their rights to support a resident organization.
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