Residents at a trailer park near the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose are struggling with rent hikes that city officials say are illegal. The issue has prompted San Jose’s housing department to ask the city attorney for assistance in resolving the matter.
Illegal Rent Hikes Exceed City’s Limit
The trailer park, now owned by a Stockton-based company, raised rents after purchasing the property earlier this year. However, these increases exceed the city’s maximum allowed rent hike of 3.14% for the 2023-2024 period. City officials have repeatedly warned the company that the increases violate San Jose’s rent control laws for mobile homes. Despite these warnings, the company argues that the city’s policies don’t apply to them, claiming that RV lots are different from mobile home lots.
City housing officials insist that the rent hikes are unlawful. In a formal letter issued in August, they demanded the company roll back the increases and credit residents for the extra amounts charged. The company, however, has continued with the rent hikes, maintaining that they are following the law.
Residents Face Major Financial Struggles
Residents of the trailer park have reported rent increases as high as 50%, putting many in financial distress. Most tenants continue to pay the increased amounts, hoping the matter will be resolved. For some, the steep hikes are devastating, especially for older adults and families on fixed incomes.
Legal advocates argue that the rent hikes are not just illegal but also unethical. They emphasize the severe impact on residents, many of whom fear losing their homes or being forced into homelessness. One legal expert highlighted how shocking it is that the company has refused to correct the situation despite clear violations of the law.
Management Denies Wrongdoing
The company managing the trailer park claims they are fully compliant with the law. They argue that their RV lots are not covered under San Jose’s rent control policy, which applies to mobile home lots. They accuse city officials of misunderstanding their own regulations and state laws.
In their defense, the company insists that no illegal rent increases have occurred. However, city officials and legal experts strongly disagree, stating that the company’s interpretation of the policy is incorrect.
Legal and City Officials Push for Action
City housing officials have escalated the matter by involving the city attorney’s office. The housing department is also working on revising its regulations to strengthen enforcement. At a recent Housing and Community Development Commission meeting, officials expressed their determination to hold the trailer park owners accountable and protect residents from unfair rent increases.
Commissioners voiced their frustration over the ongoing situation, calling for immediate action. They emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue, as prolonged inaction could push residents into homelessness. One commissioner pointed out that the city’s failure to act quickly is allowing vulnerable families and older adults to suffer.
Advocates Demand Swift Resolution
Legal advocates and housing officials are united in their call for decisive action. They argue that the trailer park management’s actions set a dangerous precedent for other property owners who might attempt similar illegal rent increases.
Commissioners also highlighted the need to prevent such situations in the future. They urged the city to enforce its rent control policies more effectively to ensure residents are protected. For many residents, this issue is about more than just rent—it’s about their homes and stability.
The city’s housing department has promised to thoroughly investigate the matter and take the necessary steps to resolve it. In the meantime, residents continue to struggle with rising rents as they wait for relief.
