Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approves temporary moratorium on mobile home park rent increases

En español »

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on rent increases in mobile home parks in unincorporated areas. The urgency ordinance took effect immediately and will remain in place until the board amends the existing regulations or until Feb. 29, 2024, whichever occurs first. The moratorium does not apply to mobile home parks within the county’s nine cities.

“Affordable housing is critical in Sonoma County, and this is a process that cannot be rushed,”  said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “We are placing a pause on rent increases in mobile home parks while we have a discussion about the best way to regulate these rents. In the end, our goal is to protect renters and this critical source of affordable housing for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.” 

The temporary freeze on rent increases will 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. Approximately 67 mobile home parks operate in unincorporated areas of the county. 

Rent increases for those on fixed income are one of the primary causes of evictions and homelessness in Sonoma County, according to a staff report presented to the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 15. A significant number of mobile home residents in unincorporated areas are on fixed incomes and are able to afford only modest rent increases.  

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 required by mobile home park owners. 

### 
Media Contact: 
Gilbert Martinez, Communications Specialist 
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org 
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-3040