Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has proposed a change in policy to limit annual rent increases at mobile home parks to no more than 4 percent or 70 percent of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less.

According to the County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors Chair, Supervisor Chris Coursey, has highlighted the precarious housing state for many mobile home residents. He noted that these individuals often have fewer alternatives and struggle to manage rent increases on their park spaces.

The amendments discuss not only a cap on rent increases but also permit park owners to increase rent by up to 5 percent with each change in home ownership. Additionally, it requires that written notifications to residents be in both English and Spanish, as per the county's declaration. These changes stand in contrast to current regulations that only limit annual increases while lacking provisions during ownership changes.

Mentioning the benefits of owning a mobile home, they often provide more viable options compared to traditional housing, particularly for residents with lower incomes. The proposed amendments would offer to prevent displacement and provide greater stability for these individuals, who are usually subjected to the whims of park owners.

Moreover, considering the high cost of moving a mobile home, these residents are also up against a challenging market, with park owners able to raise rental costs as real estate prices soar.