The Riverside Housing and Homeless Committee discussed additional amendments to the city's Mobile Home Parks Rent Stabilization Ordinance Monday, just six days after the City Council approved capping annual rent increases at 2.8% beginning in 2026.
Despite the council's October 16 action that exceeded resident requests by setting a cap lower than the 3% being sought, the committee heard proposals for further changes including transparency requirements and restrictions on family transfer rent increases.
The committee took no action on the proposed amendments after contentious debate about whether additional changes were necessary given the council's recent decision.
Council Action Preceded Committee Meeting
The City Council's 2.8% cap, approved the previous Tuesday, addressed the primary concern that had motivated Monday's committee discussion — reducing the maximum allowable rent increase from the current 4% ceiling.
The new cap matches this year's actual rent increase under the current ordinance, which allows increases between 2% and 4% based on 80% of the Consumer Price Index.
Committee Chair Clarissa Cervantes defended the continued discussion despite the council's action, citing ongoing concerns about transparency and other issues beyond the rent cap.
"My job is to help solve and bring real solutions to address housing and homelessness in the City of Riverside," Cervantes said. "Inflation is at an all time high. Seniors are having to choose between paying rent and mortgage over food, medication, gas and other items."
Committee Members Question Timing
Vice Chair Sean Mill criticized holding the discussion so soon after the council's decision, calling it "pure politics."
"It wasn't like a 4-3 vote, it was a 6-1 vote," Mill said of the council's March approval of the current ordinance. "What happens if we don't like how it goes today? We're going to have a third bite of the apple?"
Councilmember Jim Perry, invited to participate because his ward contains six mobile home parks, expressed surprise at the scope of proposals being discussed after the council had just acted.
"I thought we were going to be discussing adding clarity to pass-throughs and park maintenance," Perry said, referring to charges for capital improvements and utilities. "And there's much more here than that."
Residents Seek Additional Protections
Mobile home park residents who attended Monday's meeting expressed gratitude for the council's 2.8% cap but said other concerns remain unaddressed.
Ken Whistler, a 25-year resident of Santiago Estates Mobile Home Park, explained he still cannot afford to add his brother as an heir because the park would charge $150-200 extra just for adding a name to the lease.
"I wanted to be able to put his name on there and get it legally set so that he would be able to inherit. But I can't afford now to do that," Whistler said.
Several King Arthur Mobile Home Park residents raised separate concerns about homeless encampments behind their community and inadequate security despite paying for those services.
Maribel Nunez of the Inland Empire Tenants Union noted that while the rent cap helps, residents still face issues with utility billing transparency and charges for adding family members to leases.
Industry Representatives Oppose Further Changes
Park owner representatives argued that continued amendments create instability, especially following the council's recent action.
Julie Poley of the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association said frequent changes harm park operations.
"These endless threats to amend are harmful to park owners, making our ability to operate unstable," Poley said. "The 4% cap was a result of a council compromise."
Benjamin Kelly from the Manufactured Housing Educational Trust questioned why discussions continued after years of negotiations and the council's recent decision.
Limited Committee Action
Housing and Human Services Director Michelle Davis reported only one eviction has occurred since the current ordinance was adopted in March and that her office has received no complaints about negative impacts.
The committee ultimately took no votes on the proposed amendments. Perry suggested informal discussions between residents and park owners about pass-through charges and transparency issues.
"I think ownership could hear from their residents and residents should be able to hear from the park owners in a non-contentious manner," Perry said.
The ordinance affects approximately 497 mobile home spaces covered by the city's rent stabilization program, including 169 permanent supportive housing units.
Mobile Home Rent Control: Recent Timeline
March 2024 - Council approves current ordinance with 2-4% increase range (6-1 vote)
October 16, 2024 - Council approves new 2.8% fixed cap starting 2026
October 22, 2024 - Housing Committee discusses additional amendments
2026 - New 2.8% cap takes effect
Correction Wed. Sept. 24, 9:25 a.m. In a previous version of this story, it was stated that Councilmember Chuck Condor is the Vice Chair of the Housing and Homeless Committee; the correct Vice Chair is Councilmember Sean Mill.
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