Bill Would Exempt New Mobile Home Spaces From Rent Control

SACRAMENTO —  Local rent control laws would not apply to new mobile home spaces under a bill narrowly sent to the governor Friday.

The Assembly voted 41 to 24, a bare majority of the 80-member house, for SB 1241 by Sen. Bill Leonard (R-Redlands).

The bill would exempt from local rent control ordinances any new mobile home spaces first rented after Jan. 1, 1990.

Assemblyman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) said it was “a reasonable measure” that would encourage construction of mobile home parks. He said people don’t want to build parks because of local rent control restrictions.

“Would you invest your money in any enterprise--such as a mobile home park--if you knew your chance for profit wasn’t there?” asked Assemblyman Robert Frazee (R-Carlsbad).

“This makes sense for future growth,” said Assemblyman Steve Clute (D-Riverside), “but traditionally this has been left up to the locals. It seems to work OK.”

Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin (D-Union City) said the typical mobile home resident is a senior citizen on a fixed income. She said owners cannot move their homes if the park rent is raised, since it may cost $10,000 to move a mobile home and most parks won’t accept used ones.

Without rent control, she said, park owners can “hold people ransom.”