Cancellation and Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and Merrifield has been an expert witness in several cases where property owners requested increases for properties in cities that have mobile home rent control ordinances. On 05/09/2022 this business's accreditation in the BBB was revoked by the BBB's Board of Directors due to failure by the business to adhere to the BBB requirement that Accredited Businesses meet and abide by the following standards: This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. Water bills range anywhere from $50 to $200, Thompson said. For more information on CRLA, please visit: www.crla.org. Epsteins letter reminded the landlord the park is bound by that judgment. The management company also instituted 29 rules, which were described in the lawsuit as burdensome, unreasonable, oppressive, and unnecessary.. With the job that we have, it wont be enough, he said in Spanish. Ultimately what happens is residents are responsible for upholding their own rights and seeking judicial adjudication of their rights, which is very difficult because mobile home residents are some of the most vulnerable populations, and do not have access to the legal system, normally, she said. They'd need to hold a vote with participation from each of the park's 60 units, with a majority voting to move forward with the plan to collectively purchase the property. The area has experienced significant wildfire losses40 structures burned down during the Cocos Fire in 2014, burning a majority of one developments project area and reaching the border of another. Thank you for your interest in social justice! RELATED: Trails End takeover: City of Fresno now controls conditions at mobile home park. City of Fresno officials declined to comment about whether they would or wouldn't support the sale to Harmony Communities. Many of them also received a seven-day notice to comply with several rules, including permanently removing Christmas lights hanging in front of the house and carport or face eviction, according to a copy of one of the notices. Additionally, Harmony Communities allegedly didnt maintain the common areas at the mobile home park in good condition. The new rules dont take this into consideration, one resident noted, adding They are also on a fixed Social Security income. Well guide you through the process. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met. According to a new federal lawsuit in Wisconsin, a rogue board member of Harmony "and unknown persons acting in concert with him," has led efforts to break away, and take many Society assets. Because of the consequences of not paying the rent, people who own mobile homes will always pay the rent, Thompson said. UniCourt uses cookies to improve your online experience, for more information please see our Privacy Policy. *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. The lawsuit, filed Dec. 19 in Fresno County Superior Court, involves numerous residents at the mobile home park, only identified collectively as Grupo Comunitario De San Miguel Cuevas. San Miguel Cuevas is the town in Oaxaca where theyre originally from. Residents who oppose these rules have been harassed and threatened by Harmonys staff. Corporate Headquarters: 838 West Hastings Street, Suite 300 | Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 | 604-669-2663 While it is a bit larger than we would normally like, it is necessary to staunch the bleeding, the letter said. For a resident who was paying $395 a month for a site, they are now paying $690, not including water and trash, which at one time was included in the price to keep a home at the park. (209) 932-8747 Harmony Communities Profile and History Based in Stockton, California, Harmony Communities owns and operates thirty premier manufactured home communities in California and Oregon, and sees tiny homes as both an affordable and functional solution to California's housing crisis. Turnover is very low because moving is so expensive. var $ = jQuery, The problem is buying it at a price that would allow residents to bring rent down. The city and the residents say otherwise. What will change? We take pride in Shady Lakes, and it is our priority to ensure residents enjoy both affordable as well as safe and pleasant living conditions.. Rancho Santa Fe resident Laurel Lemarie, a member of the San Dieguito Planning Group that recommended denial of both projects, presented a petition of 923 signatures opposed to the county allowing a high density of homes where rural or semi-rural zoning now exists. We continue to operate the park in conformance with all state laws and regulations and are deemed to be in full compliance by the State of California agencies. We would happily engage with a non profit who was able to perform and transact at a similar price point.. She believes residents buying the park as a cooperative is the best solution. West. please create a FREE account OR login here. Currently the park is losing money on an ongoing basis. Defendants Harmony Communities, Inc. and Mathew Davies' Answer to Complaint by Donna Braxton (amount over $25,000) filed by Davies, Matthew; Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation. Action Type: First Paper Unlimited Civil (amount over $25,000); Judge: Ross, Roger. A group of Fresno County residents is suing the Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park, claiming property managers unfairly hiked rent prices and harassed tenants. Insurance She said its difficult to enforce mobile home park rights because oversight falls to local cities and counties that often dont have the resources to enforce them. At a time when quality affordable housing is disappearing fast, it is our mission to expand options for economical and beautiful housing in the states and communities in which we operate. (AP) A Montana beekeeper has recovered hives that were, Starting in 1999, prices for agricultural land in the South, Visitors to the Central Valley spent more than $1.96 billion, Amazon.com today announced plans to open a fulfillment center in, Select industry var cbClass = custombox[0]; Summons issued and filed. Online dating website eHarmony has settled a consumer protection lawsuit for misleading customers, and has paid out $1.28 million to four counties and one city in California. The company continues to buy affordable housing communities in low-income areas in cities such as Gilroy. Investors have turned their eyes to mobile home parks because of the consistent cash flow. El Grupo Comunitario has stood up for the rights and dignity of the families in Shady Lakes and has refused to let a corporate out-of-town landlord bully them and force them out of their homes., Full complaint filed with Superior Court of California available at: https://tinyurl.com/shadylakes. And in a. 838 West Hastings Street, Suite 300 | Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 | 604-669-2663. The only good thing is they are willing to give us our money back to leave the contract. Don't waste your time with this company, you'll regret it. CRLA, Inc. is not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this site. One of Thompsons clients is 80 years old, making $800 a month and paying $700 in rent. All Rights Reserved. A 51-year-old resident said he fears he wont be able to afford the new price. Finally, one place to get all the court documents we need. The company said it has issued cleanliness notices to four residents, to keep their porches clean and sanitary. Notice of Case Assignment / Scheduling Information, Notice of Reassignment of Judicial Officer (RW), Cases involving other labor matters not classified elsewhere, 790, 1750, 1790, 2750, 2790, 3750, 3790, 4790. Food/Restaurants A complaint was filed with the California Public Utilities Commission that the increases were not in line with actual costs. Judge: Ross, Roger. Marketing BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile. Lawsuits are now being filed on behalf of Elmiron patients who suffered permanent retinal injuries and seek to recover money for physical and mental anguish, medical expenses and more. 2019-12-19, Santa Clara County Superior Courts | Contract | Thompson also represents the rent control group of residents at that mobile home park. Ultimately, it will be up to a judge whether the sale to Harmony Communities is approved. With the rise in the rent, there is worry that they may not be able to make rent.. The complaint outlines the unlawful behavior Harmony Communities uses to control and intimidate families living in the Park and alleges that Harmony Communities is in violation of state and federal laws including the Fair Housing Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Unfair Competition Law, the Business and Professions Code, and the Mobile Home Residency Law. Your questions and concerns are important to us. DocketComplaint Unlimited Civil (over $25,000) filed by Braxton, Donna. I noticed the model variation was wrong and voiced my concern. As of late January, developers filed 26 applications to build 8,642 new homes under California's three-decade-old builder's remedy provision, setting aside 1,795 of those as low-income units. She admitted fault of the company and offered us a washer and dryer for the mistake.. a washer and dryer for compensation of a completely wrong house. We we're excited by their seemingly friendly agents throughout the process. Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, BBB Business Scam Alert: Out-of-Town homeowners con contractors with fake checks, Need to file a complaint? "There's special funding available from the federal government and other investors to lend to these communities so that residents can purchase their parks themselves," said Thompson. We understand that you contend that the tenant spaces in the park are occupied by recreational vehicles (RVs) rather than by mobile homes, and that the park is therefore exempt from San Rafaels Mobile Home Rent Stabilization ordinance, City Attorney Robert Epstein wrote. Park of San Rafael are pushing back against a slate of rent hikes by the management. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Residents have now retained an attorney to negotiate a purchase of the property. Judge: Ross, Roger. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. That suit appealing the ordinance, applying to the park and rent increases on its units, was settled in 2005, when the owner agreed to dismiss the appeal. On 03/24/2021 Harmony Communities, Inc filed an Other lawsuit against Phillip Rocha. Replacing a laundry room or a lamp post may be expensive, but usually those rent increases will be temporary until the improvement has been paid off. addresses all significant issues raised by the complainant, includes appropriate evidence and documents supporting the business' position, and. Retired As the roofing started going up I knew 100% they were building the wrong home. She said it is common for those ordinances to be challenged. Aug. 28, 2018 10 AM PT. After adding new utility fees that had been parceled out and another increase, in some cases rent had climbed over 100% since 2019. $(".custombox-content").bind("contextmenu",function(e) { George Antypas, Harmony Communities' regional manager, defended the rent increase, saying in a statement that median home prices in Golden are almost $800,000, while the average manufactured . Harmony Communities did not respond to requests for comment. At the time the lawsuit was filed, shortly after Harmony Communities had purchased the property, rent had increased 32%. Sports/Entertainment Repairs and maintenance are usually baked into budgets. $100.00. }); [ Placeholder content for popup link ] Judge: Waters, Robert T.. Corporate Headquarters: Not only were they told, they were also given several bank statements which clearly showed a monthly payment to the **** The lender declined the loan. Harmony has issued eviction notices to residents for having Christmas lights up, having boots or doormats on the porch, having childrens toys or brooms outside, and for other normal uses of ones home. What the residents want for Harmony Communities is to stop a number of unlawful business practices.. 2019-12-17. She recently received the 2018 Journalistic Integrity award from the CACJ. The lawsuit claims Harmony Communities increased rent by 32% soon after taking over the property. They are more stable.". Founded in 1966, CRLAs mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. The anticipated target price for the tiny homes is expected to be around $89,950. Donna Braxton vs Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation et al. The company, however, maintains the law doesnt require them to provide Spanish-language documents. Civil Case Cover Sheet filed by Braxton, Donna. DocketHearing regarding: Case Management Conference , set for 05/04/2021 at 8:30 AM before Hon. 2021-05-10, Santa Clara County Superior Courts | Personal Injury | BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. A bar lauded for downtown Fresno revitalization has sold to new owners. Watch our latest videos showing our accomplishments and compelling stories. Judge: Waters, Robert T.. DocketRequest for Dismissal - Entire Action as to Donna Braxton, Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation, Matthew Davies Entered. BBB is here to help. Utility payments are one example of a variable cost for property owners. DocketNotice of Case Assignment and Scheduling Information. Residents say the proprietor, Harmony Communities of Stockton, is seeking steep increases at the neighborhood, which is at 742 Francisco Blvd. San Jose Could Face a Lawsuit Over its Rent Freeze Defendants Harmony Communities, Inc. and Mathew Davies' Answer to Complaint by Donna Braxton (amount over $25,000) filed by Davies, Matthew; Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation. The Rancho Santa Fe Association board last week said it would not move forward in joining a lawsuit or filing its own legal action. There is no way to reverse the rent, said Thompson. We are honored to join with the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council and fight the good fight.. WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin, Copyright 2023 The Business Journal. Many of the 60 families at Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park near Chestnut and Lincoln avenues have lived there for well over a decade, drawn by the lower cost of living. A plaintiff can make any allegations they like, but that does not make them true. Our privacy policy is straight-forward: This website does not collect any personal information about you or any user. In a recent letter to residents, the company said the increases will bring the average monthly rent to $650. Judge: Ross, Roger. Action Type: Complaint Unlimited Civil (over $25,000); Judge: Ross, Roger. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Transmission and receipt of the information in this site is not intended to solicit or create, and does not create, any attorney-client relationship between CRLA, Inc. and any person or entity. A meeting was held in May 2022 by the CPUC to hear the matter. Harmony immediately raised space rent by $130.00a 32% increase that made rents unaffordable to families living in the park. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. In late January, residents received another notice increasing their rent. With the batching, the board approved three GPA projects on July 25 for a total of 3,937 new housing units in the county. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Edward Smith. During the projects July 25 hearing, county staff and fire experts said that the fire protection plan developed for the projects was extensive with measures that met and exceeded San Diego County Consolidated Fire Code. Some are buying less food, not using electricity, cutting services, shopping for clothes less often. To receive the latest information about new communities, available properties and exciting changes to the communities we manage, send us an email by CLICKING HERE. These are very community-minded folks, Thompson said. CRLA, Inc. only has offices in the state of California and only provides legal services for claims that arose in California. And a notice given to a resident at Shady. Work was done to correct what was a terrible odor, but Thompson said many clients complain it still stinks from time to time. Banking and Finance Judge: Ross, Roger. Last summer, the mobile home park came under the authority of Fresno officials, instead of the state. She said it feels awful seeing instability for existing affordable housing like mobile homes. The residents attorney also said conditions at the park did not justify the significant rent hike. El Grupo Comunitario retained California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) to represent them in their legal case against Harmony Communities and filed a lawsuit against Harmony Communities in Fresno County Superior Court in December 2019. A complaint was filed with the California Public Utilities Commission that the increases were not in line with actual costs. Mason said other tenants are more hesitant to speak out than she is, fearing retaliation in the form of even steeper rent hikes. Harmony immediately raised space rent by $130.00a 32% increase that made rents unaffordable to families living in the park. Case Details Parties Documents Dockets Case Details We do not want to displace a single person with this rent increase and merely desire for the owner to make a reasonable profit and be able to provide safe and affordable housing for all of you.. Step inside Tioga-Sequoia in Merced, Fresno County initiates legal action against two Fresno politicians. In a statement to The Bee, company representatives denied many of the residents claims. Hearing Type: Jury Trial; Court Room: 11B; Result: Vacated; Judge: Robert T. Waters; Participant: Donna Braxton (Plaintiff); Participant: Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation (Defendant); Participant: Matthew Davies (Defendant), Hearing Type: Mandatory Settlement Conference; Court Room: 11B; Result: Vacated; Judge: Robert T. Waters; Participant: Donna Braxton (Plaintiff); Participant: Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation (Defendant); Participant: Matthew Davies (Defendant). "If they have really strict rules, I don't think anybody can live by them," said 32-year-resident Patsy Rajskup. Judge: Waters, Robert T.. DocketRequest for Dismissal filed by Braxton, Donna. That's why she's passing out fliers encouraging the residents of Trails End to come together to take ownership of the park -- literally. I even have proof that she accidentally admitted fault and said she printed wrong brochure but seems like she did not realize that that's the brochure she circled & put into our contract that states which house we are getting. 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