Fortuna City Council Passes Emergency Moratorium on Mobile Home Park Rent Increases

FORTUNA, CA – The Fortuna City Council approved an urgency ordinance on Monday, September 29, establishing a temporary moratorium on rent increases for mobile home spaces within the city. The decision, which passed in a 4-1 vote, comes after months of advocacy from residents, primarily seniors, who reported facing unaffordable rent hikes that threatened their housing security.

The issue was brought to the forefront by the “Save Our Seniors” group, composed largely of residents from the Royal Crest mobile home park. During the special meeting, which was attended by all five council members, city staff explained that the ordinance was necessary to protect a critical source of affordable housing for a vulnerable population, including many seniors and individuals on fixed incomes.

During an emotional public comment period, numerous residents shared their fears and frustrations. One speaker highlighted that space rent at their park had increased nearly 100% since 2012, far outpacing inflation and eroding the life savings of homeowners. Another resident argued that temporary assistance programs were mere “band-aids” and that a binding ordinance was needed to provide genuine protection.

Speakers emphasized the unique vulnerability of mobile home owners, who own their physical homes but not the land beneath them. The high cost and logistical difficulty of relocating a mobile home often leave residents with little choice but to accept rent increases or risk eviction. One resident shared a particularly stark consequence: if a homeowner is evicted for non-payment, the park owner can take possession of their home.

“We need protection, not just a promise,” a resident told the council, contrasting the legal force of an ordinance with a non-binding agreement.

Support for the moratorium also came from the Humboldt Tenants Union, with a representative commending the senior residents for their effective self-organization and advocacy.

The newly passed ordinance is effective immediately and will remain in place until April 30, 2026, or until the city adopts a permanent Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), whichever comes first. City staff have been directed to begin the process of researching and drafting the permanent ordinance for future council consideration.