Hunter
09/28/23
Residents of area mobile home parks held a news conference outside the Johnson County Administration Building Wednesday.
According to a release from the Iowa Manufactured Home Residents Network, the residents called out Havenpark, the out-of-state owner that purchased many local parks starting in 2019. They now own five mobile home parks in Johnson County; Modern Manor, Lake Ridge Estates, Sunrise Village, Golf View Mobile Home Court, and Western Hills Mobile Home Court.
Since the takeover, residents say they’ve seen ten percent or more increases in lot rent every year, with a reduction in services and poor maintenance. They’re asking state lawmakers to put an emergency moratorium on rent increases, and require Havenpark to restore safety and maintenance levels.
Residents of Modern Manor said that after the new owners took over, cable TV and mowing amenities were withdrawn.
State representative Dave Jacoby of Coralville said a bill that would simplify mobile home rental agreements, cap annual rent increases at 5 percent, and require a 90-day notice is awaiting movement in the legislature.