Paramount residents urge city council for 3% rent control amid rising costs

During the City Council meeting held on January 28, 2025, in Paramount, California, residents from local mobile home parks voiced urgent concerns regarding escalating rent increases that threaten their financial stability. The meeting highlighted the struggles of low-income families and seniors living in mobile home communities, who are facing annual rent hikes of 8% to 10%, coupled with rising utility costs and taxes.

Carolina Rios, a resident of Rio Puente Mobile Home Park for 22 years, passionately appealed for rent control measures, advocating for a cap of 3% on annual increases. She emphasized the challenges faced by low-income families, stating that the current rent levels make it impossible for them to achieve the "American dream." Rios expressed her worries about retirement, noting that inflation has made it increasingly difficult for her and her neighbors to make ends meet.

Maria Castellon, another resident, shared her experience of witnessing her mother's rent rise from nearly $500 to over $1,000 in just a decade. She highlighted the plight of elderly residents who are unable to cope with such financial burdens, urging the council to consider the impact of these increases on vulnerable populations.

The testimonies continued with Maria Amaya and Adela Herrera, who echoed similar sentiments about the financial strain caused by annual rent hikes and additional taxes. Amaya noted that her rent had also surged to $1,000 since she moved in, while Herrera pointed out that the cumulative effect of rising costs for utilities and services is overwhelming for many residents.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing concern among community members about the sustainability of living in mobile home parks, particularly for seniors and low-income families. The residents collectively called on the city council to take action to implement rent control measures that would provide them with much-needed relief.

As the meeting concluded, the council members were left to consider the implications of these testimonies and the potential need for policy changes to address the housing affordability crisis affecting their constituents. The residents' pleas for assistance reflect a broader issue of housing insecurity that is increasingly prevalent in many communities across the nation.