Mobile‑home residents urge Corona council to close RSO loopholes, cap new‑buyer rents

A stream of mobile‑home owners and advocates told the Corona City Council on May 6 that the city's rent‑stabilization ordinance (RSO) contains gaps that allow park owners to set very high new‑buyer rents, reducing resale value and causing displacement.

Speakers described similar experiences across parks. Steve Husner said Corona West new‑buyer rent is now being listed at $2,000 and Country Woods at $1,800, and warned the council: "If we and you, the city council, don't intervene quickly, these amounts will be out of control." He asked the council to consider revisions to prevent rapid escalation.

Eugene Fizik told the council, "Compromise does not equal stabilization," and said some residents will be unable to sell because new‑buyer rents and associated financing put potential buyers out of reach. Judy Anderson asked for more plain‑language outreach and said the online posting of per‑space rents raised privacy and fairness concerns.

Multiple speakers asked the council to place RSO revisions on a future agenda, cap new‑buyer rent increases (proposals ranged from 3–5%), and close perceived loopholes that they said allow owners to push out original owners. Some commenters noted appreciation for the RSO but said it needs amendment to achieve the intended protections.

Council members and staff acknowledged the concerns; Mayor Casillas said staff would follow up with Dominique for outstanding questions and that more education is needed. The council did not vote on ordinance changes; speakers requested the issue return for formal consideration.