Target Range residents urge county to press Admiral Realty after steep rent hikes; commissioners agree to sign support letter

Residents of the Target Range Mobile Home Park told Missoula County commissioners on July 14 that recent rent increases and maintenance problems are forcing families out of the park and harming long-term residents.

John Wilkie and county staff presented a drafted letter to Admiral Realty asking the owner to engage in good-faith communication with residents, to address maintenance and lease concerns, and to be mindful of rent increases so homes remain affordable. The letter asks Admiral Realty to meet regularly with the tenants union and notes the county hopes to arrange a meeting with residents later this summer.

Residents who spoke described sudden and steep rent increases. "When the lot sold... it was $475 was lot rent, and it raised to $699 plus an additional trash fee of $22.23," said Lisa (last name redacted in transcript), who identified herself as a resident and county employee speaking in a personal capacity. She said rented trailer rents also increased, with one moving from about $900 to $1,250.

Tom Sager, another resident, said at least 10 families have moved out because they could not afford the new rents. He also raised concerns about missing security-deposit records, delayed or incomplete maintenance (he cited a leaky roof and unresolved plumbing problems), and about an abundance of empty trailers being offered for sale while needed maintenance went undone.

Commissioners expressed support for signing the letter and for facilitating a meeting between residents and the company. The transcript records the commission’s agreement to sign the letter; no roll-call tally appears in the record.