Mobile-Home Park Owner Sues City
The owner of a Moorpark mobile-home park has filed a lawsuit against the city because officials won’t let him raise the rent in certain situations.
Dale Williams, owner of the 240-home Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park on Los Angeles Avenue, filed the lawsuit after the City Council voted to limit rent increases in the city’s two mobile-home parks to the federal consumer price index rate rather than an annual 4% rate that had previously been allowed.
“I’m disappointed they chose litigation,” City Councilman Chris Evans said. “I thought we had reached a stable compromise for all parties.”
In the 15-page lawsuit, which was filed in August, Williams contends that he has been unfairly burdened by a city policy that exempts tenants of mobile homes from rent increases if they can show economic hardship.
The lawsuit argues that the policy is unconstitutional, illegal and unenforceable.
The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages and urges the court to repeal the policy.
In a nine-page response, City Atty. Cheryl Kane said the lawsuit has no merit and has asked that the city be compensated for legal fees.
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