San Jose tightens its mobile park rent control loophole landlords could drive an RV through

San Jose revised its mobile home rent control policy to classify recreational vehicles as mobile homes, addressing illegal rent hikes by landlords. The decades-old policy allowed rent increases of up to 7% without city approval, but some landlords, like those at Western Trailer Park, claimed RVs were not covered. Housing Director Erik Soliván stated that the update clarifies existing rules intended to protect tenants. Resident Cesareo Romero, living in the park for 19 years, noted attempts to raise rents and welcomed the additional clarity. Officials, including Housing and Community Development Commissioner Ali Sapirman, plan to educate landlords on the updated policy to ensure compliance.

This change aims to stabilize rents for the 15 mobile home parks in San Jose where RV residents live. Harmony Communities, which manages Western Trailer Park, disputes the need for the amendment, arguing that the policy already covered RVs. The city's commitment to enforcing the ordinance is intended to enhance housing stability for vulnerable tenants.