Our Board honored the residents' wishes and as a result was the target of a multi-million dollar lawsuit. With effective representation from our County Counsel's Office, we were successful in defending the lawsuit and the ruling set a precedent for consideration of a resident survey when determining the merits of a proposed conversion.

Unfortunately, some park owners have confused residents in their surveys about conversion. They have offered multiple choices in surveys using deceptive wording, causing some park residents not to participate in the survey. In subsequent litigation, some Southern California courts have allowed survey votes to be considered where only 5% of park residents voted. In those cases, there was still a majority of residents who voted against conversion, but the judges allowed the conversions to take place anyway; they said that not enough people participated and equated lack of participation with affirmative support of the conversion request.

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson has introduced Senate Bill (SB 510) which seeks to clarify the rules for resident surveys. This bill delivers the power back to local elected bodies to determine the outcome of the surveys and whether enough people have participated. If approved, SB 510 would restore balance and fairness, reduce litigation against local governments, help protect vulnerable mobile home park residents, and ensure that park owners deal fairly with homeowners to gain support for a conversion.

Currently the manufactured home park condominium conversion process is not effective or fair, nor does it adequately protect park residents. We have seen the results of the lack of clarity in the law and we have paid to defend our local residents. I have asked our Board to support SB 510 because it makes necessary changes to protect park residents and local governments around the issue of park conversions. To read a copy of the bill click here.