Does Sonoma County limit rent increases for mobilehome park spaces?

Sonoma County's code: An increase above the regular annual cap needs the extra procedures in the chapter. (Applies to an increase sought within 12 months for a reason other than apportioning the rent stabilization administration fee.) (§ 2-193); An increase above 300% of the CPI change automatically requires meet-and-confer and arbitration to show good cause. (Applies to an increase sought within 12 months that exceeds 300% of the CPI change.) (§ 2-193).

Mobilehome park rent in Sonoma County: the local rules

Sonoma County code What Sonoma County's code adds
Annual increase limit	An increase above the regular annual cap needs the extra procedures in the chapter. Applies: Applies to an increase sought within 12 months for a reason other than apportioning the rent stabilization administration fee. § 2-193 · code text In the event an owner wishes to increase the rent payable for any mobilehome space within a twelve-month period more than the amount permitted in subsection (a) of this section for any reason other than that stated in subsection (b) of this section, the procedures set forth in Sections 2-194 and 2-195 shall be followed. An increase above 300% of the CPI change automatically requires meet-and-confer and arbitration to show good cause. Applies: Applies to an increase sought within 12 months that exceeds 300% of the CPI change. § 2-193 · code text In the event an owner wishes to increase the rent payable for any mobilehome space within a twelve-month period more than three hundred percent (300%) of the percent change in the Consumer Price Index, a mandatory meet-and-confer meeting and arbitration shall automatically be required to show good cause why such an increase is necessary. The ordinary annual increase is the lesser of 70% of the CPI percent change or 4%. Applies: Applies to covered park spaces, excluding fee apportionments and approved larger adjustments. § 2-193 · code text (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, from and after August 22, 1992, or the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, which ever should be earlier, the space rent payable for use or occupancy of any mobilehome space shall not be increased, in any twelve-month period, more than once. Such increase shall not exceed: (1) Seventy percent (70%) of the percent change in the Consumer Price Index; or (2) Four (4) percent, whichever may be less.
Spaces covered	A space under a lease of more than 12 months is not governed by the County rent stabilization program. Applies: Applies when the tenant elects a lease with a term of more than 12 months. § 19-54 · code text I understand that if I elect to sign a lease with a term of more than twelve months that my space rent will not be governed by the Sonoma County Mobilehome Park Space Rent Stabilization Program.
How often rent can go up	Not more than one rent increase per park per 12-month period. Applies: Applies at the arbitration hearing. § 2-195 · code text The arbitrator shall not allow more than one (1) rent increase per park per twelve-month period. Not more than once in any 12-month period. Applies: Applies to ordinary increases for covered park spaces, subject to fee apportionment and larger-adjustment procedures. § 2-193 · code text the space rent payable for use or occupancy of any mobilehome space shall not be increased, in any twelve-month period, more than once.
Petitions and pass-throughs	A proposed capital improvement must be claimed within 12 months after completion of the project, construction or final billing. Applies: Applies when a rent increase includes a capital improvement not otherwise allowed as a pass-through under state law. § 2-193 · code text A notice of rent increase incorporating within it a proposed capital improvement which is not otherwise authorized as a pass-through pursuant to Civil Code Section 798.49 must be claimed within twelve (12) months of the completion of the project, construction or final billing. The arbitrator may reduce the proposed increase to a fair return upon investment. Applies: Applies when an increase exceeds 300% of the CPI change and meet-and-confer and arbitration are mandatory. § 2-193 · code text The arbitrator may reduce this proposed increase to a figure determined upon the evidence submitted by the parkowner or their representative to be a fair return upon investment. Residents may petition the clerk for rent review, signed by at least 51% of affected residents. Applies: Not collectible until an arbitrator awards it or the petition is abandoned; petition due within 21 days of notice; applies to unresolved disputes. § 2-195 · code text If discussions between owner and residents do not resolve the dispute between them, the residents or their representative shall file with the clerk a petition for space rent review and a copy of the notice of rent increase, if available, within twenty-one (21) days after the date upon which the rent increase notice is received. The clerk shall not accept a petition for filing unless it has been signed by at least fifty-one percent (51%) of all affected residents.
When a home is sold or vacated	On an in-place sale, rent may rise by no more than 5% of the current base rent. Applies: Applies to in-place sale of a mobilehome on site to a resident-to-be or current resident. § 2-211 · code text Upon an in-place sale of a mobilehome on site to a resident-to-be or current resident, the parkowner may increase the rent by an amount that does not exceed five percent (5%) of the then current base rent.

Mobilehome park rent in Sonoma County

What Sonoma County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Sonoma County property

More on renting & eviction in Sonoma County