After a two-year journey, Assembly Bill 978 was signed into law by Governor Newsom last month. The bill provides rent gouging protections by prohibiting management of a mobile home park that is located within, and governed by, two or more incorporated cities from increasing rental rate for a space in the park by more than three percent (3%) plus the percentage change in the cost of living, with a maximum total of five percent (5%). The only mobile home park in California that fits the criteria under the law is Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park in Anaheim and Fullerton.

“The residents of Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park cannot adequately express their gratitude and appreciation for Assembly Bill 978. Over 600 residents will now have protection from rent increases that have forced us to skip medication and seek food donations to pay unsustainable rent increases,” said Lupe Ramirez, Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park resident. “Double-digit rent increases over the past three years have affected all of us. As seniors, veterans, and disabled residents, we now have some protections and know we have not been ignored or forgotten by our State leaders. The residents of Rancho La Paz may now have some peace.”

Rancho La Paz residents celebrate the passage of AB 978. Photo by Jesse La Tour.

“Mobile home owners deserve stable and secure housing,” said Assemblymember David Chiu, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Joint Author of the bill. “I am grateful to Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Quirk-Silva for working diligently on this important legislation to keep Californians housed.”

Rancho La Paz Homeowners Association president Lupe Ramirez, who fought for AB 978, receives a “thank you” card and gift basket from the residents of Rancho La Paz.

“As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to do more to keep people in their homes,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “I am thankful that Governor Newsom signed this important measure as we continue to address the housing crisis facing California.”