The Windmill Mobile Estates owner is requesting another rent
increase. The $19 per month owner Peter Wang is requesting,
combined with the $71 increase that went into effect Oct. 1 makes
for a $90 increase for 24 tenants who are on month-to-month leases.
Another 66 tenants are on long-term leases with fixed rents.
The Windmill Mobile Estates owner is requesting another rent increase.
The $19 per month owner Peter Wang is requesting, combined with the $71 increase that went into effect Oct. 1 makes for a $90 increase for 24 tenants who are on month-to-month leases. Another 66 tenants are on long-term leases with fixed rents.
The increase is being phased in over nine years, and will eventually raise the 24 tenants’ average rent from $365 to $436.
Wang said he’d like to tack on another $19 because the first increase didn’t accurately reflect property tax rates he’s forced to pay.
The city hired consultant Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., to determine whether the request was warranted; they found that it was.
The city’s Mobile Home Rent Commission heard Wang’s case at its Feb. 12 meeting. They held off on deciding their next scheduled meeting, March 12. Commissioners including Swanee Edwards said they’d like to leave time for more public comment and to give Keyser Marston time to compile updated data, like the affected tenants’ current rents.
When asked by Commissioner Robert Escobar at a recent meeting whether or not a future appraisal that brings property taxes down would be reflected in reduced rent for the tenants, Wang said yes.
“The whole petition is based on (assessed property values),” he said. “If that doesn’t hold water, then of course we’ll reduce rent.”
Wang bought the 90-unit park, located at 575 Pedro Ave., in August 2005 for $4.3 million.
Wang’s initial rent increase was approved by the commission in a 3-1 vote in May 2008. Commissioner John Liegl cast the lone dissenting vote and Commissioner Elena Ann Miles recused herself, as she is the property manager at Windmill.
Miles is also recusing herself from this decision.
