Rent Dispute Resolution Process

The County's Mobilehome Space Rent Stabilization Ordinance provides that rent shall not be increased more than once every twelve (12) months. An affected tenant who is given notice of a rent increase that is more than 100% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) percent change is entitled to file a Petition for Space Rent Review. Affected tenants are those not on long term leases (more than 12 months) that have been notified of a rent increase. Upon the filing of a petition, the rent increase is not effective and may not be collected until and to the extent it is awarded by an arbitrator OR until the residents abandon the petition.

To request a hearing, tenants must file a Petition for Space Rent Review Arbitration . The Ordinance requires park owners to include a copy of the petition form with the rent increase notice. All those who sign the petition must: 1) be a resident of the park; 2) have received a notice of a space rent increase; 3) not be on a long term lease; 4) own the mobilehome on the space; and 5) be renting a space that was built before January 1, 1990. The petition must be signed by at least fifty-one percent (51%) of all those who meet requirements 1-3. Only one signature per space will be counted.

After obtaining the required signatures, deliver the petition or mail it by registered or certified mail to this office:

Sonoma County Community Development Commission
1440 Guerneville Road
Santa Rosa CA 95403

Be sure to complete all the blanks. Included with the petition a copy of the rent increase notice. A petition will not be valid unless it contains the required number of signatures. The CDC office must receive the petition within twenty-one (21) days from the date the notice of the space rent increase was served.

For the current CPI figure or any questions you may have concerning the petition or how to file it, contact the Sonoma County Community Development Commission at (707) 565 7537.

Click here for a printable copy of the Petition For Space Rent Review

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