Laws Governing Senior Mobile Home Parks in California
Senior mobile home parks provide affordable housing to Californians over the age of 55. These senior communities may have certain age requirements and they are governed by federal and state law. Units may be available for the senior to rent, lease or own and they often offer accommodations for the senior's recreation and disabilities.
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Unruh Act
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The California Unruh Civil Rights Act protects people from discrimination in business establishments, including housing accommodations such as senior mobile home parks. The elderly are a protected class under Unruh whether facing discrimination due to their age, medical condition, familial status, disability or an other characteristic prohibited by the act. Victims may sue the mobile home park owner for damages for the senior's out-of-pocket expenses, emotional distress, cease and desist orders, and exemplary (punitive) damages in cases of malicious or willful misconduct by the mobile home park. Seniors may file complaints against owners, agents or employees of the owner by contacting the Department of Fair Employment and Housing within one year of the alleged misconduct at 800-884-1684.
Federal Law
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A law that amended the Fair Housing Act passed in 1995. The Housing for Older Persons Act is a federal law which governs California mobile home parks. The act sets forth guidelines for what defines housing for older persons and is not limited to mobile home parks. According to the law, such housing is intended for occupancy by seniors 55 years and older. To be considered a senior mobile home park, at least 80 percent of units must be occupied by at least one senior using it as their primary residence. The owner must publish these standards and verify compliance within their park with reliable surveys and affidavits (written statements).
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Occupancy of Non-Seniors
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Whether or not a non-senior--a person under 62 or 55, depending on park requirements--can occupy a unit at a California senior mobile home park depends on various factors. According to Real Town, an online real estate network, 62-and-older housing prohibits anyone younger live there unless: they are a live-in caregiver for a disabled senior; an employee's job requires the person to co-habitate with the senior; or the occupant lived in the property prior to Jan. 1 1985, when a California law prohibiting discrimination based on age went into effect. Parks with 55-and-older restrictions may allow younger "qualified permanent residents," to live with the senior, according to Real Town. The co-habitant must be at least 45 years old or a spouse, caregiver or disabled child or grandchild who depends on the senior.
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References
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Comments
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Riviera mobile estates Canoga Park, Ca. is a 55+ park but is operating more like a family park. The park has rules and doesn't stand by them, they are the first to break them. We haven't been given a copy of the laws as required each January. A large family and a young girl have just moved in next to me with two dogs that never stop barking. I have complained to the manager and get no response.I am 71 years old with a heart condition and many other health problems. I have lived in this space for over nine years and don't have money or the physical capabilities to move, HELP!
