Golfview residents raise new issues with Havenpark
Lang
6/8/19
Residents of the Golfview manufactured housing community are raising new issues with the new owners of the trailer court.
Many residents organized as the Golfview Residents Association in opposition to a steep rent increase when Havenpark, the company that recently took ownership of the park, was increasing rent from $284 a month to $450. The group’s efforts led to Havenpark scaling that back to $380 on July 1st before it goes to the full $450 in April 2020.
The GRA has now issued a news release saying they want to meet with Havenpark officials face-to-face, saying a town hall-style meeting conducted by Havenpark officials last month was unsatisfactory. Representatives accused Havenpark of putting too many restrictions on the face-to-face meeting and announcing the date and time just a few days beforehand.
The GRA also says provisions in the new leases violate Iowa law. One such provision states that any changes made to the premises would become the property of Havenpark and must be left behind if the tenant moves. Iowa law states such improvements would belong to the tenant upon termination of the lease.
Another provision states the property shall be considered abandoned if the tenant is absent for more than 14 days. Iowa Code puts that number at 30 days.
One provision establishes fines and possible eviction for failing to obey speed limits and traffic laws within the mobile home park. An Iowa Supreme Court case cited in the GRA news release determined that such private penalties are illegal.
The news release goes on to say that while the GRA has not yet retained legal counsel, they are soliciting voluntary legal opinions.