Yesterday, AB 2031 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) passed out of the Assembly with bipartisan support. AB 2031 ensures mobilehome residents can bring a representative, such as a mobilehome advocate, interpreter, or attorney to meetings with park management to ensure residents have the proper support to navigate complex issues.
Civil Code Section 798.53 was enacted to promote communication and problem-solving between homeowners and mobilehome park management on various issues, such as maintenance and resident concerns. However, as currently written, it has been interpreted to mean that only a resident or their representative can meet with park management, but not both. This results in wasted time and ineffective meetings when the resident needs the help of an interpreter or the specialized knowledge of an advocate or attorney to navigate complex issues.
“Mobilehomes represent an important source of affordable housing in the state, especially for seniors and low-income households,” said Assemblymember Lee. “By ensuring that residents can bring a representative to meetings with park management, these meetings can be more productive in resolving issues.”
The bill is co-authored by Assemblymember Randy Voepel (R-Santee) and sponsored by the Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League (GSMOL). The bill is also supported by the Affordable Housing Network of Santa Clara County, Asian Law Alliance, and the Pepper Tree and Colonial Mobile Manor Mobile Home Parks.