At a recent Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisors Allen Long and Chris Kelstrom announced a deal with Harmony Communities that halts a proposed rent increase in three county mobile‑home parks until at least March 2027. The agreement, reached after a brief discussion during the board’s report, is intended to give the county a window to consider a permanent rent‑stabilization ordinance.
Background on the proposed increase
Harmony Communities, which purchased Riverland Mobile Home Ranch, Bixby Knolls, and Cottonwood Ridge Mobile Home Parks earlier this year, planned to raise monthly rent from $625 to $985 effective Dec. 1. The company offered a $300 credit to offset the jump, but residents expressed concern that the credit could be withdrawn and that there is no long‑term protection against future hikes.
Resident advocacy and local response
Mobile‑home owners began organizing after receiving the notice on Aug. 31. Bixby Knolls resident Crystal Baker circulated a petition in English on Sept. 6 and later produced a Spanish version. She presented the issue to the Anderson City Council on Oct. 6 and again to the Shasta Board of Supervisors on Oct. 28, where at least a dozen owners voiced opposition.
Attorney Josh Divine, pro bono for the homeowners, sent a letter to the board on Nov. 4 urging a delay and calling for permanent legislative action to protect residents. He warned that the board should not simply mediate the dispute but should look toward a lasting rent‑stabilization solution.
Negotiations and the delayed timeline
Supervisors Long and Kelstrom invited Tehama County Supervisor Greg Jones to discuss a draft rent‑stabilization ordinance already moving forward in Tehama. While some board members, such as Supervisor Kevin Crye, pressed for a quicker answer, the supervisors opted to continue talks with Harmony, hoping to avoid the need for a new ordinance.
The resulting agreement postpones the rent increase for roughly 90 days, providing a period for trust‑building between residents and Harmony. Harmony CEO Matt Davies welcomed the pause, stating, “We continue to work with county supervisors and residents to ensure affordable rents and a viable long‑term path forward for the parks, so they can continue serving residents for generations to come.”
Next steps for residents
Supervisor Long acknowledged that residents were not included in the initial negotiation and pledged that future discussions will involve homeowner representatives. “It’s important that their voices be heard as we move forward,” he said.
Kelstrom echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the goal of using the pause to build confidence that Harmony will not raise rents again without proper consultation. “I prefer not to have to pass a rent ordinance, but the people have to feel protected and comfortable,” he explained.
Attorney Divine reiterated that the board’s role should be to pursue permanent rent‑stabilization legislation, not merely to mediate between the park owners and the company.
Implications for Shasta County
The delay offers a rare example of local officials working collaboratively with a private landlord to address affordable‑housing concerns without immediate legislative action. If successful, the approach could serve as a model for other counties facing similar mobile‑home rent‑increase challenges, especially given the gap in state law AB 1482 that leaves mobile‑home residents vulnerable.
Stakeholders remain watchful as the 90‑day window progresses. Residents hope the continued dialogue will culminate in a clear, enforceable rent‑stabilization ordinance that safeguards the affordability of mobile‑home living for families across Shasta County.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
