by Ila Bell | Special to the Courier

Upland City Council heard emotional testimony at its Monday meeting from residents impacted by its recent repeal of the city’s Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

The room was packed, with commenters criticizing the council for unceremoniously ending the program in June 2025, leaving hundreds of residents facing rent increases they were unaware were coming. Much of the public comment came from elderly residents from El Dorado Mobile Home Park, an age-restricted facility affected deeply due to many residents living on fixed incomes.

Many commenters shared their fear of becoming homeless and having to choose between necessities and paying rent.

“I never dreamed I would be frightened at the age of 75 at the possibility of being homeless, but many of us are in that situation right now,” said a woman who identified herself only as Beth.

The action follows neighboring Claremont City Council’s unanimous vote on April 14 to reallocate $360,000 from its successor housing fund to cover its temporary housing stabilization and relocation program, helping stave off possible homelessness for some of the 202 households it benefits, at least through December.

During Monday’s 40-minute public comment period in Upland, a speaker prompted those impacted by the repeal to stand, after which nearly every audience member rose.

The repeal was part of a larger update to the Upland’s municipal code last summer. Upland City Manager Michael Blay said the previous ordinance contained “unworkable provisions,” including limitations that were not aligned with State of California timelines and current economic conditions.

“We understand there are concerns in the mobile home community, and we take those seriously,” Blay wrote in an email. “The City is currently evaluating the impacts of the repeal before determining any potential next steps. As part of that process, we are also looking at ways to improve communication and ensure residents are better informed moving forward.”

Commenters were clear on their position that the council had erred in neglecting to inform mobile home residents of its intent to do away with the subsidy, and of its decision to do so.

“Even as we age, we do not forget that we were forgotten a year ago,” said Marjorie, 92. “I ask you, please, please correct this mistake that was made a year ago … and reinstate the rent control so that I may have a home until I pass.”

Blay said the council would revisit the ordinance May 11.

There are 865 mobile homes in six parks in Upland, comprising about 3% of its housing stock. El Dorado is its only age-restricted park according to the city’s housing element.

Although a portion of residents own their mobile homes, the increase in land lease prices typically has inverse effects on the home itself, causing the market value to depreciate as the lot rent rises, another impact many residents noted.

Many commenters said they chose to live Upland specifically due to the city’s mobile home rent stabilization ordinance.

Despite the city cancelling its rent stabilization program, Blay said state law protections for Upland mobile home residents remain in place. The California Mobilehome Residency Law includes restrictions on evictions, requires notices of rental increase, and allows residents to sell their mobile home. However, the law does not cap the amount landlords can increase rents, a concern for many.

Upland’s 2021-2029 Housing Element —  a long-term plan for the city’s development updated every eight years — was last revised in May 2024.

Bell is a sophomore writing and sociology student at Scripps College and is originally from Montana.