But now, with a 20% increase in her rent, she can’t decide whether to cut her losses and leave, or endure the increased hit on her limited income.
“I have no idea what I’ll do,” she said. “I’m in a low-income bracket, and even though that’s not a lot of rent for a home in this area, it’s a lot for this park, and a big increase.”
Adrienne Watkins, her neighbor, said her monthly rent went from $660 to $825 last year and that it will rise to $990 a month by July. She too, lives in the park to be close to her family, but added the decision to choose between her medications and paying the rent was a no-brainer.
“I have a choice between paying my rent or buying my prescriptions — and you know what the price of gas is; I don’t even have to mention that,” she said. “I’m going to have to move out.”
Attempts to reach V2 Ventures Acquisitions & Development Company, the property owner responsible for the increase, were unsuccessful.
However, a representative of the property’s Yorba Linda management company, J & H Asset Property Management, said the increase was the result of careful consideration by the park’s owners.
“Basically, we examined the highs and lows of other parks, along with other areas we feel we can compare to, and then a cost is determined based on the owner’s costs to operate and to maintain their facility,” J&H Property Manager Joe Levy said.
Anchor’s residents are particularly concerned that the increase isn’t simply to keep the park afloat in a rising sea of costs, but an underhanded move by the park’s new owners to push residents out and develop the property for more profitable usage.
Levy seemed incredulous when asked to comment on the allegations.
“I don’t have a comment on that,” he said.
