The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mobile home residents sue owner
Residents of a North Ridgeville mobile park are suing over allegations of illegal fees and property damage.
The lawsuit filed July 6 in Lorain County Common Pleas Court by 22 residents of Northridge Cove Mobile Home Park alleges park owner Northridge Cove LLC is charging unauthorized fees and seeks unspecified damages and attorney’s fees.
According to the filing, the plaintiffs, who all own their homes at the park located at 6610 Lear Nagle Road, were informed by a newsletter Aug. 1, 2019, their lot fees would rise by $15 per month due to increases irrespective of the current lease terms.
On Aug. 29, residents were notified the park was purchased by the present owners, who were increasing “home site rent” along with charging residents fees for water, sewer and trash, irrespective of the current lease terms, according to the suit.
Residents who refused to pay the additional fees, beginning in February, were threatened with eviction, the suit says.
The filing also alleges property damage stemming from the installation of water meters from December through January.
The plaintiffs argue they were not provided with the required 24-hour notice period before the installations commenced, resulting in water being shut off without notice.
Multiple mobile home owners reported frozen pipes and damaged underpinning that were not addressed by park owners.
The purchase was backed by Fannie Mae, a government-backed mortgage provider, which has placed moratoriums on evictions.
The lawsuit seeks damages for defective conditions, unreasonable entry unconscionable consumer transaction, breach of contract and unauthorized fees and rule changes.