Residents of a Mesa mobile home park are being forced to leave their homes as the property is set to close, creating a difficult situation for dozens of homeowners who now face a tight deadline and overwhelming costs. The park, located near McKellips Road, has given residents until the end of the month to move out after receiving a 180-day notice to vacate.
Many of the residents own their mobile homes, but despite ownership, they are still required to relocate due to the land being sold. According to one resident, they were initially told the park would be renovated and improved, but plans later changed, and they were informed that the property would instead be redeveloped into condominiums.
For homeowners, the situation presents two difficult options: move their homes or abandon them entirely. While Arizona does provide a relocation assistance fund, the amount offered falls far short of the actual cost required to move a mobile home. The state provides up to $12,500 for single-wide homes and up to $20,000 for double-wide homes, with payments made directly to licensed contractors.
However, residents report that moving costs are significantly higher than what the state covers. One homeowner shared estimates ranging between $30,000 and $50,000 just to relocate a double-wide home, and those figures do not include additional expenses such as reinstalling skirting, repairing interiors, or obtaining necessary permits.
Because of these high costs, many residents say they have no choice but to abandon their homes. In such cases, the state offers compensation of $5,000 for single-wide homes and $8,000 for double-wide homes, but this amount is often far less than what residents have invested into their properties over the years.
One resident described the decision as heartbreaking, explaining that she had put significant time and effort into her home over decades. Faced with the financial burden of moving and required upgrades, she ultimately decided to leave it behind and start over elsewhere.
Advocates for mobile home residents say situations like this highlight a growing issue in Arizona’s housing landscape. Mobile homes are often one of the last remaining affordable housing options, making closures especially impactful for lower-income individuals and families.
Legal advocates also stress the importance of understanding lease agreements and ownership rights before moving into a mobile home park. They recommend securing long-term leases when possible, ensuring that titles are properly documented, and staying informed about potential park sales or redevelopment plans.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to research licensed moving companies, compare quotes, and report concerns about relocation costs to state officials. While the state regulates licensing and safety standards for mobile home movers, it does not control the prices they charge, which can vary widely and create financial challenges for homeowners.
As the deadline approaches, many families are left scrambling to find new housing while dealing with the emotional and financial strain of leaving behind homes they may have owned for years. For some, the only viable option is to walk away and begin again elsewhere.
Source: ABC15
