TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Tenants at a mobile home community say they are being forced to move because of a deteriorated gas line.
Residents at the Desert Cove Mobile Home and RV Community say the property manager gave them notice over the weekend. The park is located at 3610 S. Aldon Road.
According to the letter, dated April 3, the park is closing and tenants have to leave within 30 days. The gas line failed a state inspection and it would be too costly for the owners to replace it. It also said the water and electrical systems need to soon be replaced and the improvements are "beyond the financial capability of the owner's."
A report from the Arizona Corporation Commission shows the gas line system was installed in 1969, and the most recent inspection was on March 9 of this year. The property could not provide necessary records regarding the gas line, resulting in nine violations. Requirements of the inspection include having a written emergency plan and a leak survey of the system done at least once each calendar year with records to prove it.
Nine On Your Side reached out to the property manager, John Hydrick, who says they are trying to do what's best for residents. He says that tenants will not actually be forced to leave in 30 days, they will get extra time and as much money as possible to relocate.
Gas is now shut off in the park, and in the next few days mobile showers will be brought in so those at the park can have hot water. There are 40 spaces at the park, Hydrick said.
According to the letter renters will not have to pay rent, they will get a return of their deposit money and two months rent once they move. Owners who have financing on homes in the park will get up to $2,500 for moving, one months' space rent at another location, and other deductions. Owners who have no financing on homes will get up to $2,500 toward moving. Hydrick says they are working with the Arizona Housing Commission to increase those benefits.
Danelle Paye has lived at the park for four months, and says she owns her mobile home and has put more than $12,000 into it. She has a two-year-old daughter, and says moving her unit may cost up to $10,000.
There is no gas at the park now, which means Paye has no hot water and can't use the stove.
"I was devastated. I was crying all night," Paye said. "I don't know what I'm going to do for my daughter and myself and my family."
Nine On Your Side reached out to the owner of the property and have not yet heard back.
Some of the tenants are eligible for more money, according to the Debra Blake, the interim director of the Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety. Blake says the park had leaks in the line, and some areas were spewing gas.
There is money available for tenants in a relocation fund, Blake says. If residents own the titles to their homes they qualify for $5,000 for a single wide, and $10,000 for a double wide.
Blake says the agency is working on getting information for those who are renting. Once the property manager gives them a list of names the department will mail them packets of information onw what they can do next.
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