Mobile Home Resident Fights for and Wins Rent Refunds

Goleta mobile home owner Toni Saltzman celebrated a victory last week for her neighbors in the Santa Barbara West park, as her advocacy led to residents being given refunds on last year’s monthly rent payments, which had been raised slightly against the rules of a rent control ordinance. The rise in rent came during the recession, which struck Saltzman as wrong, given that the ordinance only allows increases based on an escalating consumer price index, which was stagnant. With the help of the City of Goleta’s attorney, Saltzman successfully pushed back, and the park owners relented. “I ended up getting everyone a refund!” exclaimed a proud Saltzman last week, explaining that she believes at least 100 residents got anywhere from $150 to $200 back due to her work.