Mary Hunt
My name is Mary Hunt, I live in South Valley Estates in Swartz Creek, Michigan.
I'm writing in support of HB4298-HB4304.
Mary is smiling. She has black glasses and a tie-dye shirt.
I moved into South Valley Estates in 1991. My parents sold their home and downsized to a double wide mobile home. I became their caregiver; I do not remember a time when I wasn't. When they both passed, I inherited the mobile home. I have always loved the peace and quietness of this community.
Havenpark purchased this community about 3 years ago. When I moved in the lot rent was $315, but since Havenpark took over they raised our rents and added fees, like water, sewer, trash, school tax, pet fee and administration fees. I think it’s ridiculous they add a fee to send us bills. Now under Havenpark, I will spend approximately $500 per month before my electric and gas and other fees are even added.
We do not have an onsite manager. I have no way to directly contact Havenpark in case an emergency arises. We have no tornado shelter, clubhouse or playground. They Made improvements like the new street signs and a new sign at the entrance, but our rent was increased so much for these small improvements. Had they done a tornado or a storm shelter we could have seen a reason for a rent increase but not what we got.
I'd like for this community to have caring management, who will work with residents when they fall on hard times, for instance, during a global pandemic. Havenpark continued rent hikes and evictions during the pandemic. Seeing my neighbors being evicted and displaced broke my heart.
Then I got sick with COVID-19 and missed April and May rent. Now they are trying to evict me even though the federal government has stopped evictions for folks who fell behind because of COVID. I’m working five jobs to try to make ends meet. I’m exhausted. I never got a June invoice from Havenpark. And my calls went unanswered and unreturned when I called asking for my July invoice. I’ve applied for assistance from our local rent relief program. My legal aid attorney will be representing me at my eviction court date coming up in a few weeks. This company doesn’t have any compassion or care for us.
We need government actions to keep our homes affordable, keep us in our homes, treat residents fairly, and save our communities from predatory investors. We are asking the legislators to support HB 4298-4304
For questions, please contact me.
