Victor Fraser

I have lived in Independence Woods in Clarkston, Michigan for 10 years. I have experienced numerous issues with this rental home since moving here.  They installed the wrong size HVAC unit for the house. The floor warped and had to be replaced two times in 10 years. Whenever we request maintenance, the park is always “short staffed” or “the truck is broken down,” but they had people and money to renovate the park office.

When I complain, they write me up and threatened me with eviction. When I tried to post on the park Facebook page, they censored me. Managers target residents when they complain.

My rent recently increased by $128 in one month! And I am responsible for all repairs to my home, even though I am a renter. The park has no amenities, no playground, no pool, and no community center. When I was ill and had to apply for assistance with my rent, the park manager delayed filling out the forms, and left me in limbo for weeks.

I just want to see my rent money used for what it was intended, to maintain a clean and safe community. I cannot afford repairs on top of my rent and fees. They have to give us a home that is in good working order, especially if they expect us to have to repair it. And I cannot afford to move.