The most vulnerable homeowners in New Mexico and elsewhere are individuals who purchase manufactured homes, often from landowners who lease land and provide infrastructure and amenities. In these communities, commonly referred to as Mobile Home Parks, a landowner leases land to homeowners. In New Mexico, the landowner rights are protected and prioritized. It is a situation ripe for abuse and suffering.
There are innumerable examples of resident hardships and abuses in New Mexico and throughout the country, as well as many that have gone unreported. Without legal protections, it is just a matter of time before the next crisis occurs.
Legal Injustices and Exploitation
In 2020, residents of Aztec Village in Albuquerque filed a class-action lawsuit against Nodel Parks LLC, alleging illegal fines and eviction threats for minor infractions. These fines were not part of official community rules, and residents were threatened with eviction. The lawsuit highlighted violations of the New Mexico Mobile Home Park Act.
Sources:
- https://www.nmpovertylaw.org/2020/01/30/mobile-home-park-residents-fight-illegal-fines-and-eviction/
- https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/mobile-home-park-resident-suing-property-owners-for-mistreatment-unfair-fines/
In 2023, a couple residing in Dale Mobile Village received a 30-day eviction notice without any stated reason, violating the Mobile Home Park Act’s requirement for detailed cause.
- Source: https://sourcenm.com/2023/03/03/mobile-home-park-tenants-get-eviction-notice-after-45-years/
Neglect and Unsafe Living Conditions
Residents report neglect and unsafe conditions. In Alamogordo, Amber Skies Mobile Home Park faced water outages and a broken security gate. At White Sands Manufactured Home and RV Community, gas leaks led to prolonged shutoffs.
Sources:
- https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/273261/residents-continue-face-water-and-security-concerns-amber-skies-mobile
- https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/gas-shut-off-again-for-white-sands-mobile-home-park/
Lack of Visibility and Advocacy
Mobile home park residents often lack media coverage and legal advocacy. The Los Alamos Reporter notes many parks do not comply with state statutes regarding rental agreements and rule changes.
Source:
- https://losalamosreporter.com/2022/05/30/los-alamos-reporter-article-on-mobile-home-park-tenants/
Advocacy and Resources
Organizations such as the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty and New Mexico Legal Aid provide legal assistance. Legislation, such as Senate Bill 298 in 2023 and House Bills 418, 426, and 442 introduced in 2025, have attempted to enact protections for homeowners (see Legislative Initiatives https://manufacturedhomeownersalliance.org/legislative-initiatives/).
Investigative Series by Ryan Laughlin
Out-of-State Ownership and Rising Rents
Laughlin’s report highlights companies like Legacy Communities raising rents at parks like Albuquerque Meadows, affecting seniors and fixed-income residents.
Source:
- https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/4-investigates-out-of-state-housing-game-squeezes-mobile-home-owners/
Legislative Efforts and Resident Advocacy
House Bills 426 and 442 proposed protections including resident purchasing rights and rent caps, though they faced challenges in legislation.
Source:
- https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/4-investigates-protections-for-mobile-park-residents-in-roundhouse/
Community Mobilization and Local Ordinances
Albuquerque City Council passed a bill allowing residents a chance to purchase their land, providing long-term stability.
Source:
- https://www.kob.com/news/4-investigates/4-investigates-mobile-home-residents-get-win-in-city-council/