Rapp V. Olivo

This appeal arises from a judgment entered in a forcible detainer action. The defendants are tenants in the Vista Hermosa Mobile Home Park, where they rent spaces for their mobile homes. Defendants Laura G. Strand and Edward Smith rented space at a base monthly rate of $125 pursuant to a one-year written agreement which was to expire on December 30, 1982. Defendant Angelo J. Olivo's one-year lease, providing for rent at that same rate, expired on February 28, 1983. Prior to the time the leases expired, plaintiff John Rapp, the owner of the mobile home park, notified the tenants of rental increases and charges that would go into effect when the leases were renewed following expiration. The defendants were among a group of tenants who objected to the increase in rents and charges and sought to extend the existing rental terms. The landlord nevertheless proceeded with the increase, giving a second notice of the increase to the tenants in January, 1983, and instituting the increase in April, 1983. Some of the tenants, including the above-mentioned defendants, refused to pay rent at the increased rate.