Sireesha Manne Executive Director | New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Six residents of San Juan Mobile Home Park in Aztec, New Mexico, have filed a lawsuit against the park’s corporate owners, alleging illegal rule changes, unlawful fees, and wrongful eviction attempts. The lawsuit was filed in state district court and names Aztec MHC LLC and Capital Communities PM LLC—a Tennessee-based company—as defendants. The plaintiffs are represented by the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, DNA People’s Legal Services, and Treinen Law Office.
San Juan Mobile Home Park was purchased in April 2025 by Aztec MHC LLC. According to residents who own their homes but rent space in the park, management implemented new rules soon after the sale that they claim destabilized the community.
Riley Masse, Economic Equity Attorney at the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, stated: “Manufactured home communities are the backbone of affordable housing in our state. These residents are long-time homeowners who contribute to the strength and character of Northern New Mexico. This corporation is trying to exploit them with illegal rent increases and misinformation that preys on fear. But New Mexico law protects these families and says out-of-state park owners can’t bully residents out of their homes.”
The lawsuit claims that Capital Communities PM LLC and Aztec MHC LLC imposed sudden rule changes, unclear violation notices, and unexpected fees. Residents say these actions created financial pressure and increased risk of eviction despite their history of timely payments.
Daniela Dwyer, Litigation Director at DNA People’s Legal Services said: “Everyone deserves housing that is safe, stable, and free from exploitation. Access to decent and affordable housing is a crisis in New Mexico, including across San Juan County. We look forward to helping ensure the rights and dignity of residents at the San Juan Mobile Home Park are respected.”
Some community members left fearing eviction due to higher rents; others attempted to move their manufactured homes but faced high costs or damage during relocation.
Kelly Garcia—one plaintiff—has lived in the park for nine years while raising her daughter and caring for her grandson with disabilities. She reports an eviction case was filed against her without proper notice; this case is now on appeal. Another plaintiff, Randy Blakley, was forced out after an eviction judgment based on what he alleges were improperly served notices; his case is also under appeal.
Advocates link these events to a broader trend where out-of-state corporations buy manufactured home parks nationwide then raise rents or impose new rules quickly after purchase. Last week U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan announced an investigation into investment firms buying such parks.
Masse added: “New Mexico has strong protections for owners of manufactured homes because we believe in community, stability, and fairness. But we’re watching a national corporate playbook sweep into our state — one that puts thousands of families at risk… This lawsuit is about stopping those predatory practices and making it clear that New Mexico will enforce its laws.”
Neil Lobato—a homeowner plaintiff—said: “This is our home. We’ve raised families here. We take care of this place… When the new corporate owners came in, they treated us like we were a problem instead of people… We’re demanding what every New Mexican deserves: fair treatment, lawful rent, and the right to stay in our homes without harassment.”
Joanne DeMichele from Land of Enchantment Manufactured Homeowners’ Alliance (LEMHOA) commented: “What is happening in Aztec… shows why there must be real accountability for investors who buy the land under people’s homes… No one should face a pipeline from homeownership to homelessness while investors post record profits… San Juan shows why enforcement and action are urgently needed.”
The plaintiffs seek court intervention under New Mexico’s Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA), which requires strict procedures for rulemaking or evictions involving lot renters who own their homes but cannot easily relocate them due to cost or risk.
The full legal complaint can be accessed at https://www.nmpovertylaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Complaint-SJMHP-2025-12-12-Endorsed.pdf
The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty works throughout New Mexico providing legal representation as well as policy advocacy focused on issues such as public benefits reform, labor protections improvement efforts through litigation or education campaigns over more than 25 years from its Albuquerque headquarters.
