Tenants at Yucca Valley mobile home park express frustration over “horrible” conditions

An old empty pool and worn out tennis courts used to be hangouts for the "rat pack" back in the 60's, according to those who live on the property.

But now, rats of a four-legged variety are overrunning the place, according to residents.

It's just one of a number of problems they're complaining about at Burnt Mountain Mobile Home Park off Highway 62.

"I have rats in my home now. I've never had that before. They're everywhere. She (a neighbor) has a raft infestation that keeps her up at night," said tenant Maria Cervantes.

Certvantes and several other tenants met with us Wednesday to lodge their complaints, which they say the manager and code enforcement are doing nothing about.

They say problems include broken sewer lines in areas where children play, trash on and around the property, old appliances, and a number of trailers with electrical and plumbing issues.

One tenant says the rats outnumber residents.

"I'm just angry because some have to live the way they are making us live like animals," said Cervantes.

Cervantes says she made her first complaints to the property manager about 11 months ago after moving in.

Other tenants say they've been complaining to code enforcement for more than a year.

After contacting the Town of Yucca Valley, a representative told News Channel 3 it's the California Department of Housing and Community Development which has authority over the mobile home park.

"That trailer right here, the mobile home RV, it has no sewage. It's no sewage at all. In buckets they're going to the bathroom." said tenant Cheryl Davies.

At the property office, we spoke with manager Denise Gilpin who did not want to comment on camera.

She says she is doing the best she can do with what she has and says she's done "nothing wrong".

She also says a number of residents are using the pandemic "as an excuse not to pay rent".

"There is rats everywhere. Holes everywhere that you can fall into. There is sewer open up there in several places," said Cervantes.

Cervantes says she and others would move from the park if they could afford it.

Now all they can do is continue to hope that someone will help get the place cleaned up.

The Department of Housing and Community Development was closed Wednesday for Veteran's Day.

News Channel 3 will follow up with the agency as part of our efforts to help the tenants find resolution.