Windsong Ownership Changes Hands, Rent Hikes Looming August 1

On May 30, residents of Windsong Mobile Home Park received notices indicating significant rent increases effective August 1, 2024. Tom Nuanez, also known as “Sedona Tom,” was among those informed that the monthly rent for his RV space would rise to $1,000.

The park, home to 36 lots mainly occupied by Latino families, will experience rent hikes ranging from $300 to $400 per month. This change follows the purchase of the property by Phoenix-based J&J Real Estate Holdings from RMB Sedona LLC. Previously, rental rates for each lot ranged between $750 to $900 monthly.

In contrast, rents at Sedona Shadows Mobile Home Park, a 55-and-over community, are advertised at $1,280 a month, excluding additional costs for utilities. Christopher Nimtz, a local business owner, lamented the loss of affordable housing options in Sedona, highlighting the broader issue of housing affordability in the area.

Nuanez, who has run a chauffeur service from the park for nine years, stated that the rent increase would force him to relocate to Cornville. Despite this, he aims to maintain a presence in Sedona for his business. “I’m not concerned for me because of how I’ve established myself in this town with my designated driver service,” Nuanez said. “But it’s the working people who are affected.”

Long-time resident and former park manager Andrea Curry expressed skepticism about finding alternative housing. “I’m hoping I will but it’s not looking very possible,” she said, noting that even with two jobs, affording new accommodations for her family would be difficult.

The notice from J&J Real Estate Holdings claimed intentions to make property repairs and maintain a crime-free, family-oriented community. However, the specifics of these repairs remain unclear to residents like Curry, who reported frustration over recent actions, including the unexplained demolition of a mobile home that led to health concerns.

J&J Real Estate Holdings acquired Windsong on April 26 for $2.985 million, purchasing it from Real Offer LLC, which had acquired the property from RMB Sedona earlier that day. RMB Sedona had originally bought the park in December 2005 for $2.9 million. Despite repeated inquiries, J&J Real Estate Holdings has not provided comments on the matter.

Curry noted that the sale, while long-rumored, was still a shock to many residents, particularly the Spanish-speaking community who might not fully understand their rights. “It’s been traumatizing for people,” she stated. “I’m still terrified because I don’t know where we’re going to go.”