Written by Tanya Terry, with photos courtesy of John Potbury, Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office
Featured photo: Prosecutor David Leyton stated at a recent press conference that his office believes the conviction of the former owners of North Morris Estates marked the first time in Michigan history that the owner of a mobile home park had been criminally charged and convicted under the Mobile Home Commission Act.
A mobile home park in Genesee County, Michigan, is recovering after experiencing significant problems under out-of-state investor ownership.
Homes of America, a hedge fund subsidiary, pleaded guilty to operating the North Morris Estates without a license and was ordered to pay a $25,000 criminal fine. This marks what may be the first conviction under Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act, according to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. Under the previous ownership, residents suffered from brown drinking water that damaged appliances, raw sewage spills and rent increases of approximately 12%. An investigation by Michigan State Police found that the former owner had been operating without a license since at least November 29, 2023. Leyton originally announced criminal charges on August 1, 2024.
“It was two years ago this week that I stood here alongside many of you—including State Senator John Cherry, County Commissioner Marty Coussineau, Thetford Township Supervisor Rachel Stainkey, and others—to announce that my office had charged North Morris Estates Mobile Home Park, LLC with operating without a license in violation of Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act,” stated Leyton at a press conference held earlier this month.
“At that time, North Morris Estates was a subsidiary of Homes of America, a company owned by a billion-dollar hedge fund based in New York,” Leyton continued.
“Following those charges, an authorized agent of the corporation entered a guilty plea to a one-year misdemeanor and paid a criminal fine of $25,000. We believe that conviction marked the first time in Michigan history that the owner of a mobile home park had been criminally charged and convicted under the Mobile Home Commission Act.
“While that conviction was significant, the most important part of the plea agreement was this: the owners agreed to sell the park.
“And they did.
“Today, one year after that sale, we are here to recognize what can happen when responsible ownership replaces corporate neglect.
“From everything I have heard—including from one of North Morris Estates’ strongest advocates, Theo Gantos—the new ownership has embraced its responsibility to the residents. They have invested in the property, restored essential services and renewed their stewardship of this community. Most importantly, they have made North Morris Estates a safe and habitable place for individuals and families to call home once again.”
A North Morris Estates resident representative stated that the previous owners were extractors rather than investors, noting that brown water destroyed his hot water heater and washing machine.
Homes of America agreed to sell the park as part of a plea deal.
Significant improvements made by the new owners in their first months of ownership including replacing 73 water lines and are connecting the park to municipal water. Additional improvements include renovations to the main office and community space, road repairs and restoration of a community pool. The new owners have also switched to organic herbicide for weed control and have supported efforts to vaccinate and neuter the outdoor and stray cats living in the mobile home park.
North Morris Estates Resident Theo Gantos and other residents are hopeful that Senate Bills passed in May to strengthen rights and protections for mobile home residents will be signed into law during the next few months.
Leyton pointed out that unfortunately, the problems that existed at North Morris Estates are not unique to Genesee County.
