Report I2016-2 Recommendation 13 Responses
Report I2016-2: Investigations of Improper Activities by State Agencies and Employees: Conflict of Interest, Violation of Post-Employment Ethics Restrictions, Waste of State Funds, Misuse of State Resources, and Incompatible Activities (Release Date: August 2016)
Case Number I2014-0934
Recommendation #13 To: Transportation, Department of
Pursue rent and utility payments due from the mobile home park's tenants on a regular and timely basis. This will require that Caltrans develop a means to read the submeters of the mobile home park's tenants.
Agency Response From March 2017
In an effort to keep the tenants in good standing and prevent further delinquent accounts, Caltrans reported that the district staff sent a courtesy notice when monthly rent or utilities are not received by close of business on the 10th of each month as outlined in the rental agreements. Caltrans also reported that it sold the property on March 20, 2017. All tenants were either in good standing or had been evicted, with the exception of one tenant, at the time of the sale.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Fully Implemented
Agency Response From December 2016
Caltrans provided us with sample copies of the 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, the 5-Day Notice to Quit, the 60-Day Notice of Termination of Mobilehome Tenancy, and Unlawful Detainers that it served to or filed in court against the tenants who owed rent. Caltrans also provided a spreadsheet itemizing each tenant, the outstanding amounts owed for rent and utilities, and the action it has taken to pursue the rent and utilities. However, this spreadsheet apparently was last updated in May 2016 and did not include up-to-date information on all actions that Caltrans has taken toward its collection efforts. Further, Caltrans reported that it has a company in place that will read meters at the mobile home park. Caltrans stated that the readings will be forwarded to a billing company that will provide tenants with utility statements.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From July 2016
Caltrans stated that it has assigned a full-time right-of-way agent to manage the mobile home park to ensure timely actions, payments, and notices. Caltrans also stated that it has provided delinquent tenants with the appropriate notices for payment and that it plans to initiate actions for those tenants who fail to pay.