A poorly maintained well and contaminated water is only a small piece of a much larger story concerning Havenpark's shady and illegal practices. Since the firm's takeover of Meadowlark, Havenpark has committed fraud, misrepresentation, and trespassing.
From late 2021 to mid-2022, Havenpark knowingly lied to potential mobile home buyers about the community's water problems, stating that the dark water was from a broken water line. Havenpark assured buyers that the situation was temporary while failing to disclose the duration or enormity of the problem.
At least two families purchased mobile homes in Meadowlark Communities under the pretense that the dark water was a minor inconvenience and that Havenpark was working to fix the issue.
However, as of November 2022, the water system still needs to be repaired, and residents of Meadowlark Communities have accrued actual damages because of the ongoing emotional and physical cost of Havenpark's lies.
In addition to fraud and negligence, Havenpark engaged in illegal trespassing and property damage.
Soon after Havenpark's takeover, the company demanded all Meadowlark residents cover their mobile tongues. While they informed residents of the new rule in mid to late 2020, Havenpark did not allow enough time for residents and homeowners enough time to make the necessary improvements.
By November 2020, Havenpark illegally cut off 139 mobile home tongues without homeowners' permission. Some mobile homeowners affected by the property damage had lived in Meadowlark Community for less than 30 days when Havenpark cut off their mobile tongues.
Not only has Havenpark damaged Meadowlark homeowner's property, but it's also made their home immobile. Without the mobile home tongues, manufactured houses are almost impossible to move—a fact of which Havenpark Community is well aware.
According to the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism reporting, the authors revealed that Havenpark's business strategy in 2017 boasted how the company "[creates] value through aggressive optimization programs and lean property management systems...Tenant turnover is also minimal since it is difficult and very expensive ($6,000-8,000+) for tenants to move their homes. As a result, operating cash flow is among the highest of any real estate class." 2
While Havenpark claims to safeguard affordable housing in America, its actions show a company that is aware of the vulnerability of the people it serves and aims to take advantage to make a profit.
