ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A civil lawsuit has been filed against the owner of a Robinson Township mobile home park accused of engaging in unlawful and deceptive business practices, Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane’s office announced Wednesday.
The lawsuit was filed against Bill Chen, who owns Twin Circles Mobile Home Park with his wife, alleging violations of the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act and the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
The Manufactured Home Community Rights Act requires mobile home park owners to pay between $4,000 and $6,000 to relocate homes upon closure, or at least $2,500 if the home is abandoned.
Earlier this month, Channel 11's Aaron Martin spoke with residents who said they were being forced out without receiving the compensation due to them. Nearly two dozen residents filed complaints with the Attorney General's Office.
According to the lawsuit, Chen allegedly sent a notice to residents on Oct. 1, 2015, that the park would be closing on April 15 and they were required to leave by March 31. A second notice was allegedly sent on March 21.
It is alleged that both notices failed to mention that Chen is required by law to pay toward the cost of relocation for residents, the Attorney General’s Office said. Many resident left the park unaware of their rights.
The lawsuit seeks payment for residents. In addition, it seeks the assessment of civil penalties of $1,000 for each violation of MHCRA and the Consumer Protection Law, and $3,000 for every violation involving a victim age 60 or older.