Bozeman trailer park tenants threaten strike as landlords warn of eviction

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Bozeman Tenants United announced tenants at King Arthur and Mountain Meadows trailer parks had authorized a rent strike that could have begun May 1 if the landlord did not reach an agreement with the union before Thursday, April 30.

The group reported residents at both parks had received notices that month of an 11% rent increase. It also said King Arthur and Mountain Meadows were home to more than 30% of Bozeman’s mobile home residents.

Bozeman Tenants United said tenants had spent the previous three weeks organizing. The group said tenants then voted to authorize withholding rent on the first of the month unless the rent increase was dropped.

The group also said the two park unions represented 60% of the 338 units across both parks. It reported the parks could have seen what it described as Montana’s first rent strike in nearly 50 years.

Additionally, landlords also warned tenants about possible consequences if they joined the strike. A letter sent to residents said withholding rent could trigger fees, formal notices and possible eviction proceedings.

"The law requires rent to be paid in your rental agreement. Withholding any amount of rent is considered nonpayment and lead to serious consequences, including late fees, formal notices and potentially eviction proceedings," said King Arthur Park, LLP and Mountains Meadows Estates LLP.