Neighbors raise concerns over rising lot rent; owner says increases follow law

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — Residents at Arcadia Village say rising lot rent and new monthly costs are putting pressure on people who have lived in the community for decades, many of them on fixed incomes.

Dozens of homeowners showed up to a recent WINK Listens event in Arcadia, hoping to raise concerns and get answers about changes they say are affecting their ability to stay in their homes.

Elizabeth Patrus, who lives in the community, says the increases are forcing some residents to make difficult choices.

“Are they gonna pay their lot rent? Are they gonna buy their medicine? Are they gonna buy food?” Patrus said.

Neighbors told WINK News that lot rent has increased by about $91 a month, which they estimate is roughly a 12 to 13 percent jump. They also say new residents moving into the community are now paying around $1,250 a month.

Patrus says the concern isn’t just the recent increase but what could come next. Some residents fear everyone could eventually be brought up to that higher rate, which they say could be hundreds of dollars more than what many are currently paying.

Residents say the rising costs are already having an impact on the community. Some told WINK News they have struggled to sell their homes, with buyers backing out after learning about the lot rent. Others say neighbors have sold at steep losses or walked away entirely.

“They’re not selling, these homes are not selling,” Patrus said.

Many residents say the situation is especially difficult for those on fixed incomes, including people who have lost spouses and now have less financial support. In addition to rent increases, residents also raised concerns about a new monthly fee tied to cable and internet service through Blue Stream Fiber. Some say they may be required to pay for the service regardless of whether they use it.

“I’m glad if Blue Stream wants to come in and offer it to people who want to choose that provider, but don’t make me pay for something that I’m not using,” said resident Cynthia Hess.

WINK News emailed these concerns and asked questions to Legacy Communities, the owner of Arcadia Village.

In a statement to WINK News, Brad Valka, Chief Operating Officer of Legacy Communities, said the company is following state law and investing in the property.

“Legacy Communities is committed to our residents and to providing affordable and quality communities. Our sole business is managing manufactured home communities, and we take pride in maintaining and improving our communities, fostering a community-like culture, and ensuring residents experience high-level customer service. Legacy acquired Arcadia Village in July 2025 and immediately invested $700,000 in capital improvements, with another $600,000 slated for 2026. Residents at Arcadia Village are under different lease structures. Increases are based on the terms of each individual lease, and all are in accordance with the Florida Mobile Home Park Act. Legacy works closely with Arcadia Village’s Homeowners’ Association (HOA), and together we presented residents with a highly discounted service for cable and internet. After multiple town hall meetings where the offer was presented and discussed, the residents’ HOA approved adopting the new service.”

Residents say they are now looking for more transparency about how rent increases are calculated and how utility agreements are structured. Some also say they are exploring legal options as they continue pushing for answers.