(01/04/06) BRICK ? Residents of a mobile home park in Brick plan on putting up a fight against monthly rate increases.

Tenants of the Laurelton Mobile Home Park say the park?s owners will raise the monthly rent from $365 to $500 in February. Residents say the rate hike will likely put many of the tenants in financial jeopardy due to their fixed-income status. Many of those living in the park have hired an attorney to fight for a smaller rate increase.

Tenants also claim representatives at the park?s management company reneged on their promise to clean up poor conditions in the area. However, the company claims planning for the cleanup is ?well underway.? Management company officials also say the monthly rate increase was necessary to pay for the cleanup.