Choosing a mobile home community is a big decision. Especially when you consider that at the end of last year there were over 43,000 parks around the country. Whether you are buying a new home to move into a park or moving into a home that is already set up, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. We’ve put together a few questions to get you started in finding just the right place to call home.
How Long is the Lease?
One of the most important questions to ask when choosing a mobile home community is about the lease. Usually, the standard is a one-year lease, but there may be short-term move-in specials offered to offer an incentive. It’s also important to ask if there is a discount for multi-year leases. (Keep in mind that slight increases are normal and are a part of maintaining the park.)
What’s Included in the Rent?
Some parks include a portion of utilities in the lot rent. These may include water, sewer, garbage, and sometimes even electricity. However, the rent will be higher depending on what is included. Other things that may be part of the rent package are lawn maintenance, use of any amenities that the park may have, as well as keeping the road maintained in and out of the community.
What Are the Park Rules?
Another important question to consider when choosing a mobile home community is to know what the park rules are. These rules may include:
- The number of vehicles that can be at the unit.
- The length of time a visitor can stay on the property.
- What’s allowed in your yard (such as fences, shrubs, etc).
The list can go on and on about what is or isn’t allowed in a particular community. Be sure to find out all the rules before signing a lease!
Do You Have a Pet Policy?
Almost all communities have some type of pet policy. There may be a limit to the number allowed, or there could be breed restrictions that you should be aware of. Even if you don’t have a pet at the moment, be sure to ask anyway in case you change your mind later or in case you have questions about the rules regarding the neighbor’s pets.
Are There Any Move-in Specials?
Some mobile home parks have move-in specials that may include reduced lot rent or pay the yearly rent up front and receive a bonus.
Related: 5 TYPES OF MOBILE HOME COMMUNITIES AND THEIR PROS AND CONS.
These are just a few questions you should be prepared to ask when choosing a mobile home community. If you are bringing a new home into the community, check who is responsible for the hookups. Communities either do the work themselves, require an approved contractor to handle the job, want the company that sold the mobile home to do it, or leave the decision up to the tenant.
If you are moving into a home already set up in the community, and just renting the home, be sure to ask what improvements you are allowed to make to the home before you sign a lease.
As always, we thank you for reading Mobile Home Living®.