Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing a Manufactured Housing Community

There are many benefits to living in a manufactured housing community. Less maintenance is required, for example, and many parks have amenities like onsite laundry facilities, common areas, and even swimming pools that residents can enjoy. If you’re searching for a manufactured housing community to call home, here are several questions you should ask before signing the lease.

1. What are the requirements for bringing a home into the park?

Some parks have requirements about the outside appearance of homes in their community, including:

• Hardboard skirting;
• Decks on the front and/or back of the home;
• Age specifications of the home;
• Exterior material; and/or
• Window placement.

If these add-ons are required, find out the timeline for completing the work, which typically ranges from one to four months.

2. Are exterior modifications allowed?

If you plan to paint the exterior of your home or add a deck or other structure, you will likely need to get permission from the property manager first and even (in the case of an addition) need to present permits.

3. How do I pay my rent?

Online payment portals are becoming increasingly common and are a convenient way to ensure you don’t miss a month’s rent!

4. What is included in the rent and what additional fees are required?

Lot rent typically includes water/sewage, garbage collection, and upkeep of common areas. Cable television, internet, and other utilities may also be included. Be sure to request an itemized list from the community manager.

5. Who takes care of the hook ups?

You’ll want to arrange for electric, water, and sewage connections in advance so that you have these necessities in place come move-in day. Be sure to ask whether there are any permits you need to take care of in order to get your water and electricity turned on.

6. What are the park rules?

Does the park have any age restrictions (i.e., are children allowed)? Does the park allow short-term rentals? Even if you are planning to stay for good, you might want to know whether to anticipate an influx of weekend guests on the property. Make sure the park rules fit with your lifestyle. It also helps to know upfront about rules that can lead to fines or even evictions.

7. Are pets allowed?

Certain breeds and sizes may not be welcome in the park. If you’re a pet owner, you may also wish to ask park residents how friendly the park is towards pets. On the other hand, if you don’t own have any four-legged family members of your own, you might want to know about the park’s rules related to leash requirements and cleanup of pet waste.

8. How do you handle security deposits and refunds?

As with apartments and other rentals, property managers may require a security deposit, which he or she will hold until your lease expires. These funds are used for repairing any property damages that might have occurred during your stay and any leftover funds should be returned to you. Make certain that you understand the requirements for your refund.

9. How often does rent increase and how are tenants notified?

Notification requirements vary from state to state and some parks do not allow rent increases to affect current residents until it’s time to renew the lease. If you intend to stay in the park long-term, you may be able to sign a longer contract that locks in a lower monthly rate for a certain length of time.

10. What happens if I need to move out before my lease ends?

Job changes and family emergencies happen, so it’s good to know in advance what will happen if you must break your lease.

When deciding where to take up residence, advance planning is key. Asking these questions will help you find the community that is the best fit for you.

Additional resources:

Eight questions to ask before renting an RV space 

Frequently Asked Questions for Harmony Community Residents

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.