Lot Rent

If you’re renting a mobile home, then chances are (very good chance in fact) that you lot rent (for the land the mobile home sits on) is included in your monthly rent. Do be aware though, if the lot rent for your unit is not being paid, you will be the one who has to leave the premises, the park owner does not have a contract with you (unless they do) and can demand you leave.

So ask questions about who pays the lot rent, when is it due, is it up-to-date? Ask how long the owners term is with the mobile park – is it a month-to-month lease or year-long? If the owner only has a month-to-month lease with the park and asks you to sign an agreement longer than 6 months, you will want to question how that works with the owner.

Utilities

Each rental agreement is different, some include utilities and some do not. Some mobile home parks will include some services and utilities in the lot rent they charge the owner. It is between you and your landlord as to the specific terms of how and who will be charged for utilities. Be sure to check if you need to change them into your name and do so before you move in to ensure no loss of services.

Utilities that are usually related to a mobile home are the following:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Sewage
• Water
• Cable (optional)
• Internet (optional)

Insurance

As with everywhere you rent, having insurance for your mobile home rental is no different. The owners will have a separate policy, however it is always recommended that you get yourself your own renters insurance.

Are you levelled up?

Does it feel off in the house? One side slopes down? This is a warning sign that there could be other issues, since when a mobile home starts to slope other things like pipes and lines get placed under strain and can break or be compromised. Home owners are usually required by the park to keep the mobile home level as part of the required maintenance. Be sure to inquire about when that will be done next. And if it’s too far off, it might be best to pass.

Water Lines & Freezing

If you live in a colder climate, then you will want to watch out for the winter freezes. Water and sewage lines are often left quite open and exposed under the mobile home, so the chance for cold air to get in and freeze these lines is more likely than in a traditional home.

Heat trace tape is also something that is required by most mobile home parks and needs to be maintained and changed regularly.

Ask your landlord about the maintenance required to the water and sewage lines, when they will be getting that done and how it will impact you.

Pet Restrictions

If renting in a mobile home park, then it is very likely the park itself has restrictions or guidelines on pets in the park. Owners can restrict this further, however if bringing a pet into a park through a rental, be sure to ask specifically about the park process for accepting pets.

Parks vary greatly in how they handle pets, for example three within a close area all have very different pet policies:

Skirting

Mobile homes will often have blocks holding them up, instead of a foundation. Because they are above ground and on blocks, they area around the bottom of the house needs to be covered to block the cold and animals from getting underneath. This is called skirting. Ensure that there are no animal tracks coming in and out of the skirting, and that it is in good general shape with no caving in or other open spots. If it is, ask the owner to have this repaired prior to moving in to prevent any pipes from freezing and unwanted guests.

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Do you have an experience from renting a mobile home?

Do you have questions about the process?

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