Posted by james(CA) on July 17, 2007 at 17:01:20:
Bob,
“he size of the park will give you certian latitude on some issues.”
Can you clarify on this?
Now as far as enforce the rules, what are actual approaches like face-to-face dealing,sending letters, using manager instead of you etc. that you have used. What are the most effective approaches? I kind of careful when face-to-face I assume since I am a small guy.
MHP Rules needed - Posted by Richcut
Posted by Richcut on May 17, 2003 at 11:14:40:
I’m in the process of buying a MHP and am working on a set of park rules. This poor little park is very run down. The “management” has been trained by the tenants and I expect to do at least two evictions to get the message across that certain behavior is not tolerated.
Does anyone have a set of rules they could share with me? I plan on writing some out, then consulting with my attorney to make sure they are legal and enforceable. I just need a set of rules to look at and get ideas on wording, etc.
Thanks,
GG
Re: MHP Rules needed - Posted by Joe C. (AR)
Posted by Joe C. (AR) on May 18, 2003 at 22:49:07:
Before I developed the rules for my park, I read a book called ‘Landlording’ by Leigh Robinson. There were many things in there that I hadn’t considered. Although it is mostly geared to apartments, many of the situations apply. I highly recommend it. I’ve seen it lately at Barnes and Noble, but I would think your local library has a copy.
Joe C. (AR)
Re: MHP Rules needed - Posted by John Merchant
Posted by John Merchant on May 17, 2003 at 17:10:15:
There’s really no need for you to re-invent the wheel…find your local MHP Assn and ask them for copy of their recommended rules. Or just find one or two of the most successful MHPs in the area and drop by and chat with the O or Mgr and ask for copy of their rules, and also ask what they’d change if they were you.
Re: MHP Rules needed - Posted by John Merchant
Posted by John Merchant on May 20, 2003 at 09:51:18:
‘Landlording’ by Leigh Robinson
An all-time classic if there ever was one, and it never goes out of date with its timeless good advice.
Re: MHP Rules needed - Posted by Richcut
Posted by Richcut on May 17, 2003 at 19:01:31:
Thought about that not long after my post. The park closest to my home now would be considered a five-star. The one I’m purchasing is a no-star, so I think I’m going to get a copy of theirs.
Re: MHP Rules…long - Posted by Bob(OH)
Posted by Bob(OH) on May 20, 2003 at 02:15:22:
Park rules will make or brake your investment.
This should be very important and your asking was a very good thought.
Park rules or lack of will make a trailer park into a community and that is what you should strive for.
Once you establish this set of rules, you will want to make face to face contact with the home owners and have them sign a copy for your files. Leave one with them. Offer 30 days to comply and then one of the most important things you need to do after that would be to enforce them. Here, it is difficult to evict on the basis of a rule violation. I would check with your health department and be sure to get there support on this. I think you’ll find your ideas will be welcome. Take along a good camera and take pictures of everything. Every home, every yard, every car, every dog, every drive way…everything. I think you’ll find it useful at some point in time.
Your rules should include everything from late rent payments, parking, visitors, pets, kids, lawn maintenance, inspections for people who sell their home, general health and welfare guidlines, recreational vehicles. You will also want to set standards for things such as size and shape of sheds, decks, additions and skirting.
For example, in my park decks can not be attached to the home (makes it difficult to move in case of eviction) and they must have white skirting all around, sheds (barns) must be wood and have siding to match the home and can be no larger than 10 X 10. White skirting (vinyl) is the only type aloud. Pets must be registered with the park and can be no larger than 30 pounds full size and the home owner is charged an extra $10. Only one pet per home. Pet can not be left unattended at any time. The owner must physically hold a chain while the pet is outside and recover its droppings.
No ATV’s, boats or campers can stay on the property overnight. There is NO maintenance to be done on any vehicles other than changing a flat tire. That means no oil changes (enviromental issues) no break jobs and no engine changing. No cars on ramps (safety issues) and a speed limit that is posted. Street parking is limited to one side and no overnight parking on the street (this falls under street cleaning, emergency equipment and snow plowing.)
As you can see, I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. So, check with your health department and your lawyer to be sure you dont violate human rights and civil rights. Rules are for the community. Your goal should be to provide an safe and healthy place for your residents to live. Many people dont understand that the rules will help them to sell their home when they are ready. It will also keep a value of the home. I would rather live in a community with good rules than a trailer park with limited or non-enforced rules.
Turning the park into a community will take time. Be ready for that. You will have to weed out the trash and get the bad homes out. You will spend time in court. You will make a couple mistakes of letting some people stay who you just have a gut feeling they should go. Be ready for that too.
Rules should not be used to “pick” on people. Everyone should be treated fair and equal. Friends, family and your resident manager all live on the property and should be included.
I can not post everything here so, feel free to contact me if I can help.
Good luck !
Bob(OH)
Re: MHP Rules…long - Posted by Richcut
Posted by Richcut on May 20, 2003 at 09:17:26:
Thanks, you have a lot of good information. I didn’t see anything about trampolines or kiddie pools though. I especially agree that everyone should be treated equally and fairly. I have to figure that one out because we are going to live in the park and have three cars and two dogs, one almost 50 pounds, but still is only mid size. Some lots are fenced (chain link), which I think is OK (right now).
Thanks for everyones advice
Re: MHP Rules…long - Posted by Bob(OH)
Posted by Bob(OH) on May 20, 2003 at 20:55:49:
OOOPS, forgot about them.
Kiddie pools must be on cement,stone or a deck. Not on the grass, it kills it. Trampolines are ok (believe it or not)
There is no fences at all. People have to understand that the property is not thiers. In fact, if a home is for sale, the sign must be in the window of the home and not in the yard. The home is for sale, not the lot.
If you are going to live there, be prepared to live in a glass house. People will be watching you and make judgement on your every move.
You didnt mention where you are or how big the park is. The size of the park will give you certian latitude on some issues.
Bob(OH)