What Tenant Problems Do Mobile Home Park Owners Face?
Tenant management is undeniably one of the most demanding responsibilities of a mobile home park owner. In this article, we’ll cover three subjects:
- Typical tenant problems that park owners deal with;
- Vetting tenants to get good ones into your park, and
- Getting out from under tenant management by selling your park.
Common Mobile Home Park Tenant Problems
Tenants who refuse to pay rent
Non-paying tenants are more than just an aggravation. Park owners depend on income from all units. When tenants don’t pay, the shortfall impacts the financial stability of the park.
Tenants who throw frequent loud parties
A tenant who often throws noisy parties with loud guests can quickly get on the nerves of other park residents. If not controlled by you, that one tenant may impact your park occupancy. That is, other residents may move out.
Tenants who entertain unsavory visitors
Tenants with suspicious behaviors are one thing. It’s another thing if those tenants host visitors who also appear to be on the wrong side of the law. Other park residents may feel insecure about their safety or that of their families.
Are the kids ok going outside? Are drugs moving into the park? If not addressed well, residents may leave the park.
Tenants who disagree
All park owners deal with squabbling tenants to one degree or another. It’s inevitable—personalities clash and lifestyle conflict. As the owner, being the peace broker can get tiresome.
Tenants who break things
Some rental contracts include appliances and appliance repair. When you get tenants that disrespect others’ property—including the appliances in their units—regular maintenance calls are the result. Replacing or repairing parts drains park resources.
Tenants who don’t understand how the security deposit works
Misunderstandings about how security deposits may be used is something many park owners deal with. Tenants tend to forget that the deposit is only returnable when they move out, and then only if they have left everything in good shape. Too many residents think they can use the deposit to cover the rent on a month that they fall short. Correcting the misunderstanding is never a fun conversation.
Tenants who violate rules
All parks have them: residents who think the rules don’t apply to them. Park owners have to be on these people, confronting them firmly and requiring compliance. A threat of eviction is sometimes necessary (and the willingness to follow through).
Tenants who must be evicted
Evictions are sometimes necessary when a tenant refuses to comply with park rules. Legal proceedings to remove residents consume time, energy, and money. No owner looks forward to going through the eviction process.
How to Screen Tenants
Taking the time to thoroughly screen potential residents reduces the chances of getting bad eggs in your park. Go the extra mile in your checks. Don’t trust your good hunches; get the evidence.
- Check work and rental histories
- Speak with applicants’ work supervisors
- Run credit and criminal checks
- Speak with applicants’ current and past landlords
- Ask applicants whey they’re leaving their current rental
- Ask applicants what they’re looking for in your park
Escape Tenant Problems: Mobile Home Park Buyers May Be the Answer
Do you own a mobile home park? Can you write the manual on dealing with problem tenants? Ready to ditch the park and get out from under managing difficult residents?
We can help. Our company, Houston Capital Home Buyers (HCHB), can purchase your trailer park for cash, as is.
True, you could find mobile home park buyers to purchase your park in retail transactions. We’re talking about individuals who want to buy a trailer park. The thing is that it could take a long time, especially if your park has any issues that compromise its appeal.
HCHB is a real estate investment company that buys mobile home parks in their existing condition. We buy them outright. We buy them quickly. You don’t have to make any repairs or upgrades, and we only require one basic inspection to help us determine the market value. This information is what enables us to make you a fair offer.
Our company has been in the real estate industry for over 12 years. We are rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau and are 100% 5-Star rated on Google with a track record of satisfied customers.
If you’re tired of tenant problems and mobile home park ownership, call us. We buy trailer parks, and we’d love to speak with you about possibly purchasing yours.
Please enjoy our next article on avoiding liability losses in your mobile home park.
