What is a Mobile Home?
A mobile home is a prefabricated structure that is designed to be moved from one location to another. Mobile homes are typically constructed in a factory and transported to their final location, where they are then installed on a foundation.
There are several types of mobile homes, including:
- Single-wide mobile homes: These are the most common type of mobile home and are usually less than 18 feet wide and 90 feet long.
- Double-wide mobile homes: These are larger than single-wide homes and are typically 20 feet or more in width and up to 90 feet in length. Double-wide homes are often made up of two separate sections that are joined together on site.
- Triple-wide mobile homes: These are the largest type of mobile home and consist of three separate sections that are joined together on site. They can be up to 50 feet wide and 90 feet long.
- Park model mobile homes: These are smaller mobile homes that are typically less than 400 square feet in size. They are designed for use as a vacation or seasonal home and are often located in RV parks or campgrounds.
Mobile homes come in a variety of styles and floor plans, ranging from basic models to high-end, custom-designed homes. They can be a more affordable alternative to traditional stick-built homes and offer the flexibility of being able to move the home to a new location if needed.
What is a mobile home park?
A mobile home park, also known as a manufactured home community, is a residential community designed for mobile homes. It typically includes a number of individual lots or spaces where residents can park their mobile homes and live full-time or part-time.
Mobile home parks often provide various amenities and services for residents, such as maintenance and repair services, garbage collection, and community facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses. Some parks may also have rules and regulations governing the appearance and maintenance of homes and lots, as well as restrictions on noise levels and other activities.
Mobile home parks can be owned by private individuals, corporations, or government entities, and residents may either own their mobile homes outright or rent the space where their home is located. In some cases, the park owner may also own the mobile homes themselves and rent them out to residents.
Mobile home parks can offer an affordable housing option for individuals and families, as mobile homes are typically less expensive than traditional stick-built homes. However, the quality and safety of mobile home parks can vary widely, and residents should research and carefully evaluate potential parks before making a decision to live there.
Can a mobile home park owner evict you for selling your mobile home?
In general, a mobile home park owner cannot evict a resident for selling a mobile home. However, there are some situations where the park owner may be able to terminate a resident’s lease or rental agreement if they sell their mobile home.
For example, if the park owner requires approval of new residents before they can move into the park, and the resident sells their mobile home to someone who is not approved by the park owner, the owner may be able to terminate the lease or rental agreement.
Similarly, if the park owner has the right of first refusal, which means they have the right to purchase the mobile home before it can be sold to a third party, and the resident sells the mobile home without offering it to the park owner first, the owner may be able to terminate the lease or rental agreement.
It’s important for residents to carefully review their lease or rental agreement and any park rules or regulations to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to selling their mobile home. If in doubt, residents may wish to consult with a local attorney or housing authority for guidance.
What are mobile home regulations in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, mobile home parks are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under the Manufactured Housing Act.
The Manufactured Housing Act establishes minimum standards for the construction, installation, and maintenance of mobile homes and mobile home parks in Pennsylvania. The Act also requires mobile home park owners to obtain a license from the DCED and comply with various rules and regulations governing the operation of the park.
Some of the key regulations for mobile homes and mobile home parks in Pennsylvania include:
- Building and installation standards: Mobile homes must be built and installed in accordance with the state’s standards for mobile home construction and installation.
- Licensing and inspections: Mobile home parks must be licensed by the DCED and are subject to periodic inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Tenant rights: Mobile home park tenants have various rights, including the right to written rental agreements, the right to a written statement of their rights and responsibilities, and the right to notice of any rent increases or changes in park rules.
- Park rules and regulations: Mobile home park owners must have written rules and regulations that govern the conduct of residents and the operation of the park. These rules must be provided to residents and must be fair and reasonable.
- Eviction procedures: Mobile home park owners must follow specific procedures when evicting tenants, including providing written notice and an opportunity to correct any violations of park rules.
Residents of mobile home parks in Pennsylvania who have concerns or complaints about their park or park owner can contact the DCED Manufactured Housing Division for assistance.
What are mobile home seller regulations in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there are regulations governing the sale of mobile homes, including requirements for transferring title and obtaining permits.
When selling a mobile home in Pennsylvania, the seller must provide the buyer with a Certificate of Title, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The title must be signed by the seller and notarized, and the buyer must apply for a new title in their name within 20 days of purchasing the mobile home.
In addition, the seller must obtain a Use and Occupancy Permit from the local municipality where the mobile home is located. This permit verifies that the mobile home is safe for occupancy and meets all applicable zoning and building code requirements.
Mobile home sellers in Pennsylvania are also required to disclose certain information to buyers, including:
- Any known defects or conditions that may affect the mobile home’s habitability or value
- Any liens or other encumbrances on the mobile home
- Any outstanding taxes or assessments on the mobile home
Sellers must provide this information in writing to the buyer before the sale is completed.
It’s important for both buyers and sellers of mobile homes in Pennsylvania to ensure that they are complying with all applicable regulations and requirements. A local attorney or real estate agent can provide guidance and assistance with the buying or selling process.