Table of Contents
Why Rent a Mobile Home?
How to Rent a Mobile Home
Costs of Renting a Mobile Home
Lot Rent Payments
Renting a Mobile Home vs. Renting an Apartment Comparison
Why Rent a Mobile Home?
You should rent out a mobile home because:
- It’s more affordable than other forms of renting
- It’s a private living situation
- You get more bang for your buck
We’ll dive into these a little later.
One of the most prominent reasons to rent a mobile home is what you get for your money. Mobile homes are more spacious than most apartments of the same value, and you don’t have to deal with neighbors above and below. There’s a lot to love.
How to Rent a Mobile Home
- Search For a Suitable Mobile Home
- Go Through the Application Process
- Assess the Space
- Sign the Lease
- Move In
1. Search For a Suitable Mobile Home
The first thing you need to do is search for a mobile home. This process means searching online for available mobile homes near you. You'll need to consider your budget as well as what type of mobile home you want. Be sure to read up on single-wide vs. double-wide mobile homes to learn about how much space each offers.
Locations and mobile home styles are vital to consider. If you hate where you live, the price won’t be worth it.
2. Go Through the Application Process
Next, you will need to go through the application process. Every application varies by the landlord, but most will ask for a background check, credit check, rental history report, and proof of income.
Once you’ve completed the application process, you’re close to moving in. Ensure all documents are in order and move forward.
3. Assess the Space
Before you sign the lease, ensure you assess the space. Is it clean enough to move into soon? Are there damages that weren’t specified beforehand? You want to be sure the mobile home is move-in ready.
If you notice anything that needs to be fixed, you should ask the landlord to take care of it or be prepared to back out of the deal before signing the lease. If not, get ready to sign.
4. Sign the Lease
When the application process is done, you can sign the lease. Ensure you read it through before putting pen to paper.
The lease binds you to landlord rules and regulations. It will specify what you can and cannot do in the park.
5. Move In
Now, it’s time to move in. You will need to communicate with the landlord to determine when to put your stuff in the space.
Once everything is inside, you can enjoy your new home! Meet with the neighbors, explore the amenities, and relax for the first time.
Costs of Renting a Mobile Home
Several costs are associated with renting a mobile home: your monthly rent, various fees, and utilities. Therefore, it’s critical to become familiar with everything you will pay for as a manufactured home renter.
The costs that come with renting a mobile home include:
- Rent for the mobile home and lot
- Community fees
- Utilities
- Additional fees imposed by the landlord
It’s helpful to map out your monthly expenses, especially if you’re renting a mobile home to save money.
Lot Rent Payments
When you rent a mobile home, you will need to pay a lot rent. Lot rent refers to the monthly rent you pay to the owner of the land the mobile home is on. It can seem like an irritating additional expense, but there’s more here than meets the eye.
Many times, the lot rent payments will include other items. Utilities, general upkeep, and amenities are items that lot rent payments might cover. Communicate with your landlord to see what comes with your lot payments.
Renting a Mobile Home vs. Renting an Apartment Comparison
Mobile Homes Are Less Expensive to Rent
Renting a mobile home is less expensive than most apartments. On average, it costs around $600 a month to rent a mobile home with lots of space. An apartment with one-bedroom costs around $1,000 a month. You get more for your money with a mobile home.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Most mobile homes are located right in parks. Even if they’re not, you’re much closer to the outdoors than you are with an apartment. Mobile homes permit easy access to the outdoors without walking down eighteen flights of stairs to get to the front door.
More Privacy
In an apartment, you get a room connected to other living spaces. There are upstairs thumps, loud vacuum noises, and pets to deal with daily. In a mobile home, you get a house separate from others. It’s much more private than an apartment.
Pet Friendliness
Apartments can be strict with their pet policies. Only 37% of apartments nationally permit dogs. Mobile homes are less firm on this front because you have a house to yourself. Dog owners will have better luck with their pets in a mobile home than in an apartment.
Access to Community Activities
It’s not uncommon for mobile home communities to have activities throughout the year. There might be barbeques, game nights, and even pool parties in locations. These are harder to access in an apartment. If you love being around people, a mobile home is better than an apartment.
Maintenance is Simple
Maintenance is often much simpler on a mobile home. In an apartment, you need to call the landlord for repairs. With mobile homes, you can usually fix things up quickly and easily. As a result, maintenance is less of a headache.
More Potential for Space
There is more potential for more room with a mobile home. Some have backyards, and others have porches to lounge on in the morning. You’d be hard-pressed to find an affordable apartment with these amenities. A mobile home will give you more bang for your buck.
A Sense of Community
In a mobile home, you get a sense of community with your neighbors. There’s the potential for community gatherings. It’s easier to get to know your neighbors without being too close. There’s nothing better than a group of neighbors.