Property management of any description isn’t easy. There’s a lot to do and much to keep organized. This is certainly the case when managing mobile home parks, and you’ll need fine tuned decision making and communication skills.
Then there are other things to consider such as policies associated with purchasing mobile homes, park rules and regulations, park maintenance and upkeep and more.
Let’s take a look at 6 ways to help you successfully manage a mobile home park to make life easier.
Table of Contents
#1 – Organization Is the Key To Smooth Operation
Either you or someone on your team really needs to be a good organizer, otherwise the management of the mobile home park could quickly fall into chaos.
Most mobile home parks are home to hundreds of residents, so that’s a lot of people to manage and a big area to keep maintained.
Mobile home parks are continually growing in popularity, and that’s one of the main reasons keen property investors such as Lee Kort are all buying into them.
With so much to do and look after, management really needs to be run like a well oiled machine.
#2 – Great Communication Skills Are Also Vital
Good, effective management really comes down to great communication, especially verbal communication. Each day as a mobile home park manager you’ll be dealing with many people, either coming to the office to pay rent, those who have concerns or disputes, people you see out and about in the park and so on.
There’s a balancing act of being an authority figure at the park, whilst also maintaining an approachable disposition.
You’ll be showing prospective tenants mobile homes for rent, organizing and explaining lease agreements, communicating in general with residents, staff and park owners, and at times you might also find yourself acting as mediator when there is a dispute between tenants of the mobile home park.
As you can imagine, good communication is a vital skill to have and develop.
#3 – You’ll Need Staff
A mobile home park is far too big a place and operation to be run with just one or two people. You’re going to need some help, even if it’s employing people on a part-time basis to man the office, or cleaners, gardeners and maintenance staff on a contract basis when required.
Many husband and wife teams go into property management, but if there is just the two of you and one or both of you can’t be at the park every day of the week, then you’ll need other trained and capable staff who can fill in for you.
Forming a team that works well together and is capable of covering each others’ tasks when required is a key element to management success.
#4 – Your Job Is To Keep the Park Full
The reason so many property investors are getting into mobile home parks is because of the opportunity of so much rental income, mainly from renting out the lots. To maximise their return on investment and to keep them happy, you’ll need to do your utmost to keep the park at least close to full tenancy at all times.
One way to achieve this is through offering long leases. Another is ensuring the park is well looked after so tenants are happy to stay.
#5 – Enforce Park Rules & Regulations
You mobile home park will need a list of rules and regulations to ensure the quiet enjoyment and peace of mind of all park residents. These rules also help to keep the park respected – particularly any community areas – and goes a long way towards guaranteeing full tenancy most of the time, as well as safety for everyone.
#6 – Understand the Laws Governing Mobile Home Parks
Effective park management means having a good understanding of all the laws pertaining to the operation of a mobile home park. It’s essential to understand these laws and codes to be an efficient and knowledgeable manager.
You’ll need to know all about lease agreements, code violations, any government fees that need to be charged to tenants, property management laws, eviction laws and so on.
So long as you’re organized, communicate well and educate yourself on how to run a mobile home park, then your role as manager could prove to be a very fulfilling career choice.