The Manufactured Housing Forums

Hello - I've lived in a MHC in Arlington, TX for the past 5 years. My lot rent has gone from $250 to $329/mo. I also pay electricity, water, sewage, garbage and property, school and county taxes separately. I would normally agree with such a gradual increase in rent; however, the quality of the immediate neighborhood and community area has greatly degenerated. Improvements have been few and far between (sloppy repaving, large speed bumps, and scattered light posts). The parking guidelines have become slack: before the new management we could not park next to curbs (towing as a consequence – irritating when it happens to you, but effective in keeping the community “cleaner”), now management is implementing parking stickers. A majority of the residents have been burglarized, as a result everyone has security alarms – out-and-out advertising this has become a less than desirable place to reside. I’m trying to sell my MH! How can I determine if my lot rent is "fair"? If it is not, what can I do about it? Thank you. Lynnkei

Your issues are well stated and should not be permitted to continue. I would suggest you document these things in writing to the current management, giving them a limited amount of time to respond to you - 10 days or less. Then, I would also suggest you take pictures and include a copy of your letter and send it all to the owners or the supervisor of the onsite management team. All homeowners deserve a better place to live. I would as suggest you also for a meeting with management to let them know that you care about where you live.

I agree with Chrissy in that you should write all of this down as you have stated very clearly here what is going on. Unfortunately, what Chrissy said is wrong. You must give management UP to but not more than 30 days to respond... you can then, while still paying your rent, make a complaint with the municipal court. You then put your rent into an Escrow account with the court. Management is then told by the court to fix the problems that you have related after a hearing. It puts the law on your side. Be sure to keep lots of documentation. YOU are not required, but it may be advisable to get a hold of the owner or owners. Make sure you make lots of copies and send everything certified mail so they have to sign for it... even your manager.
The owner (s) may not be aware of what is going on in the park, especially if they are long distance from the park. They are relying on what the manager is telling them.
They do have the right to raise the rent. But they are required by law to keep a certain standard for the residents.

Please remember to document EVERYTHING! and check with your local municipal court for requirements about complaints and Escrow accounts. It is different from state to state.