Renting a mobile home isn’t always easy. Whether you are looking to rent a mobile home yourself or you are looking to rent out your mobile home to others this guide will walk you through all you need to do to accomplish just that. When renting there are quite a few things you need to be aware of. Renting could be much more profitable option then selling the mobile home and moving it.
Landlord Information:
Renting a Mobile Home: Why You Should
Renting a mobile home out to a tenant is a great idea. The money you make from renting a mobile home can be very profitable. If you have land and already have a mobile home on it this can produce income. Average rents right now are around $800 per month. Yes you still have to pay the taxes and insurance on the home but the rest could be all profit.
If you have a lot of land and only have one mobile home on it consider having the land surveyed so you can add more mobile homes to the land. Be sure to check with the building office to make sure they will allow it. Many counties require a certain year of mobile home and sometimes a certain snow load on the roof.
Renting a Home on My Land
Would you like to keep the land that a mobile home sits on but just rent the mobile home. This is really becoming a popular option when it comes to renting a mobile home.
Many times, buyers / renters cannot afford the cost of the land along with the mobile home. Offering to let a renter move a mobile home to your land is an option. Just be sure to check with your local county offices before you start to look for a renter.
Many county offices have restrictions on what year of mobile home if any can be on the land. It is better to do your due diligence before and not find out afterwards. You could face some hefty fines if you discover the home shouldn’t be there.
Responsibilities on Land
If you do not want to be responsible for the operation of the mobile home just renting the land will give you money each month. You will also be able to claim depreciation on the land as a rental.
As a landowner you could ask $400 to $600 per month for the lot rent alone. If you have a lot that is in a desired location close to a city, you may even get more. Each year you can continue to increase the lot rent as well. This can be very profitable in the long run.
Buying a Mobile Home to Rent it Out
If you are looking to buy a new mobile home either to place in a park or on land be sure to look around. If you want a home in a park, remember there will be a lot of rent that will be due each month and this can quickly eat into your profits.
The best option is to buy a piece of land and pay it off and then place a mobile home on it. If you look at new mobile homes again shop around. Each dealer will have different costs based on the amenities of mobile homes.
Buying a Mobile Home to Rent it Out – Tricks
If you are set on buying a new home, try this trick. Check with the dealer to see if they have any new models from last year. This could save you thousands of dollars on a last year model instead of purchasing the current year home.
The benefit of buying a new mobile home is that you could qualify for a loan for the home. The dealer you purchase from will also do all the heavy lifting. They will help you fill out the loan paperwork, set up the moving of the home and help to pull out all the permits needed to get the home up and running.
A used mobile home will save you thousands in the long run. You can literally save thousands of dollars over the purchase of a new mobile home. The downside is you will have to set up moving of the home and pull the permits. This is all quite easy to do, however you just need to call around.
Rent to Own Mobile Homes
If you are not interested in keeping the land that your mobile home sits on another great investment strategy is to rent to own the mobile home. There are so many buyers looking for this option. Many buyers are having a hard time qualifying for a loan for a mobile home with traditional banks.
You can offer your tenant a rent to own program. Many landlords are letting their tenants rent for 1 to 2 years with the option of buying the home at the end of the rental agreement. This way you will know if you have a good paying tenant under a lease agreement. Later, you can change the agreement to a land contract. You can find a lot of information on this online.
Is Buying & Renting a Mobile Home a Good Investment?
Renting a mobile home can be a great investment. Consider the fact that most stick built homes today will cost you around $250k and you will soon see why renting a mobile home can be quickly profitable.
A new mobile home will cost you around $70 – $150k and buying a used one can be much cheaper. Used mobile homes can range from free to around $30k. It really comes down to the year and quality of the home. If you only put so much into the investment you can quickly start renting and have a profitable side hustle.
You will quickly see that renting mobile homes can make you great money and it doesn’t take long for you to get out of the red.
Check out our article on How Much is My Mobile Home Worth? You will quickly see by having others pay your payments you can add up some nice equity that will rack up on top of your rent.
Can You Make Money Renting a Mobile Home
The answer is YES, if you do it correctly you can make money renting mobile homes. These units can be paid off quickly and will give you years of income. Just make sure to maintain the unit and keep funds aside to replace a leaky roof or furnace that goes out unexpectedly.
Mobile Home for Rent
Once you have decided that renting your mobile home is a great option it’s time to find a tenant. It’s time to list your mobile home.
Facebook, Craigslist, Flyers, tell your local post office and bankers it’s available. Strike up conversations with people.
Mobile Home Trailers for Rent
Not only do you want to do advertising but you also want to make sure to have a yard sign in front of the home. Neighbors talk and they know others who want to live in that exact area.
People drive by and they will see your sign its free advertising. Be sure to put a sign in the yard but also one in the window. Sometimes adverse weather will take your sign away or someone will take off with it. Having a sign in the window will give you a back up plan.
Mobile Home Lots for Rent
Keep in mind that sometimes people are looking for land to rent. This is a great idea because it keeps you from having to maintain anything about the mobile home. Renting out just the land will give you lot rent for as long as the home or RV stays there.
Can You Rent a Mobile Home
If you are still trying to decide if you should rent your mobile home, you could always just give it a try. If the home isn’t in a mobile home park where you are tied to lot rent and it is on your private land you can easily make this profitable. Be sure to screen your tenants. Not screening your tenants can cause major issues.
Make sure your tenants have jobs that they have been at for a couple years. Make sure they make plenty of money to pay the rent. Ask for at least 3 references from your renters and make sure 1 or 2 of those references are from people they have rented from in the past. You want to find a way to make sure they are good paying tenants.
You may be able to drive to the current location that they rent as well. Checking how clean their yard area is will also give you an idea of how tidy your new tenants are.
Can I Rent Out My Mobile Home in a Park
This can be a tricky question because so many mobile home parks are run differently by their management. The best thing to do is sit down with the manager at the mobile home park and tell them what you are looking to do.
If they agree that you can rent out the home make sure there isn’t an age restriction in the park. You will want to know all the rules so you aren’t breaking them at any point. Parks can have rules for age, children and pets be sure to check into it.
Another tip, if the park states that you can rent the home it might be smart to get it in writing that way it doesn’t turn into a he said / she said if there is some disagreement over your mobile home being a rental unit later.
Rent to Own Mobile Homes for Sale
Maybe you decide that you love the mobile home you are renting. You could approach the owner and see if they are interested in selling you the mobile home. Purchasing a mobile home on land contract can be a great option because you do not have to go through a bank and have large closing costs or title transfer fees.
A land contract simply states that you will continue to pay for the mobile home until it is paid for in full. The owner holds the contract rather than the bank. There is a agreed upon interest rate and terms that are all laid on in an agreed upon agreement. Renting to own is a great way to afford to purchase a mobile home.
Rent a Mobile Home to Put on Land
You might be surprised to find out that nearly 70% of all mobile homes currently sit on private land. This is a great opportunity if you are looking for a mobile home to rent on land. If you find a mobile home for sale approach the owner and see if they will let you rent the home. They may be 100 percent set on selling the mobile home but you will never know until you ask. Sharing with an owner the benefits to renting their home rather than selling it might just pique their interest. Renting a mobile home on private land is a great income producing property for years to come.
Tenant Information:
Renting a Mobile Home for Yourself and Your Family:
The following will flip the scenario and tell you information if you are looking to rent a mobile home on land or in a mobile home park.
Renting a Mobile Home vs. Apartment
Living in an apartment complex can be tough. It really comes down to your neighbors and the management of the units. If you have loud neighbors with children or pets it could be a very bad combination to live in an apartment complex. Late hours of people coming home, having disagreements or leaving their pets unattended for long periods of time can be bad. This can be disruptive to your sleep and that is difficult if you work long hours.
A mobile home either in a park setting or on private land can give you some peace of mind. A mobile home is intended for individual use. Yes, sometimes neighbors can be close by but they aren’t overtop of your home walking across the floor or better yet banging on the walls at all hours of the night.
Apartment Complex Amenities
Many apartment complexes also share some the amenities with other tenants. Washers and dryers are typically shared in these types of units so you may have to wait to do your laundry. In a mobile home you have these readily available.
Mobile homes also come with sheds for extra storage area. These sheds can hold a bunch of your goodies. They also lock well so you can secure them. Another great place to store items that won’t be affected by the weather is under your mobile home. Just propping open the skirting will give you a large area to store some of your goods. Just make sure that you wrap them up if they are items that will get ruined by water or snow. A small tote from your local store works great for these types of items. You can easily slide the tote under the home, and it will be protected from weather and from critters.
There are really benefits to living in both types of environments. Check out this article (affordable housing) for more information.
Benefits to Renting a Mobile Home vs. Buying
The biggest benefit to renting a mobile home is the fact that you aren’t responsible for any major repairs that arise from the mobile home. A furnace and hot water heater in a mobile home can be very expensive to replace. If you are renting a mobile home, you aren’t responsible for these types of repairs.
Another big expense you won’t have to worry about when renting a mobile home is insurance. Insurance covers the replacement cost of the full mobile home. If there is a major loss to the home whether it be storm damage, a fire or flood damage the policy holder will get reimbursed for the full value of the mobile home.
TIP: I would recommend getting a renters insurance policy if you have valuables inside your mobile home. If there is a major loss and you have contents inside the home the only way those are covered is if you have a policy as a renter. Losing all your clothes, home furnishings and small kitchen appliances could be very expensive to replace.
Property taxes are another expense part of owning a mobile home. These taxes are typically paid by the landowner because the property isn’t part of the rental agreement. This saves you thousands of dollars each year.
Questions to Ask When Renting a Mobile Home
When you are looking to rent a mobile home it’s important to ask questions before you rent the home. You don’t want any surprises and knowing ahead of time will save you a lot of grief. Here is a list of questions that are important to know:
What is the lot rent each month and when is it due?
How much is the deposit for the mobile home?
Is there a credit check required to rent the mobile home? Do you look for a certain credit score?
Is there a limit to how many visitors that we can have at the home and how long they can stay?
Will there be an agreement that needs to be signed to rent the home.
How long is the agreement to rent the home for 6 months or for 1 year?
Are pets allowed in the home? Can you have dogs or just cats.
Can you landscape the mobile home?
Are utilities included in the mobile home rent such water, trash, internet, electricity etc. Don’t assume that they are included, you don’t want added expenses after moving in.
Mobile Homes for Rent Near Me
Finding a mobile home in the area where you choose to live may be difficult. You might have to expand the area you are searching in or be open to living in a singlewide as opposed to a doublewide. Keep your options open and have all your ducks in a row so when the opportunity presents itself you can act quickly. Rentals go extremely quickly, and everyone is looking for them so be ready to pounce when the opportunity presents itself.
Mobile Homes for Rent Under $600 near me
If you are considering renting a mobile home but you have a budget to stay within, try this. Post an ad on Facebook stating exactly what you are looking for such as this, “Looking for a mobile home to rent in the country. Must be 3 bedroom and would really like something around $600 a month if possible.” You would be surprised at the people who know people that will help you out. In the end you might not find something exactly what you are looking for but you should find something close. Just posting this on your wall on Facebook will let your friends and family know you are looking for a home. If you want to reach a bigger audience, try Facebook Marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace has thousands of viewers. It will reach people thousands more people and you will be surprised how they will go to work helping you find a home. Many people travel to and from work and they will see a for rent sign and tell you about it.
Mobile Home Rentals Craiglist
Another option would be to put that same ad on Craigslist. Craigslist has thousands of followers as well. Plus posting on Craigslist is FREE and who doesn’t like free.
As a last option to find a mobile home to rent I would recommend hanging flyers at restaurants, grocery stores or gas stations. Hundreds of people visit these stores weekly and you may reach someone who is considering renting their mobile home yet they haven’t listed it yet.
All these ideas will put the wheels in motion to getting you towards renting a mobile home.
Renting a Mobile Home: Privately Owned
Maybe you know of a mobile home that you have driven by, and you really like. Stop and talk to the owners and see if they are interested in renting this home to you. You might be surprised how just striking up a conversation can put the wheels in motion.
If you see an empty mobile home and you aren’t sure who the owners are there are many ways to find out. Thanks to the internet this information is now at your fingertips. Almost all property information is available on the county’s website where the home resides. It will tell you the owners’ name and their mailing address.
Another great option is to stop and talk with the neighbors. Neighbors almost always know the story behind the home and can fill you in. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with them, you never know where it might lead.
Craigslist Mobile Homes for Rent Near Me
Searching Craigslist is a great way to find rentals. Craigslist is very user friendly. They make it very easy to search specific areas with just a couple clicks of your mouse. The other nice thing about this classified ad site is the most recent ad is typically at the top. So if you see a home here you are interested in be sure to contact the seller / landlord right away because these can go quickly.
Scams and Things to Watch Out For on Craigslist
There are a few things to watch out for on Craigslist and other classified or social sites online. If you contact someone about the rental be sure before you commit to the home that you go to see it. You may go as far as checking the local recorders office to make sure the person wanting to rent the home is the actual owner as well. There has been an increase in people trying to rent homes that aren’t theirs to rent. Many new renters have fallen victim to these scams.
This is how it works the person states that they own the home and then will send you an agreement to sign, which is typically fake. They will then ask you to send the first and last month’s rent along with a deposit for the home. Once these funds are sent the person takes off never to be heard from again. Even if the person tells you that they have many people inquiring so they just need the deposit ASAP before its rented do not send it. This is a scam and you will be out the money. Always check into these homes first.
Application Fees and Renting a Mobile Home
With almost any rental there are application fees. When you are interested in renting a mobile home the landlord or park office will ask that you submit an application. On this application you will fill in your personal information.
When you submit this application to be approved for the rental you will typically have to pay a rental application fee. These fees can vary from $20 – $200 depending on the process. So don’t be surprised if you are asked to do this. Many times landlords or parks will let you use this application fee towards your first months rent if you are approved. This will help you to save extra money.
These application fees are used to cover background checks and to show that you are a serious renter.
Renting a Mobile Home: Cheap Near Me
Some of the cheapest mobile homes to rent seem to be the older mobile homes. Take a trip to Florida and drive through some of their mobile home parks. You will see many homes which are considered metal / metals. This just means that they have a metal roof with metal siding. These types of mobile homes are typically built around 1970. With great upkeep these homes are still amazing inside. If you are into vintage and antiques an older mobile home might be just for you.
One of the fun things to do with an older mobile home is to decorate it with antiques. Visit your local antique store for some great interior ideas. If you are looking for cheaper interior décor don’t forget to check out your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store. Anytime someone’s family member passes away donations come rolling into these centers and you can scoop up some amazing deals.
Private Mobile Homes for Rent Near Me
One of the nicest things about a mobile home on land is it can be very private. If you rent a mobile home in a park you will have close neighbors and many people driving by. Many privately owned mobile homes are located on farmland or on nice wooded lots.
How to Find a Mobile Home for Rent Near Me
Drive around, look for sale signs and approach the seller, look on Trulia or Realtor.com or even Facebook Marketplace
Mobile Homes for Rent Utilities Included Near Me
Let’s face it mobile homes in a park can be expensive to rent. When you rent a mobile home in a park you are typically responsible for other costs as well. You may have to pay for lot rent which can be as much as renting the home. You will also have to pay for electricity, trash, water and sewer charges. These fees can really rack up. Make sure you know all of your expenses before you sign on the dotted line. You really don’t want any surprises.
Renting a mobile home on land can be a better option when it comes to all the extra expenses. You may find that a land owner will cover part of the expenses under your rental agreement.
Many times, things such as trash are covered under the taxes for the mobile home. Taxes are the responsibility of the land owner. A mobile home that sits on land will have its own water well and also its own septic field. This can save you hundreds of dollars as opposed to renting in a park setting. Be sure to check out your options
Pet Friendly Mobile Homes for Rent Near Me
Having a place that you can rent that is pet friendly is important to many people who can’t live without pets. Large dog could be problem or multiple dogs can sometimes get you denied for a rental unit. You can usually get away with having a cat. Just be prepared to pay more for animals. Dogs that bite are a big no no in any situation. Check out our article on Pets in a Mobile Home Park to learn more.
Lawn Care and Your Mobile Home:
Who is responsible for the mobile home lawn care? Don’t wait until you have moved in to find out this answer. This is one of the number one thing left out of mobile home rental agreements. If the grass gets high on your lawn you will want to know if you are responsible for maintaining it. Mowers can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Be sure to come to an agreement with whoever needs to care for the lawn beforehand.
Snow Removal
Another thing to consider if you live in a Northern area is who is responsible for plowing the driveway. Most of the time it would be the tenant but sometimes this is covered by the landowner so check ahead of time as well. Remember being prepared means no surprises after you move in.
No Credit Check Mobile Homes for Rent Near Me
Stray away from parks they always do background and credit checks. Your best bet would be to rent from a private owner. If you can talk with the owner and discuss the problems you have had in the past you may be able to come to an agreement. Bad credit happens to everyone at times but there are ways around it.
Offering to pay months in advance can also help if you are in this situation.
Furnished Mobile Homes for Rent Near Me
Rent is expensive having to furnish the whole inside of your home after signing an agreement can be even worse. You can find homes that are furnished. Some people don’t like to move all their belongings. So if you find a home with furnishings already there ask if they can stay.
If you find you need to furnish the mobile home visit these great places. Just Google donation centers near me. Goodwill is great and is one of the largest donation centers. Salvation Army is another great option and helps to benefit the armed forces.
Posting ads on Facebook is another great option stating you moved to the area you are in need of these items. In the ad ask for donations or name the price range you are trying to stay within.
Be sure to mention where you are located so your items are nearby. People are very giving, and they typically will help you out.
Moving into a Mobile Home Rental
The minute you get the keys to your mobile home rental take pictures of the inside before you move anything in. You will want to document the condition of the home and point out any repairs that need to be made. It might be important to walk through the home with the landlord and sign a repair sheet stating any repairs that are already present that need to be fixed. This way you aren’t responsible for the damage.
Keep a file in your filing cabinet or desk that is just for your rental agreement. In there keep copies of the pictures and a copy of the deposit you made on the rental. A copy of the rental deposit check will be important when you go to move from the mobile home. If you rent the home for 5 to 10 years it is easy to forget that you paid the deposit. Deposits are supposed to be returned after you leave the rental if there is any damage your deposit may be reduced. By law you need to send the landlord a letter giving them your new address so they can mail this deposit directly to you.
Emergency Phone Numbers for Mobile Home Rentals
Once you are moved into the home make sure that you keep the homeowner’s emergency contact number on your fridge and on your cell phone. This is important if there should be some type of emergency that involves the mobile home such as a fire, water damage or storm damage. You would want to inform the owner as soon as possible of this type of damage. Be sure that you contact emergency services first obviously.
Mobile Homes for Rent in Florida
Oh vacation – it’s the best time of the year. A chance to throw all your worries away. A chance to spend one on one time with family and friends. If you are looking at renting a mobile home in Florida there are plenty of opportunities to do just that.
Be sure to check out Senior Mobile Home Park if you are over the age of 55+. These parks have amazing programs and do not allow children.
Mobile Homes for Sale in Florida No Lot Rent
Maybe while you are visiting Florida you will discover that you love it there, who doesn’t. Florida is a beautiful location with so much sunshine and many things for your whole family to do.
If you are looking to stay for a long period of time and you love mobile home living look into buying a mobile home. Sites such as Trulia and Realtor.com give you the option to look at manufactured homes in any area. This is accomplished through their filters on the search menu.
Buying a mobile home on land will save you from paying lot rent. This way you can just pay on the mobile home itself.
Another option is to look for a mobile home park that doesn’t rent their lots. There are quite a few where you can purchase the lot rent then just finance the home. When it comes to mobile homes there are many ways to save and make the financing work for you.
Rent a Mobile Home for a Month
Whatever area you are looking to rent a mobile home there are sites that you can find them. If you are a snowbird looking to leave the cold states during the winter months VRBO, AirBNB are just a couple sites you should check out.
On these particular sites you can put in the dates that you want to rent a home and it will tell you the cost and when they are available. If you are looking to rent a mobile home for a month this will help you plan that out.
Park Office Mobile Home Rentals
Another option is to check with park offices, friends and family that live in the area. If you have been to the area where you are looking to rent a mobile home this is another great idea. Friends talk with others in the area, and they know of homes typically becoming available.
Park offices may have a home that they will also consider renting to you on a monthly basis. As stated before each park is different and they all have different rules. A park may have a home that they are having a hard time selling or renting on a full lease agreement. If you show them that you are a good paying tenant they may work with you.
Another way to get the park to rent to you for a month at a time if offering to pay the full months lot rent in advance. If you want to stay for a couple months you could offer to pay the full balance upfront as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Mobile Home for a Month
Parks charge different rates for mobile homes based on demand and on the area where the park is located. It is best to contact the local park manager and they will be able to give you full details on the month-to-month rent. You can either call the park and talk with the manager or stop by the park office. Either way parks typically charge a few hundred dollars to rent a home within the park. Be sure to ask if that includes the lot rent as well.
How Much to Rent a Mobile Home for a Week
Another option that is becoming increasingly popular is renting a mobile home by the week. Many parks will not rent homes week by week but some of their tenants may be willing to do this. The best way to find this out is to drive through the park looking for signs.
Another great option is to contact the park manager. The park manager will be able to tell you whether they allow their tenants to rent homes within their mobile home parks. If it is allowed, they will be able to give you the contact numbers of the tenants that do just this.
The manager may also be able to give you the address of the home within the park so you can drive by and see if it is a home that you would be interested in renting.
Renting a Singlewide Mobile Home
A singlewide mobile home is a great rental. Its very cost effective to heat and most singlewides are 3 bedroom 2 bath. It’s amazing the amount of space in these units. Most singlewides are approximately 1000 square feet of living space. This includes a kitchen, living room area and a laundry room as well as the bedrooms. Let’s not forget the storage space of these units either. Each room in a singlewide mobile home will have a closet area for added storage. A singlewide is a great rental for you and your family.
Renting a Doublewide Mobile Home
If you have a bigger family renting a doublewide mobile home might be just for you. Doublewides give you double the space of a singlewide mobile home. They are extra roomy and sometimes they have family rooms with fireplaces. These units are amazing and will give you anywhere from 1200 – 2800 square living space. Wow the space is amazing. These units can range anywhere from 3 bedrooms to 5 bedrooms depending on the layout of the home. If you are looking for space a doublewide might be right up your alley.
Don’t Forget Triplewide Mobile Homes
Triplewides, while not as common as a singlewide or doublewide mobile home, offer amazing space. This is the luxury line of mobile homes. The space in these types of units is unreal. A triplewide would be very expensive to rent. These are luxury type mobile homes and they come with a hefty price tag.
Renting a Mobile Home: Ireland
What would this article be without talking about traveling to different countries. Mobile homes are not just in the United States they are starting to gain popularity everywhere. These units provide housing that is affordable for everyone whether you are buying or renting.
Some of the most affordable ways to travel are to stay in mobile homes. Whatever country you are looking to visit check into mobile homes in that area. It could end up saving you thousands of dollars. That will give you more money to really enjoy your vacation.
Renting a Mobile Home: Conclusion
Whether you are looking to rent a mobile home for yourself to live in or you are a landlord looking for extra income mobile homes are great for rentals. They can give you an amazing place to live and they can provide great income for your family. If you are considering renting a mobile home start checking them out today.
FAQ’s: Renting a Mobile Home
What is the downside to buying a manufactured home?
The downside of buying a manufactured home includes potential depreciation in value over time, limited customization options, and the need for consistent maintenance and repairs. Financing can also be more challenging compared to traditional homes.
What are the benefits of living in a mobile home?
The benefits of living in a mobile home include lower upfront costs, energy efficiency, and often a sense of community in mobile home parks. They can provide affordable housing options and are easier to maintain.
What are the pros and cons of living in a mobile home?
Pros of living in a mobile home include affordability, energy efficiency, and a sense of community. However, cons can include depreciation in value, limited customization, and potential challenges in financing and resale.