Can You Rent a Trailer Home? What You Need to Know

Trailer homes, also known as manufactured or mobile homes, are a common rental housing choice for many individuals and families. These residences offer an alternative to traditional stick-built houses or apartments. The rental market is diverse, offering various options. This article explores renting these properties, from understanding the types available to managing financial aspects.

Understanding Rental Options

The term “trailer home” broadly encompasses several types of factory-built housing: manufactured homes, mobile homes, and park models. Each type has distinct characteristics.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes are constructed in a factory and adhere to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, known as the HUD Code. These homes are built on a permanent chassis and can be placed on leased land within a community or on private property. When rented, a manufactured home typically includes the structure itself, often within a dedicated community.

Mobile Homes

Mobile homes refer to factory-built homes constructed before June 15, 1976, predating the HUD Code. While “mobile home” is often used interchangeably with “manufactured home,” manufactured homes meet modern federal construction guidelines ensuring safety and durability. Renting an older mobile home might involve properties that do not meet these contemporary standards. Both manufactured and mobile homes are frequently found in communities where residents own the home but lease the land it occupies; some are rented as complete units including the land.

Park Models

Park models are a smaller, specialized category of factory-built housing. These units are designed as recreational vehicles, typically under 400 square feet, intended for temporary living. While classified as RVs, park models are often placed on foundations in campgrounds or designated parks and connected to utilities, making them suitable for long-term rentals in specific settings. They offer a compact living solution.

Finding Available Rentals

Locating available trailer home rentals involves exploring several channels.

Online Platforms

General online rental websites, such as Zillow or Apartments.com, often feature listings for manufactured homes alongside traditional apartments and houses. These platforms allow filtering by property type and location. Specialized online marketplaces dedicated to manufactured and mobile homes, like MHVillage, also provide extensive listings.

Real Estate Agents

Engaging with local real estate agents, particularly those specializing in manufactured housing or property management, can be beneficial. These agents may have access to a wider range of listings and can offer insights into local market conditions. They can also assist with the rental process and understanding lease terms.

Direct Community Contact

Direct contact with manufactured home communities or parks is another method for finding rentals. Many communities have on-site management offices that handle available rental units. Visiting or calling these communities allows prospective tenants to inquire about current openings, future availability, and community-specific amenities and rules. Additionally, local classifieds, community bulletin boards, and social media groups focused on housing in a particular area can sometimes list individual rentals by private owners.

The Rental Process

Securing a trailer home rental typically follows a structured process.

Application and Screening

Prospective tenants are generally required to complete a rental application, which collects personal information, employment history, and previous rental references. Landlords commonly conduct background checks, including criminal history, eviction records, and credit history. Many landlords look for a credit score of at least 600-650.

Income Verification and Fees

Income verification is a standard part of the application, with landlords requiring proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns. A common guideline is that a tenant’s gross monthly income should be at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. Application fees, which cover screening costs, typically range from $30 to $75 per applicant and are usually non-refundable.

Lease Agreement and Move-in

Upon approval, the next step involves reviewing and signing a lease agreement. This document outlines the terms of the tenancy, including rental duration, rent amount, and responsibilities for maintenance and repairs. It is important to understand clauses related to lease renewal options, pet policies, and late fees.

Before moving in, a security deposit is collected, commonly equal to one to two months’ rent. This deposit is held by the landlord and is refundable after the tenancy ends, provided the property is returned in good condition. The timeframe for security deposit return varies by state, often ranging from 14 to 60 days after move-out. Conducting a move-in inspection and documenting the property’s condition with photos or videos is advisable.

Financial Aspects of Renting

Renting a trailer home involves several financial considerations beyond the monthly rent.

Primary Costs

The primary cost is the monthly rental payment, which can vary based on the home’s size, location, and community amenities. Average rental prices for manufactured homes can range from approximately $1,200 to $1,350 per month. In addition to the first month’s rent, tenants typically pay a security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent, at lease signing.

Additional Fees and Utilities

Other upfront costs include application fees and pet fees or deposits. Non-refundable pet fees can range from $100 to $500, while additional pet rent might be $25 to $75 per month per pet. Tenants are generally responsible for setting up and paying for utilities like electricity, water, gas, and waste removal. Utility providers may require a deposit to establish service, ranging from $50 to $200 per utility.

Lot Fees and Insurance

In manufactured home communities, lot fees (also known as site rent or ground rent) are a financial consideration. This monthly payment is for leasing the land where the home is situated, separate from the home’s rent if the home is owned by the community and rented as a unit. Lot fees typically cover community maintenance, access to amenities like clubhouses or pools, and sometimes include certain utilities. These fees can range from $200 to $1,200 per month, with a national average often around $400, depending on location and amenities. Renters insurance is a recommended, and often required, expense, protecting personal belongings and providing liability coverage, usually costing between $12 and $23 per month.