Manufactured Home Communities
MYTH: Manufactured and mobile homes are trailers.
FACT: Trailers are towable by cars. In the 1950s, a post-war housing shortage called for factory-built homes. In 1976, HUD set national construction standards. In 1980, Congress required the term “manufactured home” for homes built under the HUD Code. Using correct terminology respects homeowners, their investments, and communities.
MYTH: “Mobile” Homes and Manufactured homes are mobile.
FACT: Almost none are ever moved. Relocating a manufactured home is expensive and risks structural damage. Insurance and financing often become unavailable.
MYTH: Mobile home parks and MHCs are owned by the landowner.
FACT: Manufactured Home Communities (MHCs) consist of separate interests. (1) The landowner with a business of leasing their land, (2) The homes, typically owned by residents (often with a combined value that exceeds the land value), and (3) The residents who make up the community.
MYTH: Manufactured homes are poorly built.
FACT: Since 1976, every manufactured home must meet strict federal safety, durability, and construction codes. Permanent foundations make manufactured homes safer, which is an option in resident-owned communities (ROCs)
MYTH: Manufactured homes don’t appreciate.
FACT: Cared for homes in stable, well-managed communities, do appreciate—especially in resident-owned communities. Values fall only where predatory owners impose huge rent hikes or neglect the property.
MYTH: Manufactured home communities are run-down or unsafe.
FACT: Many MHCs are beautifully maintained, with landscaping, clubhouses, pools, and amenities. As with any business, quality depends on management. ROCs are better maintained since the primary focus of the community is housing and not investor profit.