Knowing California Mobile Home Park Laws for Win-Win Situations
In California, mobile home parks are subject to a complicated legal system. Penalties or lost opportunity costs can cost business owners time and money.
California’s mobile home park regulations are intended to protect tenants’ rights. However the law does have something for mobile home park owners.
To make it easier, we will start with an overview of the law, then some lesser known laws and finally some options to ponder on that can help an owner/manager/developer of mobile home parks.
The Mobile Home Residency Law of California
The Mobile Home Residency Law is the primary legal code for owners. There are clear park usage regulations and limitations on regional rent control situations.
As a refresher, the following are the main points of the law.
Right to Terminate Tenancies:
California law allows park owners to evict tenants for specific reasons, such as violating rules and regulations or overdue rent.
For example, MRL (Civil Code 798.56(e)) gives the homeowner 5 days after the due date to pay and then another a 3-day notice to pay the rent. If the homeowner pays within the 3-day period, the tenant can stay. If the homeowner does not pay, then termination of tenancy happens in 60 days.
Fees and Rent Control Regulations:
Some sections detail what kind of fees are allowed and who can be charged.
MRL (Civil Code 798.35) – no charge for number of immediate family. Note: immediate family status applies to his or her spouse, their parents, their children, and their grandchildren under 18 years of age.
Additionally, MRL (Civil Code 798.34(a)) states that no charge or fee for a guest who does notstay with the homeowner for more than a total of 20 consecutive days or a total of 30 daysin a calendar year. A person who is a Guest shall not be required to register with the management.
There are also important rent control regulations owners must remember.
MRL (Civil Code 798.30.5(a)) mobile home park management cannot increase the gross rental rate more than 3 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 5 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate.
Enforcement of Park Rules:
MRL Civil Code798 contains the bulk of park rules enforcement
For example, the mobile park owner should give the tenant a 14-day notice about the property and its disposal/removal. Any costs regarding storing and removing the said property will be shouldered by the tenant.
If homeowner fails to claim within 60 days, it is deemed abandoned. That means management can now dispose it.
Lesser-Known Laws Benefiting Property Owners in Mobile Home Parks
Many California mobile home residency law provisions are familiar to property owners. However, there are other laws that can give you something to use to safeguard your rights or take in consideration to avoid penalties and fines.
California Health and Safety Code:
This code provides for requirements regarding health and safety in mobile home parks, including inspections and maintenance of common areas and structures.
The California Health and Safety Code specifically Code § 18200 discusses what the owner should remmeber about mobile home park safety standards and maintenance.
For example, reading the section will give owners a rough idea what are common areas and facilities regulated. You can also check what the law considers safe and sanitary, so owners can avoid penalties or risks of a lawsuit.
California Local Government Finance Law:
Property owners are sometimes allowed certain tax credits within mobile home parks to upgrade the infrastructure.
California Local Government Finance Law (LGFL) Government Code § 53334 talks about community facilities districts (CFDs). Mobile home park owners can take advantage of this by joining CFDs and possibly get funds for security or even maintenance of common areas.
California Solar Credit Law:
This legislation provides a tax credit and rebate for putting solar energy systems on property containing mobile home parks.
This way, owners can significantly reduce energy expenses while preserving the environment.
Using the Public Utilities Code § 2827, mobile home park owners can get lower operational costs through Net Energy Metering(NEM). With NEM, you can get payment from utility companies whenever you send then surplus energy.
How SolarCo Energy Can Help Mobile Home Park Owners
SolarCo Energy specializes in helping mobile home park owners integrate solar energy solutions into their properties.
We offer personalized development and design services to ensure efficient and effective solar installations.
Our flexible financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and cash purchases, make it easier for owners to adopt solar technologies.
With SolarCo’s expertise, mobile home park owners can reduce energy costs, attract environmentally-conscious residents, and increase the overall value of their properties.
Exploring California’s Solar Laws
If you are planning to implement solar technologies, you should familiarize yourself with California’s laws concerning the use of solar energy, like the California Solar Rights Act.
This legislation clears hurdles for homeowners seeking to install solar systems, trying to prevent viable community standards from unduly restricting access to solar.
Also, knowledge of net metering policies can help you effectively communicate the financial incentive message on solar energy to residents.
Conclusion
Understanding the laws of California regarding mobile home parks can help you not only with compliance but also your bottom line. Getting incentives and avoiding penalties can improve your CapEx and OpEx, but knowing what and how can be tricky.
Let SolarCo Energy take care of your solar energy needs. From a free personalized quote up to installation and maintenance of solar panels, SolarCo has it all when it comes to optimizing your energy system as well as your bank account.
