Spring Inspection Checklist for Mobile Home Owners

Keeping Your Home and Lot in Tip-Top Shape: A Guide for Residents of Mobile Home Communities

Maintaining your home and lot isn't just about following the rules for your communities – it's about contributing to a clean, beautiful, and welcoming community for every resident and guest. To help you in your maintenance routine, we've created a helpful checklist to guide you through the key upkeep areas to work on:

1. Exterior of Your Home

Your home's exterior is the first impression people get, so it's important to make it a good one! In the spring you should check:

• Siding, Trim, and Skirting: Take a close look to see if anything is cracked, broken, faded, or missing. If paint is peeling or there are areas that look weather-worn, it might be time for a refresh. Remember: a refresh doesn't mean you have to repaint your entire home!
• Windows and Shutters: Broken windows and missing shutters aren't just unappealing – they also pose a safety concern. Take some time to make sure all windows are crack-free and that shutters are firmly attached.
• Proper Window Treatments: While it may be tempting to hang a blanket or towel to block the sun temporarily, permanent window coverings like blinds or curtains are required. This keeps our community looking well-maintained and clean.
• Locks on Exterior Doors and Windows: For your safety and peace of mind, all entry points should be secured with working locks.

2. Improvements to Your Lot

Whether you've added a shed or built a deck expansion, it's important that improvements stay safe and in good repair. Always be sure to check with the management at your community to ensure that you're in compliance with your lease rules.

• Decks, Steps, and Railings: Look out for loose boards, rusted nails, or peeling paint. These should be repaired or replaced as needed and as soon as possible – not just to improve appearance, but also to prevent accidents.
• Sheds and Carports: These structures need the same care as your home. Check they are structurally sound, painted if necessary, and firmly locked and secured.

3. Overall Lot Condition

A clean, clutter-free yard goes a long way in creating a beautiful neighborhood.

• Garbage and Trash: All waste should be in containers with lids and kept out of sight. Loose bags or visible trash diminished from the overall appearance of the community.
• No Outdoor Storage: Items like old furniture, mattresses, tires, and broken appliances should never be stored outside. These can pose safety hazards and attract pests. Make sure you're disposing of them properly.
• Toys and Bikes: When not in use or being played with, make sure bikes and toys are put away in a shed or inside your home. This keeps your yard tidy and prevents items from becoming lost or damaged.
• Lawn Care: Regular mowing, weeding, and trimming keeps your yard looking fresh and inviting. While some communities offer landscaping services, be aware if there is any upkeep needed in between the offered services. Not only does it improve the curbside appeal of your home, but it will also prevent the spread of weeds to your neighbors' yards.
• Pet Waste: We love the pets in our communities, but please make sure to be a responsible pet owner – clean up pet waste promptly to keep your yard sanitary and dispose of it appropriately to avoid any odors.

4. Home Projects and Repairs

DIY projects are great – you can save money and feel accomplished by doing it yourself, but they must follow community guidelines.

• Approvals and Permits: Any construction like new sheds, decks, or major repairs must have prior approval from park management and a valid building permit on file. Please contact your community manager prior to starting any projects.
• Timely Completion: Unfinished work like exposed skirting, siding repairs, or half-built structures generally must be completed within 30 days to maintain safety and appearance compliance.

5. Vehicle Guidelines

Vehicles are part of your home's presence and must be properly managed and maintained.

• Where to Park: All vehicles must be parked in your designated driveway or beside your lots. Parking behind homes or on vacant lots is not allowed.
• Vehicle Condition: All vehicles must be operational with up-to-date plates – no flat tires or jacked-up cars are permitted at any time.
• Recreational Vehicles: Storing RVs, campers, or similar items on empty lots or in common areas is not permitted. In communities where you're allowed to store your recreational vehicles on-site, you must have prior approval from management.

6. Pet Responsibilities

We love our furry friends, but they must be cared for respectfully and in compliance with community rules.

• Management Approval: All pets must be registered and approved by park management before they move in.
• Supervision: Pets must never be left tied up or allowed to roam unattended. This keeps everyone safe and avoids neighborly conflicts.
• Clean-Up: Clean up after your pets to ensure your yard remains clean and odorless.

By following these guidelines, you help keep your community clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. If you have any questions about specific policies or need assistance with approvals or permits, don't hesitate to contact your community's management office – they're here to help!