Like anywhere, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed. Well the same goes for the RV Resort Parks if you plan to Buy, Rent or just Vacation in them. Now some rules are meant to be slightly bent or overlooked at times, but of course need to be put in place for legality reasons.
55+ Active Retirement Community Parks usually have rules relating to:
- Age
- Guests
- Renting
- Pets
- Personal Conduct and Quiet Time
- Golf Carts
- Trailer Standards and Appearance
- Renovations and Construction
- Moving Units
- Right of First Refusal
Below are 10 GENERAL RULES you may want to know about RV Resort Parks that may be common to the park of your choosing:
AGE APPROPRIATE
There are mixed views on the age restrictions of many of the RV resort parks in Arizona. Some feel it’s discrimination and some fully agree with the concept.
With Arizona being a Snowbird haven, a large percentage is age 55+. So if you even want to enter the 55+ parks, you either need to be 55 or accompanied by someone over 55. There are a couple of reasons for this age restriction;
1) in short, the park gets a tax credit for restricting their clients. HOPA is the Federal Housing for Older Persons Act with which these parks comply; and
2) many snowbirds don’t want the younger generation in the park for the simple reason they want calm and quiet. It’s ok to have your grandchildren visit for a short time, just not on a permanent basis. Usually anyone under the age of 14 in some parks, 18 in others must be accompanied by an adult. Now if your spouse is under 55 but you are 55 or older, it’s ok for your spouse to join you too! Just as long as one of you is 55.
GUESTS
A general rule for guests who come to stay with you is that you must be there with them as you are responsible for the actions of your guest. Not all parks have this rule, but it’s good to know that many parks require you, the homeowner, to be present during their stay. This makes it difficult if you have friends or family that you want to let use your place if you’re not there – but not impossible.
In some parks guests are allowed to stay for up to 14 days free of charge and after that a small fee of maybe $10 per day per person is administered to a maximum of 30 days.
RENTING
There is a real mix of rules between the parks when it comes to renting your park model out. Some parks have a rental program and want you to go through them and they will rent it out for you, which can have its advantages and disadvantages. If this is the case, then you can still have a say who rents out your home and you can refer friends and neighbours, but the park dictates the price and property management during this time. Basically you are handing it over to them.
Some parks leave the renting up to you. You can rent it to anyone you want for as long as you want, or let them stay for free, it’s up to you. Generally the smaller parks have such rules as the security is not as strict.
PET POLICY
For those pet lovers it’s hard to believe not everyone wants them around. There are very strict rules around pets in most parks. Some Parks have a pet section, meaning you have to live in a certain area of the park in order to own a pet, and some parks will allow pets in all areas. Generally only two pets are allowed per site.
Dogs – All dogs must be approved by the park office and identified with tags. The park has the right to refuse any dog at their discretion if they display aggressive behavior. Dogs must be on a leash or tether no longer than 4 feet and residents must clean up after their dog immediately; they are not permitted in any of the public buildings or pool areas; they must be kept quiet at all times and could be grounds for removal if owners do not comply. Most parks have dog parks where your dogs are free to run around. Some even have fun obstacles they can play on. Dog runs on your resident property are usually prohibited.
Service Dogs – are not considered pets for the purpose of these policies, however documentation may be requested upon arrival in relation to your disability. Although general behavioural and clean up rules apply.
Cats – unfortunately are not allowed to run free. Cats must remain indoors or on a tether outdoors.
PERSONAL CONDUCT & QUIET TIME
As with anywhere, personal behaviour should be kept in tact. Courteous, mild manner is expected at all times. Foul, abusive, threatening or obscene language will not be tolerated. This type of conduct is grounds for immediate removal or eviction from the park. This applies to residents, guests and visitors. In addition all parks have a general rule that excessive noise is prohibited at all times. However, quiet time is between 10:00pm and 8:00 a.m. so you don’t want your contractor showing up before 8:00 a.m. Please respect your neighbours.
GOLF CARTS
The luxury of owning and driving a golf cart in the parks is pure bliss, but not to be abused. Speed limits of 15 mph often do apply and there may be some rules of the road like staying to one side of the street; do not drive on sidewalks and no children are to drive the cart at any time.
TRAILER RV STANDARDS AND APPEARANCE
Most 55+ parks like to maintain the highest standards and this comes with appearance. There are general rules built around how you must maintain your site and if in violation could lead to fines or in some cases eviction. Such standards include; the siding must match the skirting of the trailer or must be of similar color; cleaning of the window coverings and skirting must be done periodically; foil, sheets, flags and cardboard or other reflective window coverings are prohibited; personal belongings should not be on display outside of the home except for standard lawn furniture and bbq. Patio and Carport areas must be kept uncluttered. Garden tools, brooms, toys and construction debris should be enclosed in a shed and out of sight. In general, keep your home looking neat and tidy and well maintained.
RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION
In keeping with park standards, if you want to do any major renovations you must seek park approval prior to starting. Sometimes city permits may also be required depending on the amount of the renovation. b Some parks even have contractors that will do the work for you. Any construction requiring a permit must be performed by a licensed and bonded contractor. Construction is usually not permitted on Sundays as it is deemed a quiet day.
MOVING YOUR PARK MODEL OUT
Should you decide to move your park model out of the park and replace it with another. The park must be notified and give written approval at least 30 days prior. Compliance with the Arizona removal of mobile home from mobile home park statues. A.R.S 33-1485.01 or 33-2105 and the company or person responsible for the move-out must be registered with the Arizona Department of Housing or Registrar of Contractors.
FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL
Be aware of parks rules on first right of refusal if you are selling your park model. This rule applies if the resident is selling the park model to someone who intends to remove the unit from the park. In this case the park has the option to match the purchase offer within so many days and buy it out-right. The home must then be sold to the park.
CONCLUSION
There are many other rules that apply when you are buying or renting, but they are all for good cause. Personally, we wouldn’t want to be in a park that didn’t care about its standards in maintaining attractiveness, order and safety. It’s reassuring to know that we are in good hands and it will be for years to come.
