Having difficulty finding a Park Model to rent? Or don’t know where to look? It can take some looking around. Prices can vary greatly from park to park depending on the quality and size of the park.
Park Model rentals can be found by word of mouth, RV Resort park Activity Centres or the park office. They can also be found on Facebook sites, Craig’s list, Kijiji, Airbnb and some realtor sites. Begin by checking your local online ads.
With Snowbirds flocking to Arizona at a steady rate each year, it may not be that easy to secure a spot. Many people want to rent for three months at a time, and usually during high season from January to the end of March, so renting a month at a time or by the week could be more difficult unless it’s during the off season. A lot of parks don’t even allow weekly rental during the high season. Begin your search early so you’re not disappointed.
WHERE TO LOOK?
- Word of Mouth is a powerful source – Begin by asking or letting family, friends and neighbours (at home and the park you might have your sights set on) both know that you are looking for a place to rent and chances are ‘someone knows someone’ who has something. It can also give both you and the owner peace of mind with it being a friend of a friend rather than a complete stranger. This is always the best place to start.
- Activity Centre or Park Office – There is usually a place in the RV Resort parks like the office or activity centre where they hang up postings for rentals. If you have friends or family in a specific park and you are hoping to rent in the same park they can check it out for you.
- Parks with Rental Programs – Some parks have a rental program that does not allow individuals to rent privately. Go to the Parks website and they will usually have rentals posted.
- Facebook Members Site – Some parks have a Facebook members site. Request to get on this site and watch for people renting out their unit, although you may need to know someone in the park to get on the site. Although these are usually the parks with a rental program and would be handling this for you.
- Realtor Sites – There are some realtor sites online that advertise park models for rent until they sell. These are Realtors that specialize in the Park Model RV Parks. So if you want to chance renting one that’s for sale, be prepared that you may have to leave during your stay. Of course, this isn’t always the case and they may have clauses that allow you to complete your term before the sale is finalized. The advantage to renting one for sale is they may have discounted rates.
- Kijijji, Craig’s List, Airbnb – Kijijji and Craig’s list continue to be a popular vehicle for finding a rental and especially if you’re not familiar with any of the parks. This would be a great place to start. Airbnb may not always have a great selection unless you’re looking in the Resident-Owned parks.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO RENT?
Rental prices can vary widely from park to park. Prices can depend on a couple factors such as the size and quality of the park and what they have to offer.
Renting in a larger park that has more amenities than some, and 24 hour security, then you are going to pay more rent.
When determining cost of rent in relation to park size, a general guideline would be:
Small park prices would range from – $,1,000 – 1,500 US per month; and
Larger park prices would range from – $1,500 – $3,100 US per month
Some parks (usually larger ones), and especially those that have a rental program, will categorize the available homes for rent into different price points as shown below. This can give you an idea of what you will get for your money.
LARGE PARK – PRICING AND CATEGORIES (these are only guidelines):
Standard Park Model $1,500+ (older unit but in good condition, one bedroom, one bathroom)
Mid-Range Park Model $2,000 (older with upgrades in good condition, one bedroom, one bathroom)
Standard Park Model w/Arizona Room $2,300 (older unit with upgrades, one bedroom, one bathroom)
Deluxe Park Model $2,300 (newer unit, one bedroom, one bathrooms)
Mid-Range Park Model w/Arizona Room $2,600 (older with upgrades, two bedroom, two bathrooms)
Deluxe Park Model $2,600 (newer unit, two bedrooms, two bathrooms)
Deluxe Park Model on Golf Course $2,900 + tax (new unit, two bedrooms two bathrooms)
Supreme Park Model $3,100 (new manufactured home, two bedrooms two bathrooms, double wide)
In addition to the monthly rental amount you should expect to pay a Security Deposit, ranging anywhere from $500 to one month’s rent. The Deposit is usually collected upon signing of the contract or with the first month’s rent. It will usually be returned to you, less any damages you may have caused, if any, within 7 days of vacating the premise, and after inspection.
DO I GET ACCESS TO ALL FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES?
Some parks require guests to register with the park office and pay a small fee to get full access to the park.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Some renters will allow a pet, as long as the park allows pets. Not all parks will allow them or certain areas are designated the Pet section so if the Park Model you are looking to rent isn’t in the Pet section, then you’re out of luck.
If your pet is allowed, plan to have to pay a non-refundable pet deposit of around $200. Although prices will vary on the renter. This deposit will cover added expenses such as extra cleaning needed due to the pet. Also be aware that noisy pets are grounds for renter removal from the park and no refunds will be provided if that happens. So start training your pet to use their inside voice before you go!
ARE GOLF CARTS INCLUDED IN THE RENT?
As golf carts are a nice added feature, not all renters will include them. They may charge an extra cost of around $500 to use the cart while there. And parks that have their own park model trailer rental program will not allow the owner to provide their golf cart as part of the rental. So you may find yourself trying to rent one from somewhere else which is not a problem. There are many Golf Cart Rentals in Arizona that have fantastic service and will drop one off and pick it up when you’re done. Monthly rentals will cost you about $250 a month + tax for a two passenger and $300 a month for a four passenger.
CONCLUSION
Although finding a rental for the first time can have it’s challenges if you’re not familiar with Arizona and not sure where the best spot is. But once you’ve found a location the first year you can take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with where to seek and find for the next time. And once you’ve had a chance to look around while you’re there and talk with people, finding the perfect rental place will be that much easier.