If you have a felony on your record, finding a place to live can be challenging. However, in Iowa, there are mobile home parks that welcome those with a criminal record.
These parks are known as “felony friendly” mobile home parks. In this article, we will explore what felony friendly mobile home parks are, the legal aspects of mobile home parks in Iowa, and how to find a mobile home park that fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Felony friendly mobile home parks are mobile home communities that welcome individuals with criminal records.
- Mobile home parks in Iowa are governed by the “Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.”
- It is important to understand your rights as a tenant and the obligations of the landlord before signing a rental agreement.
Understanding Felony Friendly Mobile Home Parks
If you have a felony conviction on your record and are looking for a place to live in Iowa, you may be wondering if there are any mobile home parks that are willing to accept you as a tenant.
The good news is that there are several mobile home parks in Iowa that are designated as “felony friendly,” meaning they are open to renting to people with felony convictions on their record.
When searching for a mobile home park in Iowa, it’s important to do your research and find one that fits your needs and budget. Some mobile home parks may have specific policies or restrictions regarding felons, while others may be more lenient. You can start by checking with the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association to get a list of mobile home parks in the state.
It’s also important to note that mobile home parks in Iowa can be divided into different categories, such as all-age communities, senior communities, and resident-owned communities.
Some mobile home parks may be more welcoming to families with children, while others may cater more to retirees or seniors. Be sure to consider your own needs and preferences when choosing a mobile home park.
When contacting mobile home parks in Iowa, be honest about your criminal history and ask if they have any policies regarding felons. Some mobile home parks may require a background check or other screening process before approving a tenant, while others may be more flexible.
It’s also a good idea to ask about other amenities and features of the mobile home park, such as whether they are pet-friendly or have on-site laundry facilities. This can help you find a mobile home park that meets all of your needs and preferences.
Here is a table of some mobile home parks in Iowa that are known to be “felony friendly”:
| Mobile Home Park | Location | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Oakwood Mobile Home Park | Cedar Rapids | Link |
| Village Green Mobile Home Park | Des Moines | Link |
| Sunrise Mobile Home Park | Waterloo | Link |
Remember to do your own research and contact mobile home parks directly to find out their policies regarding felons. With a little effort and persistence, you can find a mobile home park in Iowa that is willing to rent to you and your family.
Legal Aspects of Mobile Home Parks in Iowa
If you’re considering living in a mobile home park in Iowa, it’s important to be aware of the legal aspects and regulations that govern these communities.
The Iowa Manufactured and Mobile Home Park Law , also known as the Mobile Home Park Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and renters in these communities.
Under this law, mobile home parks must meet certain criteria to be considered a legal community. These criteria include having at least three mobile homes on the property, offering essential services such as water, sewer, and electrical, and charging rent for the spaces.
As a renter in a mobile home park, you have certain protections under the law. For example, park owners cannot retaliate against you for filing a complaint or exercising your legal rights.
Additionally, they must provide written notice before increasing your rent or making changes to the rules of the community.
If you believe that your landlord has violated the Mobile Home Park Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you can take legal action. You may be able to file a complaint with the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association or seek the assistance of an attorney.
It’s important to note that discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, disability, or familial status is illegal in mobile home parks in Iowa. If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you may be able to take legal action.
Overall, understanding the legal aspects of mobile home parks in Iowa can help you protect your rights as a renter and ensure that you are living in a safe and fair community.
Rent and Utilities in Mobile Home Parks
When it comes to renting a mobile home in Iowa, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding rent and utilities. Mobile home park landlords are required to follow certain laws and guidelines to ensure fair treatment of their tenants.
Rent
Mobile home park landlords can charge rent to their tenants, but there are rules in place to protect renters.
For example, Iowa law requires landlords to provide tenants with a written lease agreement that outlines the terms of the rental agreement, including the amount of rent due and when it is due.
Additionally, landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of any rent increases or nonrenewal of leases, usually at least 30 days in advance.
If you are struggling to pay your rent, there may be options available to you.
The Iowa Finance Authority provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families.
You can also contact your local housing authority to learn more about other rental assistance programs that may be available to you.
Utilities
Mobile home park landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with certain utilities, such as water and sewer service.
However, landlords can charge tenants for these services, as well as other utilities such as electricity and gas. It’s important to carefully review your lease agreement to understand what utilities you are responsible for paying.
Iowa law prohibits landlords from overcharging tenants for utilities and limits the amount of administrative fees they can charge. For example, landlords can only charge a maximum of $5 per month for utility administration.
If you have concerns about the cost of your utilities, you can contact your local utility company to request an audit of your account. This can help you identify any errors or discrepancies in your billing.
Rent Control
Some cities and counties in Iowa have rent control measures in place to protect mobile home park tenants from excessive rent increases.
If you live in a mobile home park with rent control, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. You can contact your local housing authority or legal aid organization for more information about rent control laws in your area.
By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding rent and utilities in mobile home parks, you can protect your rights as a renter and ensure fair treatment from your landlord.
Finding a Mobile Home Park in Iowa
If you’re looking for a mobile home park in Iowa, there are several resources available to help you find the perfect spot. One of the best places to start your search is MHVillage, a website that lists mobile home parks and available lots throughout the state.
On MHVillage, you can search for mobile home parks in specific cities such as Dubuque, Ames, Bondurant, Colo, Coralville, Denison, Des Moines, and Iowa City. The site also offers sort and filter options so you can narrow down your search by price, location, and amenities.
In addition to MHVillage, you can also check local classified ads and online listings for available mobile home parks. Some parks may even offer free listings for available lots, so be sure to keep an eye out for those as well.
When you’re considering a mobile home park, be sure to do your research and ask plenty of questions. Find out what amenities are included, such as laundry facilities, playgrounds, and swimming pools. You should also ask about the park’s policies on pets, visitors, and noise.
If you’re looking for a mobile home park that is friendly to those with a criminal record, be sure to ask about the park’s policies on felons. While some parks may have strict policies against renting to felons, others may be more lenient.
Overall, finding a mobile home park in Iowa is relatively easy with the help of online resources and local listings. Just be sure to do your due diligence and ask plenty of questions before making a decision.
Amenities and Services in Mobile Home Parks
When searching for a mobile home park in Iowa, one of the key factors to consider is the amenities and services offered by the park. Here are some common amenities and services that you may find in mobile home parks in Iowa:
Park Amenities
Many mobile home parks in Iowa offer a variety of amenities to their residents. These can include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Centers | These are often used for events and gatherings, such as potlucks and game nights. |
| Swimming Pools | Some mobile home parks have swimming pools for residents to enjoy during the summer months. |
| Playgrounds | If you have children, you may want to look for a mobile home park that has a playground area. |
| Laundry Facilities | Some mobile home parks have on-site laundry facilities for residents to use. |
| Pet Areas | If you have pets, you may want to look for a mobile home park that has designated pet areas for them to play and exercise. |
Mobile Home Lots
When you rent a lot in a mobile home park, you will typically have access to certain services and amenities. Here are some of the things that may be included with your lot rental:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water and Sewer | Most mobile home parks provide water and sewer hookups for each lot. |
| Trash Removal | Some mobile home parks offer trash removal services for their residents. |
| Lawn Care | Depending on the park, lawn care services may be included with your lot rental. |
| Snow Removal | In the winter months, some mobile home parks will clear the snow from your driveway and walkways. |
Mobile Home Services
If you own a mobile home, you may need to have it serviced from time to time. Some mobile home parks in Iowa offer on-site maintenance services for their residents. This can include:
- Electrical repairs
- Plumbing repairs
- HVAC repairs
- Appliance repairs
It’s important to note that not all mobile home parks offer these services, so be sure to ask about them when you’re looking for a place to live.
Overall, the amenities and services offered by a mobile home park can make a big difference in your quality of life. When you’re searching for a place to live in Iowa, be sure to consider what each park has to offer and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
Overall, finding a felony-friendly mobile home park in Iowa may take some effort, but it is possible. By doing your research, knowing your rights, and seeking out resources when needed, you can find a safe and affordable place to call home.
