Does anyone know about mobilehome liens

Question

Hi Everyone,

I am new to mobilehome/manufactured home investing and have an interesting question.  I recently purchased an older mobile home from a private owner and just found out that the park placed a lien against the home for unpaid park rent by the previous owner.  The question that I have is that I purchased the home and registered it in my name before the lien was placed against the property/previous owner.  I am going to go and check the status of the title/lien issue tomorrow.

Any advice or information would be helpful.  Thank you and happy holidays to all.

Rachel H. · Answer

Hi Monica, welcome to the world of mobile home investing!

Regarding the lien issue you're facing, when working with sellers I actually have them confirm the park lot rent has been paid and no known liens exist. Then, I also double check with the park to confirm this information before we close.

If you've already closed on the home and have transferred title to your name, there is always a chance a lien can be placed on the home (as in this case for unpaid back lot rent).

If there is a lien on the home placed by the park for unpaid back lot rent due, your best bet would be to talk with the park and figure out if you can work out a solution.

If you've got a good relationship with the park, a lot of times they welcome having a long term business relationship with those they can trust. Perhaps, they can forgive the lien or a portion of the lien in exchange for establishing a long term relationship and doing more business in the park.

Hope that helps!  :D

Monica Elise · Answer

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for the info.  After doing lots of research I found out some interesting info on how this can help someone in the future.  The mobile home was actually given to us as a gift and we're told that the lien cannot transfer down to us.  We are in the state of California.  There are very few ways to place a lien on a mobile home in Cali since it is considered personal property.  The mobile home park have tried sending us through loopholes, etc., to make it seem abandoned and lie about receiving our application so that after 30 days they can sell it for the lien and then if we want it we would have to satisfy it.  After checking with the Housing and Community Development office there is no lien like the park keeps telling us, just a bunch of hoopla.  And after this nightmare we are definitely looking at movers to move it to another park.  Thanks for the info and happy new year anyone.  Please share if you have anything else to add.

Mike Matthews · Answer

DID you move the home as of yet? If not see if the park will wipe the lean if you sing a long term contract to keep the home in the park for X amount of years. They will work with you.