Content Area of Guidelines for Living: Security and Protection through Storage

by Chrissy Jackson

In our last column, we covered Manufactured Home Community “Guidelines for Living” topics ranging from Refuse Removal through Rights of Management. This month, we will explore Security and Protection through Storage, so let's get started, shall we?

Security and Protection. Who is responsible for the security and protection of a Resident, their personal belongings, and their guests? Is it the Community? Or the Community Manager? Or the Resident? If there is a need for security, whom is the Resident to call? The Community Manager? Or the police or fire department first, then the Community Manager?

Security Deposit. Does the Community require a security deposit? How much? When is it due? How is it payable? May a Resident make payments? Is it refundable? Under what conditions? Under what circumstances can a refund of a security deposit be denied? At what point in time does the refund (if any) become due? May the Resident use the security deposit for rent or other monetary obligations owed to the Community while he is a Resident? Is the security deposit placed in a separate account? Is it interest-bearing? Does state law require the Community Manager to disclose the location of the security deposit account? Can a security deposit be transferred from a current Resident to a new one? What forms will be required? Is a security deposit paid by an applicant who is refused the status of residency refundable?

Signs and Banners. Is a Resident permitted to put a sign, hang a flag, or banner on his homesite or home? What size? What type? For what length of time? On what type of pole or post? May a Resident put it in the ground? May a vendor or contractor display a sign on a home or at a homesite where they are doing work? Be sure to check the local municipal codes with regard to this area.

Skirting. Does the Community require skirting? What type? Who is required to install it? What time frame following move in is the Resident given for installation? If the terrain requires skirting of 36” or more in height, will the Community Manager require some sort of interior bracing for added support and strength? Will the Resident be permitted to put a door in the skirting to utilize the area under the home for storage?

Soliciting. Does the Community allow soliciting? Does state or local law require a posting if the Community does not? If Residents are selling items (such as school candy, Girl Scout cookies, etc.) how will it be handled? Should any and all who solicit have written permission from the Community Manager to show to the Residents on whom they call?

Steps. Does the Community require steps at each door? Are the steps required to have a handrail? Are there certain specifications for the construction – either design or materials? May the homeowner build them, or must the work be done by a licensed contractor? Is there a time limit within which the work is required to be done. If steps are being built after a Resident has lived in the Community for some time, is there an approval process required for design and construction? Must a Resident obtain written permission from the Community Manager prior to building steps? Do concrete blocks piled up at the door constitute an acceptable form of steps?

Storage. Is there a separate area for storage of recreational vehicles? Is the Community required by law to provide one? Are the spaces within the area assigned? Is there a monthly fee? What type of vehicles may be placed in the recreational vehicle storage area? What type of vehicles may not be stored there? Is it locked? Who has keys? What are the hours a Resident is permitted access? Is there a written agreement? Are the vehicles stored in a recreational vehicle storage area required to have tires inflated, insurance, valid license plates? Under what conditions may a Community Manager declare property in the recreational vehicle storage area as abandoned property and have it removed? Who is responsible for the expense of removing the vehicle? Who is responsible for mowing and trimming the weeds in the recreational vehicle storage area around the Resident’s vehicle? What may or may not be stored on a Resident’s homesite? Under his home? In the shed? What about the storage of “classic cars” needing repair? Or firewood? Or a broken swing set? What may a Resident store outside his home, and what must be inside or in the shed? What may be stored inside a screened-in room? # #

Chrissy Jackson is President of Chrissy Jackson & Associates, Inc. www.chrissy-jackson.com, President, Florida Writers Association, Inc., www.floridawriters.net and Vice President, Florida Writers Foundation, Inc. Contact her at her website or via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by writing P.O. Box 66069, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736-6069. For Chrissy Jackson's bio, please click here.