Questions to ask before buying a home in a land-lease community
October 26, 2026
When you buy in a land-lease community, you own the home, but the park owner controls the lot. These questions help you understand what you are signing up for.
Rent and fees
- What is the current lot rent, and how much has it increased each year for the past five years?
- How much notice is required before a rent increase?
- What fees are there beyond rent, such as application, pet, guest or late fees?
- What does rent include? Water, sewer, trash, lawn care?
Utilities
- Who supplies water and sewer, and how is your bill calculated? Is it metered for each home or split by the park?
- Are there separate electric and gas accounts?
Our resident reports show typical rent and utilities for parks once enough residents have reported.
Your lease
- Is the lease month-to-month or for a fixed term? How long?
- Under what conditions can the park end the lease?
- What happens if the park is sold or closed? Some states give residents notice periods or a chance to buy.
Park rules
- Are there rules on the age or condition of homes, skirting, landscaping, vehicles, pets, guests or subletting?
- Does the park have to approve buyers? What are the screening requirements and fees?
- Can you sell your home in place, or must it be removed? Some parks restrict older homes.
Ownership and upkeep
- Who owns the park: an individual, a larger company, or the residents?
- Who maintains roads, water and sewer lines, lighting and common areas, and what condition are they in?
- Is any part of the park in a flood zone?
Talk to residents
Walk the park and speak with a few neighbors. Ask how responsive management is, whether rent has gone up quickly and whether problems get fixed.
Get it in writing
Ask for the lease, the park rules and the rent history in writing before you commit. If anything is unclear, consider having an attorney review the lease. This is general information, not legal advice.