With the upsurge in popularity of mobile home parks in California, many people – including property and building managers – are seeing an opportunity worth pouncing on. Mobile home park management can be a great career move for sure, but if you’re considering managing a mobile home park in Los Angeles area or other parts of the state, there are certain characteristics you need to acquire to make an effective manager.
So you know what’s required, we’ll cover 7 important traits you need to develop to be successful in this career.
#1 – Know the Laws Governing Mobile Homes
Like any industry, there are laws that govern how things are to be run. California especially has specific laws pertaining to mobile home parks, so one of the first steps towards setting yourself up as a park manager is to learn these laws and be conversant in them. As one example, to be a proficient manager, understanding lease agreements and what they entail is paramount to your success. Laws change from time to time as well, so you always have to have your finger on the pulse so you’re aware of any changes.
#2 – Being An Effective Communicator Is a Must
Communication skills are one of the most important qualities any manager can have. Management is almost all about communication at the end of the day. Many mobile home parks house hundreds of residents. You need to be able to deal with many people of varying personalities. You also have to liaise with the park owners on a regular basis as well. There will also be contractors and other workers that need to come to the park from time to time, and you’ll need to be able to articulate what’s required with these workers too. Communication isn’t all about speaking. It also requires you to be a good listener and take peoples’ concerns and opinions on board when required.
#3 – Be Prepared To Enforce the Rules
To ensure the mobile home park runs smoothly and is filled with happy tenants, there needs to be some rules in place to keep a sense of order and harmony. However, rules are only as powerful as their enforcement. While you want to be a park manager that people like and feel comfortable with, you have to be prepared to get a little tough and enforce those rules when the occasion arises. If not, tenants won’t respect the rules or the management and chaos could end up being the result. Rules are important to ensure the park is looked after, and that residents can live in peace in their homes.
#4 – You Must Be Organized
If you’re not a good organizer, then maybe a mobile home park management position is not for you. Alternatively, if organization isn’t your strong point, then you’ll definitely need someone on your team who does possess this vitally important skill. There is a lot to organize on a daily basis, so there’s no room for being sloppy and haphazard or the management team will rapidly fall apart.
#5 – Don’t Be the Lone Ranger
Essentially this means you can’t manage an entire mobile home park on your own. You’ll definitely need help. You’ll have funds allocated within your budget to hire some help. Some of your workers might just be part-timers, but you’ll need at least one or two other fulltime workers to help you run the place, or you’ll just get snowed under with a mountain of work. If you (or another staff member) needs time off, then there needs to be someone on board to cover the gap.
#6 – Patience Is Important
It’s really a part of communication in a way. You’ll be regularly dealing with people from all walks of life, and lots of them. Without patience and a cool head, you could just find yourself getting very frustrated with people, your job and life in general. Without a healthy degree of patience, your management career could be over before it really gets started.
#7 – Be Willing To Chase the Rent
Mobile home parks are all about earning money from rents due on the lots. People need to pay on time each month, and it’ll be your job to see that they do. Charging a late fee is one way to help guarantee that rents are promptly paid as soon as they are due.
