Renting Out a Stationary RV: Legal, Insurance, and Practical Considerations

[wbullockms]

My daughter owns an RV that is located on the Gulf Coast. Her husband is deceased, there appears to be little to no market for selling it and she has a person who would like to rent it for maybe six months or so. Do any of you have any experience in setting up a rental agreement for lease with no allowance for the RV to be moved or used for travel?

 

[JFlightRisk]

Welcome to the Forum from Western NY State!

No personal experience with that, but it sounds like a job for an attorney that has experience in rental properties. Also check insurance policies carefully, as many specifically do not allow renting it out.

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

I rented out my house without using an attorney. I didn’t have any problems, but I got lucky with my tenant, she was a med student going through her residency. Getting a good tenant is very key to any rental, they have more rights than owners.

I used this book to guide me: Amazon.com

Things might be different with an RV, but it’s a DIY starting point.

 

[wbullockms]

Welcome to the Forum from Western NY State!

No personal experience with that, but it sounds like a job for an attorney that has experience in rental properties. Also check insurance policies carefully, as many specifically do not allow renting it out.

Thank you.

 

[Derby6]

I'd just do a normal rental contract and adjust to No move the trailer or RV.
If you are a USAA member they have SmartMove Login that allows you to run background and criminal checks real easy and pretty cheap.

 

[Kirk]

If it were me and I decided to rent it that way I would put one of these on at least two of the wheels.

 

[SMR]

If it's at an RV park make sure they are OK with her renting it out.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

If it's at an RV park make sure they are OK with her renting it out.

Similarly, if it's parked on private property make sure the city/county allows it to be lived in...

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You can find lawyer-designed rental contracts online, free or for a modest fee. Many have a place to add some additional clauses, e.g. cannot be moved or no pets, and variables such as damage deposit or fee amounts. One designed for rental of a mobile home might be close to what you want for an RV. Read the available contracts to find one that best covers your concerns. If the RV is in a campground, make sure the contract stipulates that both the renter and any guests are required to obey campground rules and are responsible for any damages to the campground.

Pay attention to the several caveats mentioned here, i.e. restrictions of your own insurance, campground rules, city/county rules, etc.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

I think she would still be better off selling the unit, getting whatever the market is, then going through all of the hassles of renting it, and possibly trying to collect if damage is done to it.

Most consignment lots will take a 10% commision on the sale of the unit, but they do all of the work selling it. Or, she can do a little internet research herself, less than what would be required to rent the RV, and sell it herself for the best price she can get, but the peace of mind it is gone.

 

[gwinger]

Take plenty of pictures showing the unit before renting and walk though with the tenant before they leave, with more pictures..
It's also a good idea to allow periodic inspections written into the contract.
My father had a second house on his property that he rented out.
The last tenant caused a lot of damage, nail holes in the walls, broken windows and kitchen cabinets with doors hanging loose. He denied doing it saying it was there when he moved in.
The picture were proof!

 

[DutchmenSport]

Many years ago I let my In-Laws use our travel trailer for a week in a state park in Indiana. I towed the trailer to the park, and I brought the trailer back home. All the in-laws needed for their week was to show up, bring their own food and clothing, follow the basic rules of dumping the tanks, and leave when their time was up.

It went well. After all, these were my wife's mother and father ...... guess what? As responsible as they were, things were still damaged, screwed up, and I was left with expenses. Never, never, never again will I ever let anyone use my camper unless I am in it also.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

my camper unless I am in it also.

And Dutch, would you want to be in your camper with your in-laws at the same time? Yikes!

 

[Martian]

Sure way to prevent it moving is to put it on blocks and remove the axles. Much harder to tow away and a nice solid feel in the trailer.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Sure way to prevent it moving is to put it on blocks and remove the axles. Much harder to tow away and a nice solid feel in the trailer.

Yep, that would be a little bumpy going down the road.

 

[Derby6]

To Dutch’s point—RVs do operate different than a stick and brick house. I’d want ensure the renter is familiar with how plumbing, heating, ac, etc operate before rented to them.