RVs are unlike any other type of property and the landlord and tenant laws that govern them are equally unique. The state of Arizona has specific laws pertaining to RV parks. These govern everything from duration of stay and utility fees to park rules, evictions and other responsibilities. Traveling in an RV and staying in RV parks is popular, and the laws affect everyone, RV owners and park operators alike.
Read More: Tenant Rights in RV Park
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
The Arizona Recreational Vehicle Long-Term Rental Space Act determines the rights, obligations and remedies for spaces rented RVs for more than 180 consecutive days.
Laws Apply to Long-term Tenants
The laws in the general provisions section apply specifically to those who will stay in an RV park for 180 days – about 6 months – or longer. The laws apply only to RVs and not to mobile homes or manufactured homes. Courts may refuse to enforce any rental agreements deemed to be unconscionable or unfair. Either party to a rental agreement may try to prove an agreement was unconscionable.
The Tenant's Entitled to a Rental Agreement
Either the park owner or the RV owner can request a written and signed agreement and expect the other comply with it. The rental agreement must contain a copy of the park rules and regulations supplied by the park. When the agreement expires, the park has the right to choose to increase or decrease the rental rate. The park may require 30 days' notice before the tenant vacates the park. The tenant may not remove any vehicles unless cleared to do so by the park operator. The rental agreement may have a provision requiring the RV tenant to pay a guest fee for visitors to the park. What the rental agreement cannot have is any provision that causes the tenant to waive or give up his rights under the law.
There are Rules About Billing Utilities
If the park wants to charge for utilities, it must meet specific requirements. It must install a system for sub-metering. It must allocate the charges via a utility billing system by use of ratios. The utilities must be itemized separately. Each user must have a separate meter, and the billing must include opening and closing meter readings. The park cannot charge more than the residential rates charged by the utility companies. The park also cannot charge directly for utilities in common areas. There must be a disclosure of all utility services in the rental agreement. The RV owner can provide a written notice if she believes that the park is not complying with the law.
Security Deposit Deductions Should be Itemized
After the agreement is signed, the amount of the security deposit cannot be changed. If the park charged a security deposit, the deposit may be applied to any unpaid rent, utilities or damages caused by the RV owner during his stay. These fees may only be deducted when the RV tenant departs. The park operator must provide an itemized list of security deposit deductions within 14 days after the RV owner departs.
Landlord and Tenant Obligations
The park operator must maintain the property, making repairs necessary to keep the park in a fit condition. The park operator also must comply with any laws and regulations regarding health and safety enacted by the city, county or state. The RV owner must maintain the RV space he is occupying. He also must comply with all safety and health laws, and obey park rules and guidelines regarding aesthetics and sanitation.
Read More: How Much Is RV Insurance?
References
- Arizona State Legislature: Security Deposits
- Arizona State Legislature: Utility Fees etc
- Arizona State Legislature: Prohibited Provisions in Rental Agreements
- Legal Beagle: Tenant Rights in RV Park
- Legal Beagle: How Much Is RV Insurance?
- Legal Beagle: Can You Evict a Tenant With No Lease in Arizona?
- Legal Beagle: How to Deed a Mobile Home
Writer Bio
This article was written by Legal Beagle staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to us on our contact us page.