How is a resident-owned community different
from other manufactured home communities?
Every member household has a vote on the community leaders and budget.
• The members elect a board of directors, which appoints committees to perform different tasks and manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. All of the major operating costs to manage the community are approved by the membership, which in turn controls the cost of lot rents. Northcountry Cooperative Foundation provides the board with the best-practice experience and informational resources to run the cooperative effectively.
• In a commercially owned community, even though residents own their homes, the park owner controls the lot rent and the park rules. He or she also has control over the condition of the community – including roads, water, electric, wastewater systems and landscaping. Each time the community is sold to a new owner, the rent is likely to increase.
• In an commercially owned community, the theory is that if you don’t like how the park is being managed, you can move your home. But manufactured homes are very difficult and expensive to move. Affordable home lots are hard to find. If you live in a park without protection from skyrocketing rent or even park closure, you could be at risk to lose your home.
• In a resident-owned community, if you don't like how the park is being managed, you can run for a position on the board of directors and make improvements inside the organization. Our community is a democratic example of people working together for the best quality of life for all families involved.
• In a commercially owned community, even though residents own their homes, the park owner controls the lot rent and the park rules. He or she also has control over the condition of the community – including roads, water, electric, wastewater systems and landscaping. Each time the community is sold to a new owner, the rent is likely to increase.
• In an commercially owned community, the theory is that if you don’t like how the park is being managed, you can move your home. But manufactured homes are very difficult and expensive to move. Affordable home lots are hard to find. If you live in a park without protection from skyrocketing rent or even park closure, you could be at risk to lose your home.
• In a resident-owned community, if you don't like how the park is being managed, you can run for a position on the board of directors and make improvements inside the organization. Our community is a democratic example of people working together for the best quality of life for all families involved.
