Setting up a Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA) can help mobile home park residents protect their rights and have a say in how the park is managed. A QRA represents homeowners and ensures that park owners consult residents before making major changes or spending money on improvements. If you live in a mobile home park, forming a QRA can be a powerful way to make your voice heard.
What is a Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA)?
A QRA is an official group of mobile home park residents who work together to represent homeowners’ interests. Park owners must consult with a QRA before making changes that affect residents.
Rights of a QRA
Once formed, a QRA has the right to:
- Be consulted by the park owner before any improvements or operational changes.
- Receive at least 28 days’ notice of proposed changes.
- Have their concerns considered before any decision is finalized.
If a park owner fails to consult the QRA, residents may have grounds to challenge their decisions.
How to Set Up a Qualifying Residents’ Association
To officially establish a QRA, your group must meet certain requirements.
1. Membership Requirements
- The association must include at least half of the park’s homeowners.
- Renters are not allowed to join the association.
2. Required Documents and Records
To be officially recognized, a QRA must keep the following records:
- Up-to-date list of members
- A constitution (rules governing how the association operates)
- Additional rules or regulations for members
3. Electing Committee Members
A QRA must elect key members to manage the association:
- Chairman – Leads meetings and represents the association.
- Secretary – Manages records and official communication.
- Treasurer – Handles finances, if applicable.
These elected members can make administrative decisions, but all major decisions should be voted on by members.
Getting Park Owner Recognition
1. Requesting Acknowledgment
Once your QRA is formed, you must ask the park owner to acknowledge it as an official residents’ association.
2. What If the Park Owner Refuses?
If the park owner refuses to recognize your association, you can apply to a tribunal to settle the dispute. The tribunal has the authority to order the park owner to acknowledge your association if it meets the necessary conditions.
3. What Happens If a QRA Loses Its Status?
Even if an association no longer meets the official requirements, it can still continue to operate. However, in this case, the park owner is not legally required to consult with the association.
A Qualifying Residents’ Association is a great way for mobile home park residents to have a collective voice in park management. By forming a QRA, homeowners can ensure fair consultation before any major changes take place. While park owners must acknowledge a valid QRA, residents can take legal action if their association is ignored. Maintaining accurate records, electing a leadership team, and ensuring at least half of the homeowners participate will help your association remain effective and legally recognized.
FAQ
What is a Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA)?
A QRA is an official group of mobile home park homeowners that represents residents’ interests and must be consulted by park owners before major changes.
Who can join a QRA?
Only homeowners can join. Renters are not eligible to become members.
What rights does a QRA have?
A QRA has the right to be consulted about park improvements, receive notice of changes, and have their concerns considered by park owners.
What documents are required to form a QRA?
A QRA must maintain an updated list of members, a constitution, and additional rules of the association.
How can we get the park owner to recognize our QRA?
You must request acknowledgment from the park owner. If they refuse, you can apply to a tribunal to force recognition.
Can a QRA continue if it does not meet the qualification requirements?
Yes, but the park owner will not be legally required to consult with the association about management decisions.