If you live in a mobile home park, you and other homeowners can form a Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA) to collectively represent your interests. A QRA has specific legal rights, and park owners are required to consult the association before making major changes to the park.
This guide explains the benefits of forming a QRA, how to set one up, and what to do if the park owner refuses to acknowledge your association.
Why Form a Qualifying Residents’ Association?
A Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA) provides homeowners with a stronger voice when dealing with park owners.
Key Rights of a QRA:
Park owners must consult the association before making major changes.
The association can challenge unfair decisions affecting homeowners.
Park owners must give at least 28 days’ notice before making changes and consider the association’s concerns.
How to Set Up a Qualifying Residents’ Association
To form a QRA, your association must meet specific conditions.
Membership Requirements
At least half of the homeowners in the park must be members.
Renters cannot join—only homeowners are eligible.
Documents & Records You Must Maintain
- Up-to-date member list.
- A constitution (rules governing the association).
- Any other official rules agreed upon by members.
Electing Committee Members
Your association must elect the following officers:
- Chairman – Leads the association and represents members.
- Secretary – Keeps records and manages communication.
- Treasurer – Handles financial matters.
The chairman, secretary, and treasurer can make administrative decisions, but all major decisions must be voted on by members.
Getting the Park Owner to Acknowledge the Association
Once your association is set up, you must ask the park owner to formally acknowledge it. This ensures they consult your group before making major decisions.
If the park owner refuses to acknowledge your association, you can:
- Apply to a tribunal to legally require them to acknowledge it.
- The tribunal can issue an order forcing the park owner to comply.
If your association does not meet the legal conditions (e.g., less than half of the homeowners are members), you can still operate, but the park owner is not required to engage with you.
Forming a Qualifying Residents’ Association gives homeowners a collective voice in park management. By following the proper steps, maintaining records, and electing a leadership team, you can ensure that your concerns are heard. If the park owner refuses to acknowledge your association, you have the legal right to take the matter to a tribunal.
Setting up a QRA can help protect your rights, influence park decisions, and improve living conditions for all residents.
FAQ’s
What is a Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA)?
A QRA is a formal group of mobile home park homeowners that represents residents and has the right to be consulted on park management decisions.
Who can join a Qualifying Residents’ Association?
Only homeowners can join a QRA. Renters are not eligible for membership.
What happens if the park owner refuses to acknowledge the association?
You can apply to a tribunal, which can order the park owner to recognize the association.
What documents are needed to set up a QRA?
A QRA must maintain a member list, a constitution, and any other association rules.
Does the park owner have to consult the residents’ association?
Yes, if the association meets the legal requirements, the park owner must consult it before making major changes.