Lot 89

Recently, a cold snap blasted through the upper midwest, with temperatures well below freezing. This "Polar Vortex" caused damage to all utilities, but was considerably more nasty to exposed water lines. Feeds to mobile homes iced over, rendering whole families without water for days. Additionally, sanitary sewer lines leading out of homes froze solid and could not be thawed out without the help of plummers, contractors, or anybody else who had a method of putting heat underneath the mobile homes.

The Letter

I wanted to take a moment to respond to the numerous emails, texts and voice mails in regards to the sewer issue at Green Acres Lot 89.

Unauthorized Resident

First and foremost, we have made several attempts to make contact with you in regards to an unauthorized person making these complaints. It is very important moving forward that complaints are reported by a lease holder, this will remedy miscommunication or incorrect messages being sent to the team involved causing unnecessary delays in response.

The instructions were also sent as to how you would add a person to your lease in the event you were interested. I do have a person who has completed an application but without the additional documentation required the application can not be processed. It is also required that a phone call be made to the Community Manager in the event you are interested in adding a specific person to the lease.

We have a contract with you, and based on the contents of that contract we are not able to add anyone without all parties in agreement.

Mr. Rooter

Secondly, when I processed through the Mr. Rooter bill sent it appears they have listed the following issues below as being the cause of the sewer issues at the home.

List of repairs and suggestions. Also notes saying the home owner will do some of the repairs himself. Click to enlarge.

Upon review, the vendor has determined the issue to be located at the drop into the pit, and the cause being the sewer lines were in properly insulated. When I review the land lease signed by you on page 9, I have found that this is the responsibility of the homeowner. See below:

From the lease, a list that details the responsibilities of the homeowner. Click to enlarge.

Details, Details, Details

Most specifically, in the lease it is outlined that the home owner is responsible for the sewer lines from the ground into the home, and any blockage from the lateral back into the home is also at the responsibility of the homeowner.

I also highlighted the expectation that all water and sewer lines must be properly winterized. In the temperatures we had last week, the heat tape and insulation may or may not have prevented the water and or sewer from freezing, but they are intended to be a valuable safety net in cold temperatures.

I have also outlined in the purchase agreement (not shown) that the home was sold to you as a used home, and did not have a warranty. This is important to note when you review the Mr. Rooter notes in regards to the sewer having a belly and needing additional support brackets.

But I also want to let you know these can be purchased inexpensively at any local hardware store and are relatively easy to install. Once installed they will provide the appropriate support to the sewer line preventing a belly from forming and water or sewage standing in the line.

Further Clarification

Should you have any other questions or concerns feel free to let me know. I understand the frustration with the situation, we had many residents in the same situation as you, and unfortunately when temperatures reach sub zero levels, the ownership of a mobile home can be frustrating to maintain.

You must have a more complete understanding of how your home connects to the park's infrastructure and where your responsibilities begin and the park's end.

I also received a voice message from someone claiming to be your husband who stated you were renters of the home. Just for clarification, you are a renter of the lot only, but the ownership of the home is you as you are currently being financed through the dealer MHC for the home. This too may be confusing if this is the first mobile home you have purchased, so feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns and we can assist.