questions & answers

Question: we are under contract to purchase a home in a 55+ park, the home is privately owned. at the time of signing we were given a written exception to the two dog rule by the park manager. we have to extend the closing date for two weeks and were just notified that the park rules have changed and the exception will only be granted for one year. the manager said that since the contract expires she can change the pet agreement. the exception we have does not state a time limit and the extension is only moving the closing date. do we have any recourse

Answer: Several issues are potentially in play here. Under the Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33 Chapter 11), a rental agreement may be for any term, including twelve months (A.R.S. 33-1413), but a landlord must have good cause in order to refuse to renew a tenancy (A.R.S. 33-1476). However, so long as a prospective tenant is provided with a copy of the rules and regulations of the park before that prospective tenant enters into a rental agreement with the landlord, that tenant will be bound by those rules and regulations. You may wish to contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation in detail. There are links to free and low-cost legal services on this website.