Expert: Michael McClure - 10/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: I read your response to Gary on this issue.  I live in Texas in a very precarious situation.  My mobile home is old and in no shape to move and no park around will take it anyway due to its age.  The problem:  my landlord is old and had 2 heart attacks and the property is very valuable.  So, when he goes or gets too sick to live here, this park will be disbanded.  I am possibly going to move to Tennessee into an apt and will need to dispose of this home before that event, anyway.  I don't have the slightest clue who to pay to haul it off and where they would haul it and what they could salvage out of it.  Can you direct me, please?  Thank you ever so much for any guidance you can give me.  :)  ~Lisa~

ANSWER: Hi Lisa...do you know for sure what will happen to the park property when the landlord goes?
The reason I ask this is, laws protect park residents from owners just "closing the doors". If you are displaced for some reason not caused by you, you will likely be renumerated somehow for that happening! State laws are different in each case, so I suggest you contact the HCD (Housing and Community Development) for the state of Texas...go to their webpage.  Contact the Ombudsman...he represents the "people". Pose this problem to him...you may end up making some $$$ on this deal.
In California when this happens for various reasons...residents get a pretty good chunk of money to find equal accommodations elsewhere.

Good luck, and keep me posted..."~ Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks Mike, I appreciate that info.  However, I may move into an apt. this fall in Tennessee and need to get rid of the home, either then or soon afterwards.  I still need direction on how to go about disposing of the home since more than likely, it won't be able to be moved due to its age and condition.

Answer
Hi L
When we remove an old home to put in a new one, we pay the resident a few thousand dollars, and do the removal ourselves through a salvage company. I would contact some local dealers to ask if they would like to buy your space....tecnically you have the right to sell the home, and give the space to them.  They may put a new home in there...we are always looking for this situation.
If you just want to bail out, contact HCD and tell them you are going to salvage it, and sign a form stating so.
Check a regular salvage place...shop it, as the aluminum is now pretty valuable.

"~ Mike