2,389 California parks risk permit loss after training deadline

Nearly half of California’s mobilehome and RV parks were still not in compliance with the state’s Park Manager Training Program as of Aug. 18, putting annual operating permits at risk. The deadline passed May 1, and local agencies must verify certified or exempt managers before issuing permits to operate.

Why it matters: - 2,389 of California’s 5,218 active mobilehome and RV parks were still pending compliance as of Aug. 18, 2026. - That leaves 46% of parks at risk of losing the annual permit they need to legally stay open. - The compliance gap can trigger penalties that grow quickly across multi-park portfolios.

What happened: - California’s Park Manager Training Program deadline passed on May 1, 2026. - Every mobilehome and RV park in the state was required to have at least one certified, trained manager by that date. - California Department of Housing and Community Development compliance data showed 2,389 parks had neither certified a manager nor secured one of the program’s two exemptions. - Local enforcement agencies must verify that a park has at least one certified or exempt manager before issuing the annual permit to operate.

The details: - Under California Health and Safety Code Section 18700, a willful violation of the Mobilehome Parks Act can lead to suspension or revocation of the permit to operate. - The same violation can bring civil penalties of up to $500 per violation or per day of a continuing violation. - Misdemeanor prosecution can carry a fine of up to $400, up to 30 days in jail, or both. - The program allows exemptions only when the manager holds a valid California real estate license or when the park is a temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp. - Parks must apply for an exemption through HCD’s Park Owner/Operator portal. - The exemption is not automatic. - The annual $350 certificate fee applies either way. - HCD’s approved-provider roster includes The MH Trainer, listed as Provider No. ED 1618575. - The MH Trainer’s course is fully online, self-paced, and designed to take six to eight hours. - The course includes 12 modules and a final exam. - The company says certificate filing is handled within five business days after HCD submission. - The certification course costs $345 per license. - Owners and management companies buying 10 or more licenses pay $245 per license, a $100 discount per manager. - A manager overseeing multiple parks needs only one enrollment to cover the full portfolio. - Enrollment and course details are available at themhtrainer.com/park-manager-training-program. - Group licensing and invoicing are available at info@themhtrainer.com and 562-661-5013.

Between the lines: - Yvette Hitchens, founder of The MH Trainer, said nearly 2,400 parks is not a rounding error and that many owners appear to have assumed the deadline would be delayed. - Hitchens also said the program is among the easiest compliance issues in the industry to fix because certification can be completed online in six to eight hours. - The situation suggests many operators may be exposed because compliance was left to staff who did not complete the process.

What's next: - Parks without a certified or exempt manager will remain exposed when local agencies review annual permits to operate. - Owners and operators still pending compliance can complete certification online and file through the approved provider process. - HCD’s program details and approved-provider roster remain available at the state’s Park Manager Training page.

The bottom line: - California’s deadline has passed, and nearly half of the state’s mobilehome and RV parks still face legal and financial risk until they clear the training or exemption requirement.