There are numerous reasons why most RV parks in the United States have age restrictions. Aside from the fact that a good number of RV parks have a 10-year-old rule that limits or restricts access to their park if the RV is more than 10 years old, they may also put in place age restrictions that limit who can stay at a particular RV park based on age.
RV parks use age restrictions as a tool to maintain a rational atmosphere or ensure they only serve a particular demographic; however, some have age restrictions due to certain practical reasons such as liability concerns or to ensure they comply with local regulations.
What is an Age Restriction on an RV Park?
Age restriction on an RV park explains a policy or rule put in place by establishments to limit the age of individuals who are allowed to visit or reside within the park’s premises.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that these restrictions tend to vary from one location to another, and you will find that some RV parks permit just adults aged 55 and above, whereas some others tend to possess minimum age requirements for guests, such as 21 or 25 years old.
How Does Age Restriction Work and How is it Enforced in RV Parks?
Age restrictions especially in RV parks work by stipulating the age of individuals who are allowed or permitted to visit or stay in the park.
Note that anyone who intends to stay at an age-restricted RV park will have to first make available proof of age, such as a valid ID or passport during the reservation or check-in process.
The essence of these verification is to ensure that the park management only allows individuals who meet the age criteria to stay.
Enforcement in such instances requires adequate attention and diligence from park management and staff. A good number of RV parks will go further to ensure that guests sign registration forms or agreements acknowledging and agreeing to conform with the park’s rules, including age restrictions.
Park staff will also have to be consistent with monitoring the premises to guarantee full adherence to these rules, and if a violation is detected, the right actions will be taken, like restricting entry, sanctioning guests, asking them to leave, etc.
Aside from that, park management will also need to communicate the age restrictions explicitly on their website, in advertising materials, and via all necessary communication channels.
Reasons RV Parks Have Age Restrictions
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Maintaining a Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere
Aside from the fact that the intention is to maintain a serene and quiet environment for their guests, you need to understand that a good number of locations mostly serve retirees and older adults who are looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway.
As such, it is necessary to put in place age restrictions that allow only adults aged 55 and above. The sole purpose is to ensure that their parks can have and grow a community of like-minded individuals who have certain similarities, particularly in terms of lifestyles, interests, and schedules.
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Enhancing Safety and Security
If the plan is to serve the needs of the elderly, then it is important to note that your guests will likely have mobility needs or medical requirements that warrant specialized facilities or assistance.
As such, you will know precisely how to design the layout of the park as well as the amenities to align with their needs more effectively.
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Adherence to Housing Laws and Regulations
While legal and regulatory requirements for RV parks will vary from one location to another, keep in mind that certain jurisdictions in the United States are known to have housing laws that give room to age-restricted communities.
Some of these laws would feature provisions that have to do with housing discrimination, community planning, and eligibility for certain benefits or exemptions.
By staying in line with these regulations, RV park operators can guarantee full adherence to compliance requirements while also avoiding any form of conflicts or penalties.
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Preserving Property Values and Market Appeal
To be able to attain success and reduce operating costs, there is a need for RV parks to put in place means to preserve property values and sustain their market appeal, and one of those ways is by putting in place age restrictions.
Note that by building your business to serve a specific demographic such as retirees or active adults, you will be certain of the lifestyle preferences and spending habits of your target audience.
Over time, this strategy has worked to guarantee higher property values, boost demand for amenities and services meant for older adults, as well as a more stable and enticing market position. Aside from that, age restrictions also work to give the park a sense of exclusivity and community identity.
Pros and Cons of Implementing Age Restriction in your RV Park
Truth be told, some pros and cons come with having age restrictions in your RV park. If you are considering developing an age-restricted RV park or you have plans to put one in your already existing park, take your time to consider the pros and cons noted below.
Pros
- Tailored Atmosphere: One of the primary benefits of age restrictions is that it works to ensure that RV parks have a targeted atmosphere, serving the needs of specific demographics.
- Enhanced Safety: Implementing age restrictions means that the park will be serving a specific demographic and can better focus on providing amenities and services that are particularly tailored to their needs, further guaranteeing a safer and more secure environment.
- Legal Compliance: In some places in the United States, age restrictions is very necessary to ensure you are in line with relevant housing laws and regulations that mandate age-restricted communities.
- Market Appeal: Making your RV park ideal for a specific age group will work to boost the park’s market appeal, and this could lead to higher property values, enhanced demand for tailored amenities, as well as a more enticing and conducive market position.
Cons
- Limited Customer Base: Age restrictions will most definitely impact your customer base, especially when it comes to the number of potential guests as well as impacting revenue generation.
- Perception of Exclusivity: Also note that some people who intend to visit your park will view the age restrictions as exclusive or discriminatory, and this could give rise to negative perceptions as well as potential backlash.
- Challenges in Enforcement: It can be quite difficult to implement age restrictions, as it will necessitate diligent monitoring and verification processes, and this could prove to be challenging and time-consuming for park management.
- Risk of Alienating Younger Guests: Age restrictions will most definitely forbid younger guests or families from visiting your RV park, and this will in many ways affect the park’s diversity and general appeal to various demographics.
Is There a Way to Bypass an RV Park Age Restriction?
It can be quite difficult to bypass RV park age restrictions and it is generally discouraged because it goes contrary to the park’s policies and regulations.
Keep in mind that to maintain their policies, a good number of RV parks put in place very stringent verification processes, often requesting that guests make available valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, during the reservation or check-in process.
You need to understand that any attempt to bypass these verification processes by providing false information or making use of fake IDs is unethical and can lead to penalties or eviction from the park if discovered.
Howbeit, you will find that a good number of folks try to bypass these restrictions by staying with someone who meets the age criteria or ensuring an older individual makes the reservation on their behalf.