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Help Initiative of Delaware Helping people to help themselves In these very difficult times, our neighbors are facing daunting obstacles: the pandemic, unemployment, income instability, food scarcity, high healthcare and insurance costs, substandard housing and high energy costs. See what programs they offer for people who may be struggling. Download the above brochure (PDF) Contact Joyce O'Neal if you want them to come to your HOA! Home Energy Checkups & Counseling Referral List View or download this PDF for an extensive list of helpful resources for financial assistance, home repairs, utility resources and more

About the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association (DMHOA) For more than two decades, the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association (DMHOA) has been the only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to protecting and improving the rights of people who own their homes but live on leased land in manufactured home communities. Today, DMHOA represents more than 20,000 homeowners living in manufactured housing communities on leased land in Sussex, Kent, and New Castle counties. Sussex County currently has the majority of these manufactured home communities. DMHOA is an all‑volunteer association made up of homeowners who understand the challenges of living on leased land—because they live it themselves. This firsthand experience fuels the organization’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the quality of life and affordability for manufactured homeowners throughout Delaware. A core part of DMHOA’s mission is educating homeowners and HOAs about their rights so they can protect themselves, make informed decisions, and confidently navigate issues that affect their homes and communities. This involves answering questions, offering guidance, and helping residents and HOA’s understand the laws designed to safeguard them. Why DMHOA exists Manufactured home owners occupy a unique—and often vulnerable—position. Unlike traditional homeowners, they own their houses but must lease the ground beneath them. This arrangement can make residents subject to rent increases, unclear community rules, and limited control over the land they call home. Without a unified voice, it can be difficult for individual residents to protect their rights or push for fair treatment. That’s where DMHOA comes in. By organizing homeowners and creating a strong collective voice, DMHOA has become a respected advocate for manufactured home owners at every level of government. What DMHOA does Advocates for Fair Legislation : DMHOA works closely with state legislators to craft and support laws that protect homeowners’ rights. Many of Delaware’s landmark manufactured housing laws—covering rent justification, lease terms, and dispute resolution—exist thanks to DMHOA’s persistent advocacy. Educates and Empowers Residents : Through meetings, newsletters, and community outreach, DMHOA keeps homeowners informed about their legal rights, pending legislation, and best practices for community living. Knowledge is power, and DMHOA ensures residents are never left in the dark. Supports Local Communities : DMHOA helps residents form and strengthen their own homeowners associations within their communities. Local HOAs, backed by the statewide organization, can more effectively communicate with community owners and stand up for fair treatment. Connects and Represents Homeowners : Whether it’s testifying in public hearings, negotiating with lawmakers, or guiding new HOAs through start-up steps, DMHOA is there to ensure the voices of manufactured home owners are heard and respected. Why DMHOA Matters Living on leased land can feel uncertain—but DMHOA provides stability, guidance, and hope. Every accomplishment is driven by volunteers: people just like you, working together to make sure homeowners are treated with fairness and dignity. When homeowners join DMHOA or donate their time, they’re not just helping themselves—they’re helping protect thousands of Delaware families who deserve safe, affordable, and secure housing.

Photo Gallery Click thumbnails to see large photos with descriptions HELP INITIATIVE SIGNING AND EVENT DMHOA AT WORK DMHOA MEETINGS

Frequently asked questions by manufactured home owners living on leased land. Frequently Asked Questions Are you facing: Eviction, Lockout, Landowner blocking sale of home, or building a ramp? Contact: Community Legal Aid Society, INC (CLASI ) They are a Non-profit Organization, dependent upon funding, take a limited number of cases, and do not handle criminal or personal injury cases. Types of issues they handle: Eviction or Summary Possession Lock out (landowner put locks on home) Landowner not allowing the sale of home Landowner not allowing ramp to be built on home Procedure for individuals- Gather all notices, court papers or other documents referencing the issue and have them handy prior to calling the office. Contact the CLASI office in your county: Sussex – 302-856-0038 800-462-7070 Toll free Open 8:30 – 4:30 pm Monday– Friday Kent – 302-674-8500 800-537-8383 (toll free) Open 8:30 – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday New Castle – 302-575-0660 800-292-7980 (toll free) Elder law program- 302-575-0666 Disability rights – 302-575-0690 Open 9-5 Monday–Friday When you call: A CLASI clerical team member will ask you for basic intake information. If you are eligible for services and have a legal problem they handle, your information will be given to a member of the legal staff who will review it and contact you. If you are not eligible, they will do their best to connect you with other agencies or resources that might be able to help. For more information go to their website: https://www.declasi.org/ How much can they increase my rent each year? A formula is used that consists of 3½% + ½ average 24-month CPI-U See 7052 of the Delaware Code for details. What is the current CPI-U? Click this CPI-U link to get the update at the DEMHRA website. How can I get help with my lot rent? Click this link to download a detailed PDF regarding the Lot Rental Assistance Program. We have trees on our lot that need trimmed or removed, what should we do? Landowners are responsible - Chapter 7008 l. Maintain, care for, and remove, if necessary, trees on any lot, including common areas, if the tree is at least 25 feet in height or has a main stem or trunk larger than 6 inches in diameter. Such maintenance, care, and removal means those steps required to maintain a live and healthy tree condition per standard horticultural practices in accordance with the standards as set forth by the American Association of Nurserymen. Contact your management office via email with pictures and explain issue, include your HOA in the email. If not addressed, follow up every few weeks on status of trees Maintain documentation of all communications Who is responsible for the cleanup when large branches or a tree come down on the lot? The community owner is responsible for cleaning up large trees that they typically maintain. Homeowners are responsible for small branches and leaves. Who is responsible if a large branch or tree damages my home or car? The general rule is that the community owner is responsible for damages if NEGLIGENT in maintaining the tree. In a blizzard, or storm, that may be hard to prove. There is no case law that definitively answers this issue. If there is damage, the homeowner should contact their insurance company to sort out liability. Manufactured Delaware Code Online

Next General Membership meeting Day/Date: Monday, June 22, 2026 Time : Meeting begins promptly at 6:30 pm Guest Speaker : TBD Location : Angola Beach and Estates 22971 Suburban Blvd. Lewes, DE 19958 Open to anyone living in manufactured housing on leased land in Delaware. Zoom Meeting Instructions (note: new link): To join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86397138351?pwd=AHNh2dR80DnOQ543BrTUBWKtNCGkLZ.1 Meeting ID : 863 9713 8351 Passcode : 480531 One tap mobile +13017158592,,6658051509#,,,,*948987# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,6658051509#,,,,*948987# US (Chicago) Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqNxN6LKR Please state your name so they can be recorded in the minutes. Minutes from our previous meeting Click here to view minutes from the previous meeting. REMINDER : Anyone living in a manufactured home on leased land is welcome at the DMHOA general meeting. Should a member of an HOA that belongs to DMHOA wish to speak at a scheduled Board of Directors meeting, they need to email joyce.oneal@dmhoa.org to schedule.

How to start an HOA Use this handy checklist to ensure that your new HOA in Delaware conforms to all the laws Once your community has made the decision to establish an HOA, the following steps will need to be taken: 1. There will have to be a minimum of five (5) acting officers appointed. These acting officers will include the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one (1) Board of Directors. The individuals appointed to these positions will be in an interim capacity until your HOA is established and the community can schedule and hold a regular election meeting. 2. Create a set of community by-laws to govern the operation of your HOA. A good example of a by-law template that conforms to state requirements can be provided by the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association (DMHOA). This template can be modified to suit any nuances of your community. 3. A Certificate of Incorporation/Non-Stock Corporation must be completed. This form can be obtained at https://corp.delaware.gov/corpformscorp09/ under the Non-Stock Corporation -Incorporation Forms. Print the form, complete it, and mail it to the following: DE Division of Corporations 401 Federal Street, Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901 There is a one-time charge of $139.00 ($89.00 filing fee and $50.00 Certified Copy Fee) that must be included with the completed form. 4. Upon completion of your by-laws, they must be faxed, emailed or mailed to the Delaware Relocation Trust Authority (RTA). This is required for the proper registration of your HOA. There is no fee required for this action. Fax # 302-674-7768 Attn: Executive Director 5. To apply for your non-profit HOA Employee Identification Number (EIN), go to www.irs.gov . There is no fee for this action. 6. You will receive, via the email address you provided to the State, a State of Delaware Annual Franchise Tax Report. This is a report that your HOA responds to annually. There is a $25.00 fee for exempt domestic corporations. 7. Your HOA is required to file an annual US Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations with the IRS for your non-profit HOA. You can get Form 1120 H or 990 tax forms by going to https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions . 8. Your HOA will have twenty-seven (27) months from the date of the filing of the Certificate of Incorporation (See #3) with the State of Delaware to file Form your non-profit 501(c)(4) classification. You only need to complete Parts I through III and Section B (See Part IV of the 1024 instructions for an explanation of the filing deadline requirements). This classification is specifically for HOAs. It can be completed on-line at: www.irs.gov ., but it must be signed and mailed back. There is a one-time $400.00 fee that must be attached to a short Form 8718. Explanation of 501(c)(3) vs 501(c)(4) is provided below for your information. Overall, a 501(c)(4) is generally cheaper to establish than a 501(c)(3) because its application process is simpler and carries a much lower IRS filing fee. However, a 501(c)(3) can provide long-term financial advantages through its ability to accept tax-deductible donations, which is a major benefit for fundraising. 9. With the completion of the above steps, you will be properly incorporated, registered, and certified as the official HOA representing your community. 10. Your next actions are to schedule meetings, build your membership, determine your annual membership dues, hold general elections for officers, set up a committee of volunteer members to make any revisions needed to your by-laws, plan activities, address problems, and most importantly enjoy and support your HOA. 11. Important: Remember that if your HOA has an election and officers or board members change, or if your HOA makes any revisions to its by-laws, you must provide the updated information to RTA (See #4). 12. Important: Build on the strength of your HOA by joining the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association (DMHOA) . DMHOA is a state-wide organization that advocates for all manufactured home owners on leased land. DMHOA’s ability to affect positive change for your community depends on the support of your community. The cost is minimal, and the benefits are priceless! Your HOA can join DMHOA for a one-time $25.00 membership fee plus your HOA’s annual DMHOA dues of $4.00 per HOA member household. FOR EXAMPLE: if you have 50 homes in your community and 30 are dues-paying members of your HOA; your annual DMHOA dues would be $120.00. When an HOA is a DMHOA member and pays its annual dues, then each member-household is automatically a DMHOA member. DMHOA holds regular monthly General Membership meetings, and members are encouraged to attend. The meetings cover many critical issues, invite open discussion, and allow any member who wishes to speak an opportunity to be heard. There are often guest speakers who discuss a variety of topics. The Delaware DOJ's Consumer Fraud Division has more information and access to a number of useful pamphlets about HOAs at this address: https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/ombudsperson/hoa/ . Comparison: 501(c)(3) vs. 501(c)(4) 501(c)(3) organizations (Charities) 501(c)(4) organizations (Social Welfare Organizations) PURPOSE Must operate "exclusively" for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes. Must operate "primarily" for the promotion of social welfare and the common good. TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS Contributions are tax-deductible for the donor. Contributions are generally not tax-deductible for the donor. POLITICAL AND LOBBYING ACTIVITY Political campaigns: • Are strictly prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign for or against a candidate. Lobbying: Can engage in limited lobbying activities, but it cannot be a "substantial part" of their overall activities. Political campaigns: • Can engage in some political campaign activities, including endorsing candidates, as long as it does not become their primary purpose. Lobbying: Can engage in unlimited lobbying as long as it is related to their mission. DONOR DISCLOSURE Public charities must disclose donors who meet certain thresholds on Schedule B of their annual Form 990, though donor information is typically redacted for public inspection. Do not need to publicly disclose donor information to the IRS. This has led to the rise of so-called "dark money" in U.S. politics. IRS RECOGNITION Must file an application (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ) and receive recognition from the IRS to be considered tax-exempt. Can "self-declare" their tax-exempt status by simply operating as a 501(c)(4) and filing Form 8976 with the IRS. Many still opt to seek formal IRS recognition. RELATED ORGANIZATIONS Public charities must disclose donors who meet certainMany organizations maintain both a 501(c)(3) arm for charitable work and a 501(c)(4) arm for more extensive lobbying. The two must operate as separate legal entities with strict separation of assets and funding. thresholds on Schedule B of their annual Form 990, though donor information is typically redacted for public inspection. Many organizations maintain both a 501(c)(3) arm for charitable work and a 501(c)(4) arm for more extensive lobbying. The two must operate as separate legal entities with strict separation of assets and funding. DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST (PDF)

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