CABINS ON STATE LEASE LAND
FAQS
** What is a state lease camp?   A state lease camp is a cabin that is on a leased lot which is owned by DCNR (Dept. of Natural Resources).   You own the cabin, but the lot is owned by DCNR.  The current lease holder will be transferring the lease to you upon your purchase.  DCNR's only role/concern is the lease transfer.   They have nothing to do with the sale of the cabin and do not become involved in that.   They will need the ORIGINAL lease transfer documents completed and notarized by all parties. The seller will provide this as they will get that directly from the DCNR office and it will be "pre-approved" (meaning the forester has already inspected the camp and approved if for transfer)  The fully notarized document is then provided to the DCNR office of whatever state forest the cabin/lot is located in.    
**How big is my lot?   Normally it is a 100 X 100 plot about 1/4 acre.  You should always review the plot map before purchasing so you know where your boundaries are.  The seller of the cabin should have a plot map.  If not, you can ask the DCNR office for one.   
**How much is the lease per year?   $200 per year  (Although they may raise it in the near future) 
**How many years is the lease for?   A lease is for 10 years and then it is renewed every 10 years.   There is no additional fee when the 10 year renewal comes around.   
**When I purchase a cabin on a state lease lot, will the 10 years start over?  NO, the amount of years left on the lease that is being transferred is rolled over to you until the lease is up for renewal and then you will get a new lease for 10 years.  
**What are the requirements for owning a state lease lot?   You have to be a PA state resident, over the age of 18, a non-felon and you cannot be a current lease holder of another camp.  As long as you meet that criteria, there should be no reason your lease will be approved.  
**Will I get a deed and do I need a title search/policy?   NO you do not get a deed.  Once the lease has transferred, you will receive a copy of your lease and a plot map with a legal description.  Your camp number is registered with DCNR under your name as the leasholder. Also, there is no title search or policy since the cabin is considered "personal property" and the lot is owned by DCNR.   
**Do I need an attorney to handle the transfer?    It is up to you.  Most of them are sold and transferred with no attorney involvement.  Normally, once all parties have signed and notarized the document and that is provided to DCNR, the buyer simultaneously then pays the seller for the cabin and takes possession while the transfer documents are being processed by DCNR.   But some opt to have an attorney involved to hold the money in escrow until the actual lease comes back to the new leaseholder (this could take up to 3 months).   It is VERY IMPORTANT that the seller makes sure the money is either in hand or in escrow at the time the lease is in process since a huge mess could occur if the lease becomes transferred to the lessee and then he/she doesn't (or can't) pay the seller.   It is important, however, that a signed BILL OF SALE is provided  to the buyer (as the "receipt")  to prove that the seller was paid.    ALSO, there is NO transfer tax involved.  
**Can I get a mortgage on the camp?   NO, this has to be a CASH sale (meaning a cashier's check to the seller).   Some buyers get an equity loan on their principal residence and use that money to make the purchase.  But a bank will not mortgage it since the cabin is considered personal property and not real estate.   
**What if I pay the seller and then my lease is rejected?    The only way your lease would be rejected is if you are not a PA resident, under 18, a felon (they do a background check), or are a current leaseholder of another camp.    So if that happens, you will have to work something out with the seller (BUT make sure that doesn't happen!).  OR if the document you provided is flagged because it is not completed correctly (you will get a set of instructions on how it needs to be completed and notarized) or it is a copy and not an original.  If that happens, you will need to do the document over and provide a corrected one.   You will be notified by DCNR in Harrisburg if that happens so you can correct it.  
**Will DCNR check out the camp first to make sure I am not going to inherit an issue/violation?     YES,  the forester will inspect (the outside) of the cabin and make sure nothing needs done.  EXAMPLE: If the outhouse is in poor condition, there is junk on the lot that needs to be removed, etc.   If there are issues, the forester will not provide a "pre-approved" document and will notify Harrisburg and the current owner will have to comply and then the forester will re-inspect it before they approve it.    Sometimes, they allow the transfer and if agreeable to all parties, they will allow a time period for the new owner to take care of the matter.
**Do I still pay real estate taxes on the cabin?    YES,  the cabin only is assessed and the normal school and county/twp taxes will apply.  Once you have the new lease papers in hand, you are responsible for contacting the assessment office and letting them know you are the new owner so that the new tax bills come to you.  If you do not do that and the previous owner does not pass them along to you and they go unpaid, your cabin could come up for sheriff's sale.   So, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the taxes are current by contacting the assessment office and having them verify and then to make sure you get the new tax bills.   
**Can I set up a lease with a group?  YES, the lease transfer document has a section for that if you want to have a group/membership and you all want to go in together to own the camp.   However, there has to be just ONE party named as the actual lease holder.  There are more specific rules for this arrangement.  For example, DCNR will require you to create a set of bylaws for your group with certain elements included.  You will need to refer to the DCNR rules and instructions regarding that 
**What happens if DCNR decides not to renew my lease when my 10 years is up?   You will need to remove your cabin from the lot.  DCNR gives you a certain period of time and this is outlined in the DCNR rules and regulations regarding lease camps.  This is very rare and there could be specific reasons:  i.e.   The camp is in disrepair and after repeated warnings, DCNR could reject  your renewal.   There could be other specific reasons.  You can always call DCNR in Harrisburg to find out more about that.   It is a risk, but for many it is worth taking due to the desirableness of being surrounded by forest lands.  It takes a lot for DCNR to not renew your lease.   They are extremely helpful in most cases and certainly not looking to oust anyone.  

CLICK ON THE BLUE BUTTON TO SEE A  COPY OF THE DCNR STATE LEASE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REVIEW.    ALSO, IF YOU HAVE MORE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS, YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTACT JENNIFER BOWMAN (DCNR BUREAU OF FORESTRY, OPERATIONS)  jenbowman@pa.gov   phone: 717-783-4481  

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