Alabama Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Help

If you rent a lot in an Alabama mobile home or manufactured housing park and receive notice of park closure, you may wonder what rights you have and whether assistance is available for relocating your home. This guide covers what to expect, your legal protections under Alabama law, and practical steps you can take if your park is being closed.

Understanding Alabama Law When a Mobile Home Park Closes

Mobile home parks in Alabama can close for various reasons, including redevelopment or sale. When this happens, tenants may face moving expenses and the challenge of relocating their homes. While some states mandate relocation assistance, Alabama law currently offers limited specific relocation support, but there are requirements for notices and rights you should know.

Required Notice to Tenants

• Advance Written Notice: Alabama law requires the park owner to provide written notice before terminating a lease or closing the park. For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days’ written notice is required.
• Longer-Term Leases: If you have a longer lease, check your lease agreement—park owners must honor the full lease term unless the lease says otherwise.
• Notice must include the date of lease termination and any move-out requirements.

For detailed statutes, see the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 35, Chapter 9A).

Relocation Assistance: What’s Provided in Alabama?

Unlike some states, Alabama does not have a government-mandated mobile home relocation fund or set compensation for tenants when a park closes. Any assistance—such as help with moving costs or finding a new lot—may be offered voluntarily by the park owner or negotiated directly.

• Keep records of all communications and notices about closure and relocation.
• Ask park management in writing about available assistance or financial help.
• Local municipalities may sometimes offer counseling or referrals.

If assistance is provided, it will typically be documented in a written agreement between you and the park owner. Always read agreements carefully before signing.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• 30-Day Notice of Lease Termination (No official state form): Used by park owners to inform tenants of termination. If you receive one, keep a copy and confirm the move-out date.
• Written Response or Request for Extension (Sample letter): If you need more time or have questions, you may write back to the park owner with your request. There is no official form, but putting your concerns in writing is best practice.
• Complaint to Alabama Landlord-Tenant Dispute Resolution: The Alabama court system handles landlord-tenant complaints if disputes cannot be resolved. You may file a small claims or district court complaint using forms from your local county court. Review the procedure and consider seeking local legal aid before filing.

How the Alabama Tribunal for Tenancy Issues Works

Disputes over notice, relocation, or other rights are generally resolved through Alabama’s Unified Judicial System. Your county district court can hear landlord-tenant cases concerning mobile home parks.

Steps to Take If Your Mobile Home Park Is Closing

Here are practical action steps to help Alabama tenants navigate park closure and relocation:

• Read your written notice carefully and check the move-out deadline.
• Ask park management about any available relocation help or referrals.
• Put all requests and responses in writing for your records.
• Research nearby mobile home parks and apply for a new lot as soon as possible.
• If you have problems or believe your lease is being ended unlawfully, contact your local court or legal aid office.

FAQ: Alabama Mobile Home Park Closure and Relocation Rights

1. What notice am I entitled to if my Alabama mobile home park closes?
   By law, you are entitled to at least 30 days’ advance written notice if you are a month-to-month tenant. Leases with longer terms may require different notice depending on your agreement.
2. Does Alabama have a mobile home relocation fund?
   No, Alabama does not have a state-run mobile home relocation fund. Assistance is not mandated but may be offered by park owners voluntarily.
3. Can I get more time to move out if I need it?
   You can request more time in writing from the park owner, but extra time is not guaranteed unless the owner agrees or a court grants it.
4. Where can I file a dispute if I think my rights are violated?
   Landlord–tenant disputes in Alabama are handled by county district courts, part of the Unified Judicial System of Alabama.
5. What should I do if I can't afford to move my mobile home?
   Contact local social services, legal aid, or housing agencies for possible assistance or referrals; some may help with moving costs or finding new housing options.

Key Takeaways for Alabama Mobile Home Tenants

• Park owners must provide at least 30 days’ written notice for lease terminations due to park closure.
• Relocation assistance is not required by Alabama law but may be available from park management or community programs.
• Put all requests and communications in writing and keep careful records.

Understanding your notice rights, acting quickly, and keeping written records gives you the best chance for a smooth move if your Alabama mobile home park closes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division – general tenant advice and complaints
• Alabama Unified Judicial System – County Court Directory – for filing tenancy complaints
• Alabama Department of Senior Services – resource referral for older adults
• Legal Aid Society of Birmingham – free or low-cost legal support

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1. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Code of Alabama, Title 35, Chapter 9A)
2. Unified Judicial System of Alabama
3. Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division

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