Can a mobile home park in Alabama evict me without cause?

Most evictions require a legal reason such as non-payment, rule violations, or end of lease. Arbitrary or retaliatory evictions are not permitted under Alabama law.

How much notice must I get for a rent increase?

Alabama mobile home park tenants are entitled to at least 30 days’ written notice before any rent increase for lot rental.

Do mobile home parks have to follow the same maintenance rules as apartments?

Parks must maintain common areas and utilities they supply, but tenants are usually responsible for their own home and lot upkeep. Always check your lease.

Can I sell my mobile home while renting the lot?

Yes, but you likely need park approval for the buyer, and the new resident must sign a rental agreement with the park.

Where do I file official complaints about my mobile home park?

You can contact the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for complaints or the local District Court if it relates to eviction or legal disputes.

Alabama Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights & Rules Explained

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Alabama published June 21, 2025

Laws and rules for mobile home park tenants in Alabama differ from typical apartment rentals. If you rent a lot in a mobile home community or lease a pre-owned manufactured home, it’s important to know your rights, what park owners can require, and how the law protects you. This guide breaks down key rights, park rules, eviction steps, and how to get help if you have issues with your landlord.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in Alabama

Alabama recognizes both mobile home and manufactured housing within its rental laws, but the rules for lot rentals (renting the land) can be different from renting the actual dwelling. Park owners may set reasonable rules for health, safety, and the park community. However, all rules must:

Be applied equally to all tenants
Be clearly explained in your written lease or rental agreement
Comply with Alabama’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Not conflict with state law or federal fair housing rules

Parks often have rules about pet limitations, parking, home appearance, quiet hours, and subletting. Read your agreement closely—and request a copy if you don’t have one.

Key Tenant Rights in Alabama Mobile Home Parks

Alabama’s landlord-tenant law gives mobile home park residents important rights. These include:

The right to a written lease for one year unless you agree to month-to-month tenancy
Protection from arbitrary rule changes until your lease renews
Reasonable notice before rent increases (at least 30 days’ written notice)
Timely repairs if the landlord is responsible for utilities, roads, or shared facilities
Protection against retaliatory action for complaining to the park owner or a government agency
The ability to sell your mobile home in place (with park approval for new tenants)

For a full overview, see the Alabama Landlord-Tenant Guide.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases and Rule Changes

Park owners in Alabama must provide tenants with written notice before:

Any change in your rental amount—at least 30 days’ notice is legally required
New park rules or community guidelines—generally, new rules only apply after your current lease ends

If you receive a rent increase or new rule notice that you believe doesn’t comply with state law, you may be able to dispute it or seek help from the relevant authority.

Eviction Rules and Required Notices

Eviction from a mobile home park usually begins with a written notice for a valid reason such as non-payment, rule violations, or failure to maintain your lot/home as required. Under Alabama’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Section 35-9A-421:

If you don’t pay rent, the landlord must give you a written 7-day notice before starting eviction
For other lease violations, a 7-day notice to cure (fix the problem) or vacate must be given
Certain other situations may require only a 7- or 14-day notice

If you don’t resolve the issue or move out after the notice, the landlord may file an eviction case in Alabama District Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes. You have the right to receive court papers and attend a hearing.

Tip: Always keep copies of notices, communications, and payment receipts. If served with an eviction notice, respond promptly and seek help if needed.

Official Forms for Mobile Home Park Tenants in Alabama

Important forms for mobile home park renters can include:

Seven-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (Form Number: None, but follows Alabama Code Section 35-9A-421):
Used by landlords to notify tenants of nonpayment and deadline to pay before eviction. Example: If you are behind on lot rent, you will receive this notice before court action.
Find a sample and information on the required content in the Alabama Landlord-Tenant Guide (p. 13).
Answer/Response to Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) (Alabama Form C-59):
Tenants use this form to respond to a landlord’s court-filed eviction. Example: If you wish to explain your side at court or dispute the eviction.
Get the official form here (PDF).

Always review court documents carefully and respond before the listed deadlines to protect your rights.

What to Do If You Have a Dispute or Need to File a Complaint

If issues arise—like ongoing maintenance problems, rules, or unfair treatment:

Address concerns with your landlord or park manager in writing
Keep copies of all communications
Contact the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for guidance on filing a complaint
If facing eviction, submit the Answer (Form C-59) to your local District Court

Some issues may require legal advice or the help of tenant advocacy groups. If you need fast help, see the resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a mobile home park in Alabama evict me without cause?
Most evictions require a legal reason—like non-payment, rule violations, or the end of your lease. Arbitrary or retaliatory evictions are not allowed.
How much notice must I get for a rent increase?
Parks must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent for mobile home lot tenants in Alabama.
Do mobile home parks have to follow the same maintenance rules as apartments?
Parks must keep common areas and rental utilities safe and functional, but some home and lot maintenance falls to the tenant. Read your lease for specifics.
Can I sell my mobile home while renting the lot?
Yes, but you likely have to get approval for any new tenant from the park manager, and the buyer must sign a new rental agreement.
Where can I file an official complaint against a mobile home park owner?
Contact the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or file concerns with your local District Court if it involves eviction or legal disputes.

Key Takeaways for Alabama Mobile Home Park Renters

Get any park rules and lease terms in writing before you move in
Landlords must give at least 30 days’ notice for rent increases and stick to rules agreed to in your lease
Alabama District Courts handle eviction and legal disputes—respond promptly to court notices

If you’re unsure or face eviction, seek help from official agencies or legal service organizations described below.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Alabama Attorney General's Office – Consumer Protection: Official resource for consumer rental complaints and legal information
Alabama District Courts: The tribunal handling mobile home park eviction cases and tenant-landlord disputes
Alabama Legal Services Corporation: Free legal help for eligible renters facing eviction or discrimination issues
Alabama Residential Landlord-Tenant Guide: Comprehensive official guide for renters