How to Resolve Disputes in California Mobile Home Parks

If you're a renter living in a mobile home park in California, you may face issues like rent increases, disputes over repairs or services, or disagreements with park management. California offers structured dispute resolution programs and legal protections to support both mobile home owners and park residents. This guide explains how these programs work, which official bodies handle your case, and how to access necessary forms and state laws.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution in California

Disputes between residents and park management may include disagreements over:

• Rent increases or payment terms
• Maintenance and repairs
• Eviction notices
• Park rules or services

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) oversees mobile home park regulation. In some cities and counties, local rent stabilization boards or housing authorities also handle disputes, especially regarding rent control or local ordinances.

Official Boards and Tribunals

The primary state agency regulating mobile home park issues is the HCD Mobilehome Assistance Center. For park residents, complaints or mediation often start here. The HCD investigates alleged violations and can guide you to the right local body or legal process.

If the matter involves eviction or unlawful park operation, disputes may go to local California Superior Courts. Some cities—including Los Angeles, San Jose, and others—have local rent boards providing mediation or hearing options.

California Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL)

Most rights and protections for renters in mobile home parks are found in the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL), California Civil Code Sections 798–799.11. This law covers:

• Rules for evictions and notices
• Limitations on rent increases
• Repair responsibilities and park services
• Dispute resolution options and mediation

Reading the MRL can help you understand your rights before starting a dispute resolution process.

How Dispute Resolution Programs Work

When a disagreement arises, the general process involves:

• Communicating directly with park management about your issue (preferably in writing)
• Reaching out to the HCD Mobilehome Assistance Center for mediation or guidance
• Using state or local complaint forms and documentation to file a formal dispute
• If needed, escalating to local rent boards or Superior Court for a hearing

Some counties also offer non-profit mediation programs specifically for mobile home park disputes.

Official Forms for Mobile Home Park Complaints

• Mobilehome Park Complaint Form (HCD MP Complaint Form)
  When to use: If you believe your park is violating health, safety, maintenance, or management laws under the MRL, use this form to start an official complaint.
  Example: If your landlord ignores requests to repair common-area utilities, you can file this form with HCD to prompt an investigation.
  Download the HCD Mobilehome Park Complaint Form (PDF)
• Local Rent Board Petition Forms (varies by city/county)
  When to use: If your city or county has a rent board—such as in Los Angeles or San Jose—you may file a petition challenging rent increases, eviction, or park rule enforcement.
  Example: If your rent goes up more than allowed by a city ordinance, you can file a petition with your local board.
  File a housing complaint with L.A. Housing Department (LAHD)

Steps for Renters: Filing a Complaint

• Gather documents: lease, rent notices, communications, and photos
• Complete the state or local complaint form relevant to your situation
• Submit your complaint to the correct agency or board (addresses and emails are on the forms)
• Follow up with the agency for updates and guidance

FAQ: California Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution

1. What issues qualify for HCD complaint forms?
   Health and safety code violations, denied repairs, utility failures, or violations of the Mobilehome Residency Law can all be reported using the HCD complaint form.
2. What happens after I file a complaint?
   The HCD or local board will review your complaint, investigate, and may mediate or order the park to fix the issue. You’ll receive updates throughout the process.
3. Can I appeal a decision from a rent board or HCD?
   Yes. If unresolved, renters can appeal at the agency level or seek a legal remedy through the California Superior Court.
4. Does California law limit rent increases in mobile home parks?
   Some cities/counties have rent stabilization. The MRL and local laws may restrict rent increases; check with your city’s rent board or housing department for details.
5. Where can I get free help filling out forms?
   Contact the HCD Mobilehome Assistance Center or your local legal aid office for support and guidance on forms and the complaint process.

Key Takeaways for California Mobile Home Park Residents

• California offers formal dispute resolution for mobile home park issues through HCD and local agencies
• Use official complaint forms for violations of health, safety, maintenance, or rent rules
• The Mobilehome Residency Law gives detailed rights and protection—get familiar with it

Understanding your resources, rights, and the step-by-step process can make resolving disputes much less stressful.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HCD Mobilehome Assistance Center – Main state resource for mobile home park issues
• California Courts Self-Help: Renters – Guidance on court processes
• Local Rent Control Board Directory – Find your local agency if you have city/county-specific rent rules
• Contact LawHelpCA.org for local legal aid offices that assist renters

---

1. California Civil Code Sections 798–799.11: Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL)
2. California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): Mobilehome Assistance Center
3. California Local Housing and Rent Control Agency Directory
4. California Courts: Renter Self-Help

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations