Colorado Mobile Home Park Rules and Tenant Rights Explained

If you rent a space in a mobile home park in Colorado, it's important to understand your rights and the rules that govern your tenancy. Colorado laws provide specific protections to mobile home residents, including limits on rent increases, standards for eviction, and maintenance obligations. This guide will walk you through the key points about mobile home park rules and tenant rights in Colorado, using official state sources and plain language.

What Are Mobile Home Park Rules in Colorado?

Mobile home park rules are guidelines set by the park owner or manager that all residents must follow. These rules often cover issues like parking, noise, pets, use of common areas, and the upkeep of your home and lot. Colorado law requires that:

• Rules must be applied equally to all residents
• Any changes to park rules must be provided to residents in writing at least 60 days before they take effect
• Rules cannot conflict with your rights under state law

Make sure you receive a written copy of the current park rules when you sign your lease. If new rules are introduced, park management must give you official notice well in advance. You can read about these requirements in the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (CRS 38-12-200.1 et seq.)¹.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Park Tenant

Colorado law gives mobile home park tenants special legal protections. Here are some of the most important rights you should know:

• Right to Written Lease: You have the right to a written lease agreement with clear terms.
• Rent Increase Restrictions: Landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before any rent increase¹.
• Protection Against Retaliation: Landlords cannot legally evict you or raise your rent simply because you exercise your rights (such as joining a residents’ association or filing a complaint).
• Eviction Rules: You can only be evicted for legally valid reasons ("just cause"). These include nonpayment of rent, violation of park rules, or the park closing for redevelopment, among others.
• Right to Sell Your Home: You can sell your mobile home in place, and the park must allow a qualified buyer to take over your space lease, barring legitimate reasons.
• Maintenance Obligations: Park owners are responsible for maintaining common areas and utilities, while you are responsible for your home's upkeep and your rented lot.

Eviction Process and Forms

Eviction from a mobile home park must follow specific steps under Colorado law:

• You must receive a written notice describing the violation. The time you have to fix the problem or move out depends on the type of violation.
• If you do not resolve the issue, the park owner can file a legal action for possession in court.

For official court actions, landlords use the following forms:

• JDF 97 - Demand for Compliance or Right to Possession Notice: Used by park management to notify a tenant of a violation and offer a chance to fix it.
  Example: If you receive this form because of an alleged rule violation (e.g., late rent), you have a specified time to comply before further action.
  Download the JDF 97 form from the Colorado Judicial Branch.
• JDF 99 - Complaint in Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED): Used to initiate a court case if the issue is not resolved.
  Example: Management might file this after a JDF 97 notice is ignored.
  See the JDF 99 form and instructions.

If you receive one of these forms, it's wise to seek legal help or contact the Colorado Mobile Home Park Hotline for support.

Where to Resolve Disputes: Colorado Division of Housing

In Colorado, the official body that oversees mobile home park regulations and tenant-landlord issues is the Colorado Department of Local Affairs - Mobile Home Park Oversight Program. Tenants can file complaints about park management practices, improper evictions, or rule violations using the official complaint process.

How to File a Complaint About Your Mobile Home Park

To report violations of Colorado mobile home park laws or unfair treatment:

• Use the Online Mobile Home Park Complaint Form available on the Colorado Department of Local Affairs website
• Provide details about your situation, any notices received, and your contact information
• After filing, the Division will follow up with you regarding your claim

Mobile Home Park Residency Law in Colorado

The main legislation covering your rights is the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-200.1 through 38-12-221). This law explains:

• Your right to receive park rules in writing
• Limits on evictions and rent increases
• Procedures for dispute resolution

You can read the full text and all recent amendments via the official legislative updates for the Mobile Home Park Act.

Common Situations for Mobile Home Park Residents

Many tenants have questions about their everyday rights in Colorado mobile home parks. Here’s a quick summary:

• Rent can't be increased without at least 60 days’ written notice
• You can’t be evicted without just cause and due legal process
• Your landlord must make reasonable repairs to common areas or park facilities
• Park rules changes must be communicated in advance

If you’re unsure about your specific rights, consider contacting the Oversight Program for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Mobile Home Park Rights

1. How much notice is required before a rent increase in a Colorado mobile home park?
   Landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice of any rent increase. This gives renters time to plan and review their options.
2. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice from my park manager?
   Read the notice carefully to determine the reason and deadline for compliance. You may fix the violation if allowed, or seek legal assistance. The official court notice is usually the JDF 97 or JDF 99 form.
3. Can my landlord change the park rules at any time?
   Landlords can change the park rules but must provide at least 60 days' written notice before new rules take effect. Rules can’t remove or reduce your rights under Colorado law.
4. Do I have to move my mobile home if I sell it?
   Usually not. You are allowed to sell your home in-place provided the buyer qualifies to rent the lot per park standards, unless the park is closing or there is a legal reason.
5. Where can I report problems with my mobile home park or landlord?
   File a complaint with the Mobile Home Park Oversight Program under the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The process is online and confidential.

Key Takeaways

• Colorado law requires fair notice for rent increases and any new park rules
• Eviction can only occur for specific, legally valid reasons and must use official forms
• The Mobile Home Park Oversight Program is the main government body handling complaints

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Mobile Home Park Oversight Program – State authority for complaints, info, and forms
• Colorado Mobile Home Park Tenant Handbook – Plain-language guide for residents
• Colorado Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for eligible tenants
• Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Center – Information on court forms and procedures

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12, Part 2 (Mobile Home Park Act)
2. Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Mobile Home Park Oversight
3. Colorado Judicial Branch – Official Court Forms

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