Delaware Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Assistance Guide

If you live in a mobile home park in Delaware and have received notice that the park is closing, it’s natural to feel concerned about your next steps. Delaware has specific laws to help protect mobile home owners and renters by providing guidance and potential financial assistance when a park is redeveloped or permanently shut down. This article explains your rights, available resources, and the steps you should take to secure relocation assistance if you are affected by a park closure in Delaware.

Understanding Your Rights as a Mobile Home Resident

In Delaware, the state's Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act governs most key mobile home and manufactured housing rental agreements. This law outlines the processes landlords must follow, including required notices and tenant protections during park closures.

Notice Requirements for Park Closure

If a park owner plans to close or convert a manufactured home community to another use, Delaware law requires that:

• The community owner must provide at least 12 months’ written notice before the closure’s effective date.
• This notice must be sent to all affected homeowners and tenants.
• The notice should explain your rights, the reason for the closure, and details about potential relocation assistance programs.

Notices will also be filed with the Delaware Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Unit, which provides oversight and can answer general questions about park closures.

Relocation Assistance in Delaware

Eligible mobile home owners impacted by park closures may qualify for relocation help through the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA). This authority manages the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund, which supports qualifying residents with costs related to moving or selling their homes when a park closes.

Eligibility Guidelines

Under the program, residents may be eligible for relocation assistance if:

• Your home was located on an affected lot when the closure notice was issued
• You have a valid lease or rental agreement
• Your home meets basic health and safety criteria and can be moved, or you can demonstrate efforts to sell or remove it

How Much Assistance Can You Get?

• Relocation payments: Up to $12,000 for a single-section home and up to $20,000 for a multi-section home for actual moving costs.
• Buy-out option: If your home cannot be moved, you may be eligible for a payment based on the appraised value (up to the same limits above) if you transfer title and remove the home from the site.

These amounts are reviewed and updated periodically by the Relocation Authority.

Applying for Relocation Assistance

To apply for assistance, you must submit the DEMHRA Relocation Assistance Application to the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority after receiving notice of park closure.

• Form Name: DEMHRA Relocation Assistance Application
• Where to get it: DEMHRA Forms and Applications Page
• How and when to use: This form must be completed and submitted soon after receiving official notice of park closure but before your move. Be sure to attach all required supporting documents (such as proof of title, proof of residency, and moving expense receipts). For example, if you’re moving your single-section mobile home due to a park closure, submit the application with your lease, ID, and moving quotes or receipts.

Who Oversees Disputes or Appeals?

If you disagree with a relocation assistance decision, you may request an administrative hearing before the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA). For broader disputes about tenancy or landlord issues, the Delaware Justice of the Peace Court is Delaware's main tribunal for residential landlord-tenant matters.

Key Steps for Renters Facing Park Closure

• Read your closure notice carefully and save a copy
• Contact DEMHRA and Delaware’s Consumer Protection Unit to verify your eligibility for assistance
• Gather necessary paperwork (lease, proof of ownership, title, moving estimates)
• Submit the Relocation Assistance Application form through the DEMHRA website or by mail
• Keep all records of your communication and receipts

Following these steps will help protect your rights and maximize your options during a park closure transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do when I receive a park closure notice?
   Immediately read the notice, confirm the timeline, and contact DEMHRA to ask about eligibility for relocation payments. Also, keep all paperwork for your records.
2. How much time do I have before I must move?
   Your landlord must give you at least 12 months’ written notice before the park closes. This gives you approximately one year to make relocation arrangements.
3. What if my mobile home is too old or unable to be moved?
   You may qualify for a buy-out or compensation if your home cannot be moved, up to the maximum amounts set by DEMHRA. This requires providing proof and applying through their standard process.
4. Who pays for the moving costs in Delaware?
   If you qualify, the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority will pay moving costs, up to the statutory limits. You must submit receipts and an application to receive this help.
5. Where can I get official forms for relocation assistance?
   All official forms are available on the DEMHRA Forms page. Download, fill them out, and submit as instructed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Delaware law provides a minimum 12-month notice for park closures
• Eligible residents may apply for significant relocation or buy-out assistance through DEMHRA
• Timely action and proper documentation are essential for receiving benefits and support

If you’ve received a park closure notice, reach out to official agencies and start collecting necessary documents as soon as possible.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA): For relocation assistance, forms, and program information
• Delaware Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit: For tenant-landlord questions and reporting issues
• Justice of the Peace Court (Delaware): Handles landlord-tenant disputes, including disagreements related to mobile home leases
• Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act: Read the complete legislation

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1. Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act, Title 25, Chapter 70
2. Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA)
3. Justice of the Peace Court – Landlord/Tenant
4. Delaware Consumer Protection Unit – Tenant Resources

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