Delaware Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Limits Explained

Renters of mobile homes in Delaware enjoy specific protections when it comes to rent increases. Understanding these limits and your rights helps you avoid surprises, spot improper increases, and know how to respond. In Delaware, mobile home park rent increases are governed by state law, with clear requirements for notice, limits on frequency, and procedures for challenging rent hikes.

How Delaware Regulates Rent Increases in Mobile Home Parks

In Delaware, the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act (Title 25, Chapter 70) governs rental increases in mobile home communities. This law protects renters from sudden or excessive rent hikes while ensuring park owners can recover justified costs.

Key Restrictions and Requirements

• Notice Requirement: Park owners must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before increasing rent. This notice must include the amount of the increase and the effective date.
• Frequency of Increases: Rent can only be increased once in any 12-month period for the same lot.
• Justification for Rent Increases: Increases must be "justified by increases in operating, maintenance, or capital costs." Landlords must present supporting documents if challenged.
• Right to Challenge: Tenants or a homeowners’ association can challenge increases believed to be excessive or unjustified through the Delaware Rent Justification Dispute Resolution process.

These rules promote fairness and transparency in mobile home park rent practices across Delaware.

Required Forms and Official Procedures

1. 90-Day Rent Increase Notice

• Form: There is no standardized state-issued form, but park owners must deliver a written notice containing:
  • The amount of the proposed rent increase
  • Effective date (must be at least 90 days away)
  • The right of tenants to challenge the increase
• Practical Example: If your monthly lot rent is $400 and the landlord wishes to raise it to $425 on June 1, you must receive written notice no later than March 3.

For landlords, sample language is provided by the Delaware Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Unit (PDF).

2. Rent Justification Dispute Resolution Application

• Form Name: Application for Rent Justification Dispute Resolution
• When to Use: Tenants or homeowners’ associations use this form to formally dispute a rent increase they believe is unreasonable or inadequately justified.
• Process: Submit the completed application to the Delaware Department of Justice within 30 days of receiving the rent increase notice.
• Download the official dispute resolution form.
• Example: If you get notice of a $50 monthly increase you believe is unjustified and notify your park’s homeowners’ association, you may apply as a group for dispute resolution within the 30-day deadline.

How Delaware Handles Rent Increase Disputes

The Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) – Consumer Protection Unit oversees tenant rights and rent dispute resolution for mobile home parks. If negotiations don’t lead to agreement, your case may proceed to mediation and, if needed, to an administrative hearing conducted by the DOJ.

• Read more about the process on the Delaware DOJ's Mobile Home Park Rights page.

The main legislation is the Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act, which covers all mobile home park rent and tenancies in Delaware.^[1]

Action Steps for Challenging a Rent Increase

• Check that you received a written notice at least 90 days before the increase takes effect.
• Review the reason for the increase and supporting documents if provided.
• If you believe the increase is not justified, complete and submit the Application for Rent Justification Dispute Resolution within 30 days.
• Keep copies of all communications and filings for your records.

Following these steps helps protect your rights and ensures your challenge is reviewed.

FAQ: Delaware Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Rules

1. How much notice must I receive before my mobile home lot rent increases in Delaware?
   You must receive a written notice at least 90 days before a rent increase takes effect in a mobile home park.
2. Can my mobile home park owner raise the rent more than once a year?
   No—Delaware law allows only one rent increase per 12-month period for each lot.
3. What should I do if I think my rent increase is too high or unfair?
   You can challenge the increase by submitting a Rent Justification Dispute Resolution application to the Delaware DOJ within 30 days of receiving your notice.
4. Who handles rent dispute hearings for mobile home parks in Delaware?
   The Delaware Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Unit manages the dispute process, including mediation and administrative hearings.
5. Where can I find official Delaware tenant-landlord laws for mobile home parks?
   You can view them at the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act website.

Conclusion

• Delaware requires 90 days' written notice and only allows one mobile home park rent increase per year.
• You have the right to challenge increases you believe are unfair through the DOJ.
• Proper forms and procedures help protect your rights and resolve disputes efficiently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Delaware DOJ – Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights (guides, forms, complaint process)
• Delaware DOJ – File a Consumer Complaint
• Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act
• For direct help, call the DOJ Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 220-5424

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1. Delaware Code Title 25, Chapter 70: Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act
2. Delaware Department of Justice – Mobile Home Park Rights & Forms

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