Georgia Mobile Home Park Rules and Tenant Rights

Living in a mobile home park in Georgia offers community and affordability but also brings unique rules and protections for both tenants and park owners. Understanding Georgia mobile home park rules and tenant rights is essential if you’re facing concerns about rent, park regulations, maintenance issues, or possible eviction.

Mobile Home Parks in Georgia: Key Rules and Regulations

Georgia’s laws on mobile home parks are part of the state’s landlord-tenant legal framework. While mobile home parks have their own community rules, your fundamental tenant rights are protected under state legislation. Every tenant should be aware of both the park’s posted rules and statewide protections under the Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7 – Landlord and Tenant¹.

Common Park Rules

• Permitted use of common areas and amenities
• Parking and vehicle restrictions
• Maintenance of individual lots and mobile homes
• Quiet hours and noise policies
• Pet and visitor policies

These rules must be reasonable, consistently enforced, and communicated clearly to all tenants—usually in your lease or park handbook. Park owners may update rules, but you should receive written notice (typically 30 days in advance).

Your Tenant Rights in a Georgia Mobile Home Park

• Right to Privacy: Park management must give reasonable notice, usually 24 hours, before entering your home or lot, except in emergencies.
• Right to a Habitable Lot: The park owner must maintain common areas and ensure utilities and infrastructure are safe.
• Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Eviction can only happen with proper legal notice and for reasons allowed by law (like non-payment or violating park rules).
• Rent Increase Protections: While Georgia law does not cap rent increases, landlords must provide written notice at least 60 days prior to raising rent in mobile home parks where you own your mobile home but rent the lot.

Handling Disputes or Rule Violations

If you believe park rules are being enforced unfairly, or you face eviction or harassment, Georgia law gives you options. You may:

• Try to resolve issues directly and in writing with park management.
• File a formal complaint or seek mediation through local consumer protection offices.
• Take legal action in the Magistrate Court, Georgia’s tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes (find your local Magistrate Court).

Important Forms for Georgia Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Dispossessory Affidavit (Eviction Form)
  When used: If the park owner wants to evict a tenant (for non-payment of rent or violation of park rules), they must first file this form with the local Magistrate Court after providing a written notice.
  Example: If you receive a written eviction notice, you may get a Magistrate Court summons. The park owner uses the Dispossessory Affidavit to officially begin the eviction process.
• Answer to Dispossessory Proceeding
  When used: If you receive notice of an eviction case, you must respond within 7 days by filing an Answer to Dispossessory Proceeding at your Magistrate Court to request a hearing and present your defense.
  Example: If you disagree with the eviction or believe it is unjust, use this form to explain your side to the court.

How to Protect Your Rights

Always keep copies of:

• Your lease or rental agreement
• Any written park rules or updated notices
• Communication with park management
• Receipts for rent and fee payments

Who Oversees Landlord-Tenant Issues in Georgia?

Georgia’s Magistrate Courts handle all residential landlord-tenant disputes, including those in mobile home parks. Learn more about their processes and find your local court at the Georgia Magistrate Council website.

FAQ: Georgia Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights

1. Can my mobile home park manager change the rules at any time?
   Park owners can change rules, but Georgia law typically requires at least 30 days’ written notice for new or updated rules that affect tenants.
2. How much notice do I get before a rent increase?
   In most Georgia parks, tenants who own their home but rent the lot must receive at least 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase.
3. What if I am facing eviction from my mobile home park?
   You must receive written notice and formal court papers. Respond immediately by filing your Answer with the Magistrate Court to secure a hearing and state your defense.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord is not maintaining park facilities?
   Document the issue and contact local code enforcement, county consumer protection, or file a complaint in Magistrate Court if unresolved.
5. Are there statewide caps on rent or lot fee increases for mobile home parks in Georgia?
   No, Georgia does not set a maximum limit on rent or lot fee increases. Proper written notice is required, but the amount is not capped.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Know your rights under Georgia’s landlord-tenant laws and your park’s written rules.
• Always get important communications and rule changes in writing.
• Take prompt action (such as filing court forms) if you receive an eviction notice or dispute a park action.

Staying informed and organized will help you protect your home and resolve disputes effectively.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Magistrate Court Council – For details on landlord-tenant disputes and finding your local court.
• Georgia Consumer Protection Division – To file complaints or seek mediation for rental issues.
• Georgia Legal Aid – Free legal information and referrals for tenants facing eviction or landlord-tenant problems.

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1. Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Georgia Magistrate Court Council – Find a Court
3. Dispossessory Affidavit (Eviction Form)
4. Answer to Dispossessory Proceeding
5. Georgia Consumer Protection Division

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