Georgia Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Assistance

If you rent a lot in a mobile home or manufactured housing park in Georgia, facing park closure can be a stressful experience. Knowing your rights and understanding available relocation assistance is vital. This guide explains Georgia's laws on notice periods, relocation help, and steps renters can take if their park is closing.

What Happens When a Mobile Home Park Closes in Georgia?

Mobile home or manufactured housing park closures may occur for reasons such as redevelopment or sale. Georgia law requires the park owner to provide advance written notice to residents before ending tenancy due to park closure or a change in use. However, unique to Georgia, there is currently no state law mandating direct financial relocation assistance for residents when a park closes.

Required Notice Period for Park Closure

• Georgia landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before terminating a rental agreement due to park closure or redevelopment. This gives residents time to prepare, seek legal advice, and plan their next steps.
• Notice should state the reason for termination, the effective date, and, if available, contact information for questions or concerns.

Are There Official Relocation Assistance Programs in Georgia?

Unlike some states, Georgia does not have a dedicated government relocation assistance program for mobile home park closures. This means:

• No state-mandated payment or reimbursement for moving expenses.
• No formal application process for statewide relocation aid.

In rare cases, a municipality overseeing redevelopment might offer local resources or voluntary relocation funds as part of its zoning or permitting process. Always check with your town's housing or planning office for local options.

Federal and Local Support Resources

• The Georgia HUD Tenant Rights page offers guidance on housing questions and emergency resources.
• The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provides support services for housing, but does not have a specific relocation funding program for park closure.

Your Legal Protections and Next Steps

Even without mandated financial help, Georgia tenants have important rights when their mobile home park closes:

• Receive proper written notice of park closure per the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act¹.
• Know that any eviction or lease termination must follow lawful procedures and respect notice periods.
• If you’re facing challenges moving your home, local legal aid or housing counseling agencies (see resources below) may be able to assist.

Forms You Might Encounter When a Park Closes

• Written Notice of Lease Termination
  
  • This is usually a letter or official notice from your landlord indicating the park will close and your lease will end.
  • Example: You receive a letter sent by certified mail from your landlord providing at least 60 days' notice that your park will close to make way for redevelopment.
  Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook
• Complaint or Mediation Forms (Optional)
  
  • If you feel your landlord did not follow proper notification procedures, you may file a complaint with your local magistrate court.
  • For some issues, you may be referred to the Georgia Magistrate Court for dispute resolution.

How to Respond to a Mobile Home Park Closure in Georgia

If you receive a notice of park closure, here are steps you can take:

• Read the notice carefully and note important dates.
• Start researching alternate housing or mobile home parks in your area.
• Document and save all communications with your landlord or park manager.
• Contact local agencies or legal aid organizations if you need help understanding your rights.
• If you feel the notice is invalid or inadequate, consult your local Magistrate Court or a housing lawyer for advice.

FAQ: Georgia Mobile Home Park Closure & Relocation

1. How much notice must a landlord give before closing a mobile home park in Georgia?
   Landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before ending your tenancy due to park closure or a change in use.
2. Does Georgia require landlords to pay for moving or relocation costs when a park closes?
   No, Georgia law does not require landlords or park owners to provide financial relocation assistance to residents in the event of park closure.
3. Where can renters file a complaint if they believe they did not get proper notice of park closure?
   Complaints about improper notice are usually filed with your local Magistrate Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes in Georgia.
4. Are there any forms tenants must fill out when a park is closing?
   Generally, there is no state-required relocation assistance form. The main document you will receive is the landlord’s written notice of lease termination. If you wish to contest the notice, you may need to file with the Magistrate Court.
5. Who oversees tenancy disputes for mobile home parks in Georgia?
   The Georgia Magistrate Court system handles residential landlord-tenant disputes, including those involving mobile home parks.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Renters Facing Park Closure

• Georgia law requires at least 60 days' notice for mobile home park closure, but does not guarantee relocation assistance payments.
• The main official action is receiving written notice; always keep copies for your records.
• Contact legal aid or your local court if you have concerns about your notice or rights.

Staying informed empowers you to make the best decisions under difficult circumstances.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) – State housing programs and information
• Georgia Legal Aid – Free or reduced-cost legal help for renters
• Georgia Magistrate Court Guide – Official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes
• HUD Georgia Tenant Rights – Federal housing resources and protections

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1. Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7 – Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Georgia Department of Community Affairs Landlord-Tenant Handbook (PDF)
3. Georgia Magistrate Court Official Guide

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