Hawaii Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Assistance Guide

If you rent a mobile or manufactured home site in Hawaii and have just learned that your park may be closing, you may be worried about your next steps. Knowing your rights and the process for relocation assistance can help you make informed decisions during this challenging time. Here, you'll find detailed, renter-friendly guidance about what happens when a manufactured home park in Hawaii is slated to close, as well as official resources and action steps.

What Happens When a Mobile Home Park Closes in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, mobile home park closures are regulated to protect tenants like you. If a park owner plans to close or convert the property to another use, they must provide written notice to all tenants within the required timeframe. State law offers certain protections and may provide forms of assistance such as relocation cost assistance, provided specific conditions are met.

Your Right to Advance Notice

Under Hawaii law, park owners must give tenants at least 12 months’ written notice before closing the park or changing its use^[1]. This notice must clearly state the effective date of closure and details about any relocation assistance programs available.

• Written notice required: Minimum of 12 months in advance
• Notice must be delivered by personal delivery or certified mail
• Forms must follow guidelines laid out in Hawaii Revised Statutes §521-38

Relocation Assistance for Displaced Tenants

Relocation assistance helps tenants cover some of the costs associated with moving their mobile home after park closure. While Hawaii’s protections are not as robust as some other states, certain municipalities or county programs may offer grants or payments for eligible tenants.

• Park owners must inform you if you qualify for any available assistance
• Contact your local county housing agency to learn about relocation grants or vouchers
• Hawaii does not currently require a statewide payout but encourages owners and tenants to negotiate in good faith

Official Notice and Relocation Forms

When the park is scheduled to close, tenants should receive official paperwork from the owner. You may also need to complete certain forms to apply for county-specific relocation assistance. Here are some common forms and how they are used:

• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Notice of Termination (Form RL 141): This statewide form is used by landlords to notify tenants of ending a rental agreement. You might receive this in conjunction with your closure notice. Find the official downloadable form from the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.
  Example: If the park owner is closing the property, you will receive this form as your official written notice.
• Relocation Assistance Application (County of Hawaii: Form varies by county)
• If your county (e.g., Honolulu) offers a local relocation program, request the proper form from your county Department of Housing or City & County of Honolulu Housing Division directly.
  Example: Submit this form if you are applying for county aid to help move your mobile home due to a park closure.

Always keep copies of all notices and forms, and submit applications as soon as your eligibility is confirmed.

The Tribunal: Where Tenancy Disputes Are Handled

If you believe your park owner has not properly notified you, failed to offer required relocation options, or if you have other tenancy disputes, you can apply to the District Court of the State of Hawaii for help. This court manages all official landlord-tenant matters, including manufactured housing issues.

Relevant Legislation Protecting Tenants

The main law governing rental and manufactured housing in Hawaii is the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 521: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. Sections like §521-38: Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster or exclusion may be especially relevant to mobile home park closures.

Action Steps if Your Mobile Home Park is Closing

If you have received notice that your park will close, following a clear process helps protect your rights:

• Review the written notice and verify that it meets all requirements
• Contact your local housing department to check for any available relocation assistance
• Save copies of all forms, applications, and correspondence
• Consult the official Hawaii landlord-tenant law to confirm your rights
• If there’s a dispute, file a complaint or start a case with the District Court of Hawaii

Being aware of your legal protections and deadlines helps you plan your next move with less stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must I receive before my mobile home park closes in Hawaii?
   Hawaii law requires at least 12 months’ written notice before a park can close or be converted to another use.
2. Am I guaranteed relocation assistance if my park closes?
   There is no state-mandated relocation payout, but some Hawaii counties provide assistance, and owners must tell you if programs are available.
3. What can I do if I think my rights were violated during park closure?
   You can file a complaint or legal case with the District Court of the State of Hawaii, which handles landlord-tenant matters.
4. Where do I get official forms for mobile home park relocation assistance?
   Forms are available from your park owner, county housing agency, or the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.
5. Who enforces renter protections in Hawaii?
   The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection and the District Court ensure that landlords comply with legal notice and assistance requirements.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Mobile Home Renters

• You must receive at least 12 months' written notice before your park closes
• Check with your county for possible relocation assistance programs
• The District Court of Hawaii resolves landlord-tenant disputes

Remember, understanding your rights is key to a smoother transition if your mobile or manufactured home park is closing in Hawaii.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information
• District Court of the State of Hawaii – Tenant Rights & Filing a Complaint
• Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 521: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
• City & County of Honolulu – Housing Division
• Contact your county housing agency for county-specific relocation forms and aid

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1. Hawaii Revised Statutes §521-38 – Tenant’s Remedies for Landlord’s Unlawful Ouster or Exclusion
2. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 – Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
3. Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Resources and Forms
4. District Court of the State of Hawaii – Landlord/Tenant Self-Help

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