Illinois Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Assistance Guide

If you live in a manufactured home or mobile home park in Illinois and your park is closing, it’s natural to feel uncertain about your next steps. Understanding your rights and the relocation assistance available can help you make informed decisions and access support during a stressful transition. This article covers key relocation rules, forms, action steps, and support resources under Illinois law for mobile home tenants.

Understanding Park Closures in Illinois

Mobile home park owners in Illinois can sometimes close or convert their property for other uses. When this happens, state law provides certain protections for residents, including advance notice and, in some cases, relocation assistance.

• Advance written notice is typically required before a park is closed.
• Relocation assistance may be available, especially for eligible tenants living in affected mobile or manufactured home parks.

Key Illinois Laws and Where to Find Help

• Primary legislation: Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act
• Official tribunal: Illinois Circuit Courts handle housing and tenancy disputes at the county level.

What Notice Must Mobile Home Park Owners Provide?

Illinois law requires park owners to give written notice before closing the park or discontinuing its use as a mobile home community. As outlined in the Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act, Section 18:

• Owners must provide at least 12 months' advance written notice to all tenants before a planned closure or conversion of the mobile home park.
• The notice must clearly state the date the park will close and include basic relocation and legal information.

This advance notice gives tenants time to plan, seek support, and explore relocation options.

Relocation Assistance: What Support is Available?

While Illinois state law does not require park owners to directly pay relocation costs to tenants, certain local governments, parks, or federally-assisted programs may offer relocation help. You may qualify for assistance under specific government or municipal programs, or through negotiations with the park owner.

If your mobile home cannot be moved safely, or moving it is impractical, you may be eligible for additional support. Always check for local ordinances or talk to your municipality's housing resources.

Official Forms and Resources for Illinois Mobile Home Park Closures

• Notice of Park Closure: Owners must give this written notice to all park residents. There's no standardized statewide form, but it must comply with requirements in the Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act, Section 18.
  Example: If you receive a letter from your park owner stating the park will close in 12 months, this is your official notice. Keep a copy for your records.
• Relocation Assistance Application (if available locally): Some municipalities may provide a local application form for relocation or moving expense assistance. Contact your city or county housing authority for official forms and eligibility details.
  Example: If your local government offers a program, ask for their relocation assistance form. Fill it out promptly and attach proof of residency/need.

Explore your area's housing authority or government website for the most up-to-date forms or requirements.

Filing a Housing Complaint or Seeking Legal Remedies

If you believe you did not receive proper notice or are being treated unfairly during a park closure, you can:

• File a complaint or suit through your local Illinois Circuit Court.
• Contact your city's housing department or the Illinois Office of the Attorney General for consumer protection support: Illinois Attorney General's Protecting Consumers.

Gather all written communications and keep organized records of notices and forms you receive.

FAQ: Relocation and Tenant Rights in Park Closures

1. How much advance notice must I get if my Illinois mobile home park is closing?
   By law, you must receive at least 12 months of written notice before a park closure or conversion.
2. Does Illinois require landlords to pay relocation costs?
   No, state law does not mandate direct payment of relocation costs to tenants. Assistance may be available at the local or municipal level.
3. What should I do when I get a park closure notice?
   Keep the notice, research local housing resources, and contact local legal aid or your city’s housing authority for possible relocation help.
4. Where can I file a complaint if I didn’t get proper notice?
   You can seek a legal remedy through your county’s Illinois Circuit Court or contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for guidance.
5. Are there official forms for relocation assistance in Illinois?
   There is no statewide form, but some cities or counties may offer their own application. Contact your local housing authority for details.

Key Takeaways for Illinois Mobile Home Park Renters

• Illinois law requires mobile home park owners to provide 12 months' written notice of closure.
• State law does not guarantee relocation payment, but local programs or legal action may help.
• Keep all notices and forms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to municipal or legal aid organizations for support.

Being proactive and staying informed is the best protection for renters facing park closure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Circuit Courts – For filing complaints or legal disputes.
• Illinois Attorney General – Protecting Consumers
• Illinois Housing Help – Rental and housing support directory.
• Illinois Legal Aid Online – Free legal guides and tenant help.
• City or county housing authorities may have additional local resources or forms.

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1. Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act (765 ILCS 745)
2. Section 18 – 12 Months' Notice Requirements
3. Illinois Circuit Courts – Find your local court
4. Illinois Attorney General: Consumer Protection
5. HUD: Tenant Rights Illinois

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