Indiana Mobile Home Eviction Rights: What Owners Need to Know

Eviction from a mobile home park in Indiana can be stressful, especially if you own your home but rent the lot. Knowing the eviction rules and tenant protections can help you feel more prepared and informed during the process. This guide will explain your rights as a mobile or manufactured home owner in Indiana, key eviction laws, and official resources for support.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Owner in Indiana

If you rent a lot in a mobile or manufactured home community and own your home, you have important protections under Indiana law. Indiana's mobile home statutes set specific requirements that landlords must follow before they can evict a resident or remove a mobile home from the property.

• Landlords must provide a written notice of eviction and state the specific reason for the eviction.
• Only certain grounds—like nonpayment of rent, violation of park rules, or criminal activity—are legally valid for eviction.
• You have the right to attend a court hearing and present your side before a judge makes a decision.

Indiana recognizes the special position of mobile home owners, as you may own your home but depend on renting the land beneath it. This means extra protection against sudden or unfair removal.

Eviction Process for Mobile Home Owners

Eviction from a mobile home park involves several key steps under Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 7 (Mobile Home Community Resident Relations)^[1]. Here’s what typically happens:

• Written Notice: The landlord must give you a written notice for most violations. For nonpayment of rent, Indiana law requires at least 10 days’ written notice.
• Cure Period: For issues like late rent or rule violations, you may get a chance to fix (or "cure") the problem within the notice period.
• Filing for Eviction: If the issue isn't resolved, the landlord must file an eviction case at the local county court. This is handled by the appropriate Indiana trial court in your county. You will receive a copy of the court summons and have the right to appear at the hearing.
• Removal of Mobile Home: If you lose the case, you will receive an order specifying the timeline for moving your mobile home. Indiana law gives at least 90 days to remove the home after final judgment (with some exceptions).

If you feel your eviction was unfair or didn't follow proper legal procedures, you may challenge it in court or seek advice from Indiana legal aid agencies.

Key Indiana Forms for Mobile Home Park Evictions

• Notice of Termination of Tenancy (Form: None, Written Notice Required)
  When used: The landlord must give written notice before beginning an eviction (for reasons like nonpayment or rule violation).
  Example: If you missed your rent, your landlord provides a 10-day written notice to pay or vacate the lot.
  See Indiana law on notice requirements
• Indiana Notice of Claim / Small Claims Filing
  When used: If the landlord seeks to evict, they must file a claim (no specific statewide form; county courts provide their own).
  Example: Your landlord files a claim in local court after the notice period expires. You receive court documents (summons) and a hearing date.
  Indiana Courts Eviction Self-Service Forms

Check with your county court for specific forms and procedures. The Indiana Judicial Branch oversees all tenancy hearings, including mobile home evictions.

Important Indiana Legislation

• Indiana Code § 32-31-7 (Mobile Home Community Resident Relations)
• General Indiana Landlord-Tenant Act: IC 32-31-1 et seq.

These laws detail notice periods, what grounds a landlord can use for eviction, and your right to a fair process.

If you receive an eviction notice, don’t ignore it. Respond in writing, keep copies of all communications, and attend your court date. Free legal aid services in Indiana can help you understand your options.

Steps to Take if You Receive an Eviction Notice

• Read the notice carefully, check the stated reason and the deadline.
• If possible, resolve the issue with your landlord during the notice period (such as paying overdue rent or correcting a violation).
• Keep all paperwork, including notices, receipts, and communication with your landlord.
• Prepare for your court date by gathering documentation or witnesses, and consider contacting a legal aid service for assistance.
• Attend your court hearing. If the court rules for the landlord, you generally have at least 90 days to move your home.

The eviction process is designed to ensure you have time and opportunity to respond. Acting quickly and staying organized is key to protecting your housing rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I be evicted from a mobile home park in Indiana without a reason?
   No. Your landlord must provide a legally valid reason from Indiana law, such as nonpayment of rent or violating park rules.
2. How much notice does a landlord have to give before evicting a mobile home owner?
   For nonpayment of rent, a 10-day written notice is required. For other violations, a longer notice may apply, depending on the situation.
3. If I lose an eviction case, how long do I have to move my home?
   State law generally gives at least 90 days after court judgment to remove your mobile home, unless the issue involves safety or criminal matters.
4. Do I have to use a specific form to respond to eviction?
   No specific response form is required, but attending your court hearing and submitting any evidence or written statements is advised. Your local court may provide instructions.
5. Who handles mobile home eviction cases in Indiana?
   The trial court in your county (overseen by the Indiana Judicial Branch) oversees these hearings.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Courts: Eviction Self-Service Forms & Help
• Indiana Judicial Branch (Official Court System)
• Indiana Legal Services (Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid)
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority

---

1. Indiana Code § 32-31-7 - Mobile Home Community Resident Relations
2. Indiana Code § 32-31 - Landlord-Tenant Law
3. Indiana Judicial Branch - Court Locator and Resources
4. Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center: Eviction Resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations