Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights in Indiana: Rules & Legal Protections

Understanding your rights as a tenant in an Indiana mobile home park is essential for a safe and stable living situation. Indiana laws provide specific rules for manufactured housing communities, including how landlords must handle park rules, rent increases, evictions, and maintenance. This guide breaks down key protections, practical steps, and where renters can get official support.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in Indiana

Mobile home parks in Indiana often have written rules and regulations covering daily life—such as quiet hours, parking, and property upkeep. These rules must be applied equally to all residents and cannot be enforced in a discriminatory manner.

• Written rules: Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of all park rules upon move-in and whenever rules change.
• Change notification: If a landlord changes any community rules, they must give tenants at least 30 days' written notice before the new rules go into effect.¹
• Enforcement: Park rules can only be enforced if they are reasonable, clearly communicated, and comply with state law.

For more information, see the Indiana Code on Manufactured Home Communities.

Key Tenant Rights in Indiana Mobile Home Parks

Though mobile home park tenants may own their home, they rent the land. Indiana law gives these renters important rights and some unique obligations.

• Tenants cannot be evicted without cause and proper notice.
• Landlords are responsible for maintaining roads, utilities, and shared facilities in the park.
• Rent increases require 60 days' written notice.¹
• Tenants have the right to organize or join tenant associations.
• Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who assert their legal rights.

Rent Increases and Lease Renewals

Indiana does not limit the amount your rent can be increased, but it does set notice requirements and procedures.

• Rent increases must be communicated in writing at least 60 days before the new rate takes effect.
• Leases may be renewed at the end of their term, but any changes to rules or rent must be outlined in advance.

Notice for Rent Increases: Form & Guidance

• Form: There is no universal state-issued rent increase form, but landlords must provide a written “Notice of Rent Increase.” You should receive this either as a letter or included as part of a new lease.
• Example: If your lease ends June 30, a landlord must send or deliver notice by May 1 to lawfully raise your rent on July 1.

Evictions: Procedures and Protections

Mobile home park tenants in Indiana have enhanced eviction protections compared to regular renters. A landlord must have proper legal grounds and follow the correct process.

• Legal reasons for eviction: Non-payment of rent, violations of park rules, illegal activity, or failure to maintain a safe home/site.
• Written notice required: For most types of eviction, you must get a written notice stating the reason and the time to fix ("cure") the problem—typically 10 days for non-payment or rule violations.¹
• Court procedure: If you don’t fix the violation or move, the landlord must file in court. Only a court order can require you to leave or have your home removed from the site.

Eviction actions involving mobile home parks are heard by your local Indiana State Court System. Tenants may attend the hearing and present their side.

Official Form: Complaint for Possession of Property (Eviction)

• Form Name: Complaint for Possession of Property (Eviction)
• When Used: Landlords file this in Indiana trial courts to begin the eviction process against a tenant.
• Where to get it: Download the official Indiana landlord-tenant court forms. Tenants should review any forms they receive and consider consulting legal aid.

Maintenance and Repairs in Mobile Home Parks

Landlords must maintain the land and common areas, such as roads and sewer systems, to a safe and habitable standard under state law. Tenants are responsible for repairs and upkeep inside their homes and the rented lot.

• Always request repairs in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• If urgent repairs aren’t made, you may file a complaint with your county health department or pursue action in court.

Action Steps if Your Rights are Violated

If you believe your rights as a mobile home park tenant have been violated:

• Document the issue and communication with your landlord.
• Submit concerns or complaints in writing (keep copies).
• If unresolved, file a complaint through your local health department or seek free legal advice.

FAQ: Indiana Mobile Home Park Rules and Rights

1. Can a mobile home park in Indiana raise my rent whenever they want?
   Landlords must give you at least 60 days' written notice before any rent increase in a manufactured housing community.
2. What grounds can a landlord use to evict me from a mobile home park?
   Legal reasons include non-payment of rent, serious rule violations, illegal activities, or failing to maintain your home or site safely.
3. How can I fight an unfair eviction from my mobile home lot?
   You have the right to attend a court hearing and present your case. Seek legal help as soon as you receive an eviction notice.
4. Does Indiana have an official tenant board or tribunal for mobile home issues?
   Evictions and disputes are handled by the Indiana State Court System, not a separate tenant board.
5. What should I do if park maintenance is neglected?
   Report the issue in writing to your landlord, and if unresolved, contact your county health department or pursue action through the courts.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Indiana Mobile Home Park Renters

• Indiana law gives you the right to written notice of rule changes, rent increases, and evictions.
• All evictions must go through the court—only a judge can require you to leave.
• Maintenance standards and clear rules help protect your right to a safe, stable home site.

By knowing your rights and keeping records, you can ensure your living situation remains secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – State programs and renter support
• Indiana State Court System – For eviction hearings, legal forms, and court information
• Indiana Legal Help – Free legal information and support for renters
• Contact your county health department for complaints about health or safety in your mobile home park

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1. Indiana Code § 32-31-7 – Tenant and Landlord Rights in Manufactured Home Communities

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