Relocation Help for Indiana Mobile Home Park Closures

If you rent space in a mobile home park and the park is closing in Indiana, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and the process for getting relocation assistance. Indiana law outlines specific protections and responsibilities to help renters navigate this difficult transition.

Understanding Park Closure and Relocation in Indiana

In Indiana, park owners must follow specific rules when shutting down a mobile home or manufactured housing community. These rules are designed to give residents time to find new housing and, in some cases, access relocation help. The Indiana Code (IC 32-31-7) includes important tenant protections and requirements regarding notice and assistance.^[1]

Required Notice Before Closure

By law, park owners must provide at least 180 days’ written notice before closing the park. This notice gives renters and mobile home owners time to prepare, find new housing, or move their homes. The notice must:

• Be delivered in writing to all residents.
• State the date of park closure.
• Include details on any available relocation assistance according to state or federal programs.

Available Relocation Assistance

While Indiana law doesn't require park owners to pay relocation costs directly, residents may be eligible for assistance through select federal or local programs. Assistance can help with moving expenses or, for qualified low-income residents, the cost of relocating the home or obtaining new housing.

• Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) sometimes has grants or partnerships for relocation aid. Check their official housing resources.
• Federal programs—such as those funded by HUD—may also offer limited relocation support for eligible residents. Learn more on the HUD Indiana webpage.

Key Official Forms

Depending on local resources or your eligibility for federal help, you may need to complete certain forms to request relocation assistance:

• Displacement Application for Relocation Assistance: Used when federal or local programs are available to displaced residents. If your park closure is part of a state-funded redevelopment, this form is typically provided by the agency in charge.
  • Example: If notified that you qualify for HUD's Uniform Relocation Act aid, use the Uniform Relocation Assistance Application. File it through the address provided in your closure letter or by contacting the local housing authority.

There is no universal state form for Indiana, so residents should check with the local county housing office, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, or the agency named in the official closure notice.

What Indiana Law Says About Tenant Rights

Tenant rights for mobile home park closures are governed by Indiana Code 32-31-7: Mobile Home Parks.^[1] This code covers:

• Definition of "good cause" for termination of tenancies
• Required relocation and closure notice periods
• Prohibition on requiring residents to move out sooner than the lawful notice period
• Details about any eviction or removal process

If residents believe their rights have been violated during a park closure, they can seek help from the local civil court or consult the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Dispute Resolution Tribunal

Indiana does not have a separate landlord-tenant board. Instead, disputes related to mobile home park closures are generally heard in county-level Small Claims or Superior Courts. Renters can learn more or find their court through the Indiana Courts directory.^[2]

Steps for Renters Facing Park Closure

Taking timely action can help you secure the assistance you need. Here's what to do:

• Read your closure notice carefully and note the closure date.
• Contact your local housing authority or the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to ask about available relocation programs.
• If eligible, request and submit the proper application forms for assistance.
• Start planning your move as soon as possible to maximize potential relocation benefits.
• Keep copies of all communications and forms related to your move.

Assistance varies by program, so it's crucial to document your eligibility and follow all instructions closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must a park owner give before closing in Indiana?
   Indiana law requires at least 180 days' written notice before closing a mobile home park.
2. Is the park owner required to pay for my relocation costs?
   There is no statewide law mandating park owners to pay relocation costs, but some federal or local assistance may be available.
3. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord didn't provide proper notice?
   You can file a complaint with your local county civil court or with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
4. How do I find out if I qualify for relocation assistance?
   Contact the IHCDA or your local housing authority. Eligibility often depends on income, residency status, and the circumstances of the park closure.
5. What should I do first when I receive a park closure notice?
   Carefully read the notice, mark the closure date, and start contacting local agencies or the IHCDA to check for available relocation support.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

• Indiana law requires at least 180 days’ written notice before a mobile home park can close.
• Relocation assistance may be available, but you must check with local agencies or federal programs.
• Disputes are handled through local courts. Always keep records and submit official forms promptly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA): Find info on housing assistance and programs.
• Indiana Court Directory: Locate your county court for dispute resolution.
• Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: File complaints about improper park closure or landlord issues.
• Indiana Self-Service Legal Center: Basic tenant rights and DIY legal forms.

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1. Indiana Code Title 32-31-7: Mobile Home Parks (2023)
2. Indiana Courts Directory

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