Iowa Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Assistance Rights

If you rent a lot in a mobile home or manufactured housing park in Iowa, it's important to know your rights if your park is closing. Iowa law provides notice requirements and offers certain relocation assistance to protect tenants during this significant transition.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Closures in Iowa

When the owner of a mobile home park decides to close, Iowa law requires them to provide proper notice and, in some situations, offer relocation assistance to tenants. These laws help ensure that residents have enough time to plan their next steps and can access support if they need to move their home.

Notice Requirements for Park Closure

Under Iowa Code Chapter 562B, the Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law, park owners must provide at least 180 days written notice before closing a mobile home park or discontinuing its use as a mobile home community.^[1]

• The notice must be delivered to each tenant and posted in a clearly visible location at the park.
• No eviction for park closure can take place before this 180-day period ends (unless the tenant has violated another rule).

This gives residents time to seek alternative housing or prepare to move their mobile home.

Relocation Assistance for Iowa Renters

Approved tenants who must relocate because of a park closure can apply for relocation assistance through the Iowa Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund. This state program helps cover the cost of moving a mobile or manufactured home to a new location.

• The amount of financial assistance depends on whether the home can be relocated or must be demolished.
• Assistance is paid directly to the moving company or, for demolition, to the demolition company.
• Tenants must meet certain conditions, such as having a current rental agreement and being in good standing.

For details and to apply, see the official Iowa Manufactured Home Relocation Assistance Program.

How to Apply for Iowa Relocation Assistance

To receive assistance, you must submit an application to the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), which manages the program. Follow these important steps:

• Get the required "Relocation Assistance Application" (no official form number) from the Iowa Finance Authority website.
• Complete the application with details about your situation and attach any supporting documents requested (like the park closure notice and proof of payment to the moving company).
• Submit the application to IFA within one year of the park closure notice.

Example: If you receive a 180-day closure notice from your park in March, you need to submit the relocation assistance form to IFA by the following March.

Your Rights and Key Iowa Housing Agencies

The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) manages relocation assistance. Tenant-landlord disputes, including those about notice or closure, may also go through your local county court system. Iowa does not have a specialized residential tenancy tribunal; however, the district courts handle these matters.

For more legal information or to review your rights, see the Iowa Code Chapter 562B.

Relevant Official Forms

• Relocation Assistance Application (no official form number):
  Use this form if you are a tenant needing help with costs of moving because your park is closing. Available at IFA’s relocation assistance page. Complete and submit within the required timeframe with all supporting documentation.

1. What should I do if I receive a park closure notice?
   Start by carefully reading the notice and noting the date. Begin looking for new housing or a new park for your mobile home. Review Iowa's relocation assistance program to see if you qualify for help with moving costs.
2. Do I have to move immediately when I get a closure notice?
   No, Iowa law requires at least 180 days’ notice before you must vacate due to park closure, except in cases of lease violation.
3. What if I can't afford to move my home?
   You may qualify for financial assistance from the Iowa Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund if you meet eligibility requirements. Visit the official IFA relocation assistance page for more details.
4. What are my rights if I refuse to move after the 180 days?
   If you stay after the notice period, the landlord can begin eviction proceedings in district court under Iowa Code Chapter 562B.
5. Who can I contact if I need help understanding my rights?
   Contact the Iowa Finance Authority or local legal aid services for guidance specific to your situation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Iowa Manufactured Home Relocation Assistance Program – Official application and program details
• Iowa Finance Authority – Main agency for housing support
• Iowa Code Chapter 562B – State law on mobile home parks
• Iowa Legal Aid – Free or low-cost legal assistance for renters
• Contact your local Iowa district court for dispute resolution or eviction proceedings

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1. [1] See Iowa Code Chapter 562B, Section 562B.25 for park closure notice requirements and tenant protections.
2. Iowa Manufactured Home Relocation Assistance Program – Iowa Finance Authority
3. Iowa Legal Aid: Manufactured Housing Park Closings

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