Maine Mobile Home Eviction Rights: What Owners Need to Know

If you own a mobile home in Maine but rent the lot it sits on, it’s important to understand your eviction protections. Mobile home owners are covered by specific state laws that offer more security than standard tenant agreements. This guide explains your rights, protections, and actionable steps if facing eviction from a mobile home park in Maine.

Understanding Eviction for Mobile Home Owners in Maine

In Maine, mobile home owners who rent a space in a manufactured housing community (also known as a "mobile home park") have unique legal rights. State law sets clear requirements for how and when a park owner can ask you to move your home or terminate your lease.

Who and What Does the Law Cover?

• People who own their mobile home but rent the lot (space) in a park
• Applies to both month-to-month and fixed-term rental agreements
• Does not cover people who rent both the home and the land—those leases may be treated differently

Maine’s protections are set out in the Manufactured Housing Act (Title 10, Chapter 953) and some aspects of the Maine Revised Statutes - Forcible Entry and Detainer Procedures.^[1][2]

Eviction Protections: When and How Can Park Owners Evict?

Maine law limits the reasons a park owner can evict a mobile home owner from their space:

• Nonpayment of lot rent
• Violation of park rules or rental agreement
• Serious nuisance or safety violations
• Change in land use (for example, if the owner wants to close the park or use the land for another purpose—but with extended notice requirements)

Eviction without a valid legal reason is not allowed. All evictions must follow required notice and court procedures.

Required Notice Periods

• Nonpayment of Rent: 30 days’ written notice
• Rule Violations: 30 days’ written notice (sometimes less for very serious safety issues)
• Change of Use/Closure: 18 months’ written notice if the park is closing for redevelopment or change of land use

Each notice must clearly state the reason for termination and be provided in writing.

Official Eviction Process in Maine: What to Expect

If you do not move out by the date on the notice, the park owner must file an official court action called a “Forcible Entry and Detainer” (FED) case. This is a legal process for eviction, overseen by Maine’s courts—not by the park owner themselves.

If you get a written eviction notice, do not move out immediately. You always have the right to receive official court papers and to appear in court before any eviction is final.

The Tribunal: Where Eviction Cases Are Heard

Eviction cases are handled by the Maine District Court system.

Key Forms and Where to Find Them

The main forms involved in the eviction or response process include:

• Notice to Quit (No specific form number)
  Used by park owners to legally notify you of eviction for nonpayment, rule violations, or change of use.
  Example: The owner gives a 30-day notice for unpaid lot rent, stating the reason and the vacate date.
  See Maine Housing Authority guidance
• Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) Complaint (CR-000 Form)
  Filed by the park owner in court to start a formal eviction if you do not leave after notice.
  Example: Park owner submits this form at the District Court to begin the eviction case.
  View court forms page
• Answer to Complaint (Answer Form)
  Filed by you to respond officially to the court if you want to contest the eviction.
  Example: If you believe the eviction is not justified (e.g., rent was paid or notice didn’t meet requirements), you can complete and file an Answer.
  Download Answer form and instructions

Always keep a copy of any form you submit or receive.

What to Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice

If you receive a written eviction (termination) notice or court documents:

• Read the notice carefully for the reason and deadline
• Check if the notice period complies with state law
• Gather records (rent payments, communications, repair receipts)
• You have the right to appear at your court date to tell your side
• Consider contacting legal aid, Maine’s Housing Authority, or a housing counselor

References to Maine Laws Protecting Mobile Home Owners

• Maine Manufactured Housing Act (Title 10, Chapter 953)
• Forcible Entry and Detainer Statute (Title 14, Section 6001 and onward)

FAQ: Mobile Home Eviction Protections in Maine

1. How much notice must a park owner give before eviction in Maine?
   Usually 30 days’ written notice is required for nonpayment or rule violations, but 18 months are needed for park closures.
2. Can my landlord evict me without a court order?
   No. All evictions must go through the Maine District Court process. Self-help evictions are not legal.
3. What if I disagree with the eviction notice?
   You can contest the eviction by appearing in court and submitting an Answer form to present your case.
4. Are there extra protections if the park is being closed or sold?
   Yes, the owner must give at least 18 months’ written notice before requiring you to move due to park closure or a change in land use.
5. Do these rights apply if I rent both the mobile home and the lot?
   No, these specific protections mainly cover mobile home owners who own the home but rent the land. If you rent both, standard landlord-tenant rules apply.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Maine Mobile Home Owners

• Maine law gives mobile home owners strong protection against sudden or unfair evictions.
• Written notice and a court process are ALWAYS required; you cannot be evicted overnight.
• If you receive an eviction notice, respond promptly, keep records, and seek legal or housing advice early.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine District Courts: Find your local court
• Maine Housing Authority – Questions about manufactured housing laws and renter resources
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free legal help for low-income Mainers facing eviction or housing disputes
• Read Maine’s Manufactured Housing Act for detailed mobile home law

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1. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 953: Manufactured Housing Act – Official legislation
2. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Section 6001 et seq.: Forcible Entry and Detainer – Court eviction laws
3. Maine District Court – Housing/Eviction Tribunal
4. Maine Housing Authority – State housing resource

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