Maryland Mobile Home Park Tenant Rules and Rights

If you live in a mobile home park in Maryland, it's important to understand the rights and responsibilities that protect both you and your landlord. Mobile and manufactured housing residents are covered by specific Maryland laws designed to ensure fair treatment. This overview will help you navigate common issues like park rules, eviction, rent increases, and maintenance responsibilities within Maryland mobile home parks.

Understanding Maryland's Mobile Home Park Laws

Mobile home park rules in Maryland are governed mainly by the Maryland Mobile Home Parks Act (Md. Code, Real Property §8A). This law sets out the basic rights of tenants and the obligations of park owners, including rules about leases, park regulations, rent increases, and eviction procedures.^[1]

Key Park Rules and Tenant Responsibilities

• Park Rules: Owners may create reasonable written rules that tenants must follow, such as regulations on noise, maintenance of your lot, use of common areas, and pets.
• Lease Agreements: Leases for mobile home lots must be in writing and provided to tenants. The lease must state all park rules and regulations, rent amounts, and any additional charges.
• Rule Changes: If the park owner wants to change a rule, they must provide written notice at least 30 days before the change takes effect. The change cannot be unreasonable or discriminatory.

Staying up to date with your lease and park rules can help you avoid misunderstandings or disputes.

Rent Increases and Lease Protections

Maryland law requires park owners to provide written notice at least 60 days before increasing the lot rent. The notice must state the amount of the increase and when it will begin. Tenants have the right to receive a renewal lease unless the park has good cause for nonrenewal.

• Rent increases must be in writing and follow the rules set out by Maryland law Md. Code, Real Property §8A-201.
• If you believe a rent increase is unjustified, you may request a written statement that explains the reason for the increase.

Eviction and Lease Nonrenewal

Evictions from a mobile home park in Maryland are subject to specific procedures. The reasons for eviction must be "for cause," such as:

• Significant violation of park rules (after proper written notice)
• Nonpayment of rent
• Failure to comply with health and safety laws

The park owner must provide a written notice to vacate, stating the reason and giving you at least 30 days' notice. If you do not leave, the landlord must file a complaint with the local District Court, which is Maryland's official tribunal for landlord-tenant matters.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Failure to Pay Rent Complaint (Form DC-CV-082): Used by landlords to start eviction for nonpayment. If you receive this, you will be notified by the court and have a chance to respond.
  Download form DC-CV-082 here.
• Petition for Warrant of Restitution (Form DC-CV-081): Filed by landlords if you do not move out after a court order. If served, contact your local legal services right away.
  View Form DC-CV-081 on the Maryland Courts site.
• Complaint Form for Noncompliance with Park Rules: Tenants may write a complaint to the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for park rule violations.
  Submit a complaint online here.

If you receive one of these forms or need to file one, carefully review the instructions on the official form, respond by any stated deadlines, and consider contacting legal aid for assistance.

The Tribunal Handling Mobile Home Tenant Disputes

The Maryland District Court handles all landlord-tenant complaints, including mobile home park disputes, evictions, and related issues.

Your Rights Regarding Repairs, Maintenance, and Entry

• Maintenance: Park owners are responsible for common areas and utilities, while tenants must keep their lots neat and follow all reasonable park rules.
• Entry: The landlord may only enter your lot at reasonable times and for lawful purposes, such as emergencies or repairs. Entry rules must be stated in the lease or park rules.

If repairs are not made after written requests, you may contact local health or housing officials, or submit a complaint through the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

1. Can a mobile home park owner in Maryland change park rules at any time?
   No. The owner must give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice before any new or changed rule takes effect. Changes cannot be unfair, and they must be applied equally to all tenants.
2. What notice is required for a rent increase?
   The park owner must give at least 60 days’ written notice before raising your lot rent. The notice must specify the new amount and when it will start.
3. How do I respond to an eviction notice from a Maryland mobile home park?
   Carefully read the notice to vacate. You have the right to a court hearing before eviction. Bring any supporting documents and respond to all court papers by the deadlines. Legal aid can help you prepare.
4. What can I do if my landlord does not make necessary park repairs?
   First, report the problem in writing to the park owner. If repairs are still not made, you can file a complaint with your local housing department or with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
5. Where can I file a dispute or complaint about a mobile home park issue?
   Start by contacting the park owner in writing. If unresolved, you can file a formal complaint through the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or go through Maryland District Court for legal disputes.

Conclusion: What Maryland Mobile Home Park Tenants Should Remember

• Written leases and clear park rules are required—always keep copies for your records.
• You must receive advance notice (30–60 days) for major changes such as rule changes, rent increases, or lease nonrenewal.
• Legal eviction always requires notice and a court process—seek timely help if you get a notice.

Stay informed of your rights by reviewing the Maryland Mobile Home Parks Act and contacting resources below if you have problems.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court – Landlord and Tenant Information: Forms, guides, and case information
• Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: File complaints or get help with park issues
• Maryland People's Law Library – Landlord and Tenant: Plain language legal information
• Maryland Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal services for eligible renters

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1. Maryland Mobile Home Parks Act (Real Property Article, Title 8A)
2. Maryland District Court – Landlord and Tenant
3. Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

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