Michigan Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Assistance Guide

If you live in a Michigan mobile home park and have received notice that the park is closing, you may be wondering what happens next and what support is available. Park closures can be stressful, but Michigan law offers certain protections and potential relocation assistance for affected residents. This article explains your rights, what to expect, and the legal resources available if your community is facing closure.

Understanding Park Closures and Relocation Rights in Michigan

In Michigan, the closing of a mobile home park is regulated under the Mobile Home Commission Act. The law requires park owners to provide advance notice and, in some cases, pay for relocation costs so mobile home owners and renters can move their homes or secure new housing. The details of your relocation rights can depend on your lease type, your status (owner or renter), and the circumstances of the closure.

Required Advance Notice for Park Closure

Park owners must provide at least one year's written notice to residents, local government, and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before closing a mobile home park.^[1] During this time, residents can prepare, seek alternate housing, or review relocation support options.

Relocation Assistance Provisions

The law may require the park owner to provide reasonable relocation assistance to residents, which can include:

• Payments for the cost of moving your home
• Assistance with locating a new lot
• Reimbursement for certain expenses if your home cannot be relocated

The details depend on whether you own your mobile home or are renting it from the park owner. If your home is unable to be moved due to age or condition, you may be eligible for compensation instead.

Key Forms: Michigan Mobile Home Park Closure Notice & Relocation Assistance Application

• Park Closure Notice (No standard form number): The park owner must give written notice to each resident, the local government, and LARA. Residents should keep this notice as proof of the closure and timeline. Example: If you receive a letter titled "Park Closure Notice," check that it is dated and lists the closure details. See LARA's Mobile Home Program page for official resources.
• Relocation Assistance Request (No statewide official form): To apply for financial assistance, residents typically submit a written request to the park owner and/or LARA. While the state does not publish a required form, you can find guidance and sample language on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) site. Example: You might write, "I am requesting relocation assistance under Section 34 of the Mobile Home Commission Act due to the pending closure of [Park Name]."
• Complaint Form (Bureau of Construction Codes): If a park owner is not complying with notice or assistance requirements, complaints can be filed using the LARA Bureau of Construction Codes Complaint Form. Example: If the one-year notice was not provided, you can use this form to alert the authorities.

If you need help preparing documents, it's often best to contact LARA or a local legal aid service for guidance.

Who Oversees Mobile Home Resident Complaints?

In Michigan, residential tenancy issues for mobile home parks are regulated and overseen by the Mobile Home Commission within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). While local district courts handle eviction and some tenancy disputes, issues regarding park closure and relocation fall under LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes, Mobile Home Division.

Legislation Protecting Michigan Mobile Home Park Residents

The key law is the Mobile Home Commission Act, MCL 125.2301 et seq. Specifically, Section 34 (MCL 125.2334) mandates proper notice and outlines potential relocation benefits.^[2]

Steps to Take If Your Park Is Closing

When you receive a closure notice, here’s what you should do:

• Read the notice carefully and note the closure date.
• Contact your park manager or owner to ask about any relocation aid, including help with moving costs.
• Prepare a written request for relocation assistance if eligible and submit it to the owner or LARA.
• Start researching new housing options as soon as possible.
• File a complaint with LARA if you are not given adequate notice or offered required assistance.

Prompt action ensures you have the best chance of getting the help you're entitled to under Michigan law.

FAQs About Mobile Home Park Closure and Relocation in Michigan

1. Who pays for moving my mobile home if the park closes?
   The park owner may be required to pay reasonable relocation expenses or provide compensation, especially if the closure is involuntary and you cannot move your home elsewhere.
2. How much notice must a park owner provide before closing the park?
   Michigan law requires at least one year's written notice before a mobile home park can close.
3. What should I do if I didn’t get a one-year closure notice?
   You may file a complaint with LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes using their official complaint form.
4. If my home can't be moved, can I get compensation?
   Yes. If your home is not movable because of its age, condition, or costs, you may qualify for compensation rather than physical relocation.
5. Where can I find more about my park closure rights?
   The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has an updated Mobile Home Program resource page with the latest guidance.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Michigan requires at least one year’s written notice before a mobile home park closes.
• Eligible residents may receive help with relocation costs or compensation if their home can't be moved.
• Official complaints about closure notice or assistance can be filed with LARA.

If your park is closing, document everything, know your rights under the Mobile Home Commission Act, and reach out for official guidance early.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Mobile Home Commission (LARA): Regulates park closures and tenant protections
• LARA Mobile Home Program: Closure guidance, relocation help, and complaint forms
• Michigan 2-1-1: Get connected to housing advice and legal aid services
• For legal representation, contact your local legal aid society or call Michigan Legal Help

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1. Mobile Home Commission Act (Public Act 96 of 1987)
2. Section 34, Relocation and Compensation Requirements

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