Michigan Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution: Renter Rights & Help

Living in a mobile home park in Michigan should feel safe and fair. However, issues like rent increases, disagreements with park management, and concerns about repairs or maintenance sometimes happen. As a renter, it’s important to know how to resolve disputes respectfully, protect your rights, and understand the official processes available in Michigan.

Understanding Dispute Resolution for Mobile Home Park Renters in Michigan

Michigan offers formal procedures for renters and mobile home park owners to address disagreements. The main authority for overseeing these disputes is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Bureau of Construction Codes, Mobile Home Division. This division monitors park operations, addresses complaints, inspects maintenance issues, and enforces state mobile home park laws.
Disputes can range from unresolved maintenance requests, sudden rent increases, and issues with park rules enforcement, to disagreements about eviction notices.

Your Rights in Michigan Mobile Home Parks

Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987) protects residents’ rights. Some key protections include:

• The right to a written rental agreement
• Limits on how, when, and by how much rent can be raised
• Clear maintenance and repair obligations for park owners
• Specific notice requirements and justifications for evictions

The Act also sets the framework for the complaint and dispute resolution process.

How to Resolve a Dispute or File a Complaint

If a disagreement with park management can’t be resolved informally, renters may use the official Michigan complaint process. The state recommends renters:

• First, try to resolve issues directly with the park manager in writing, keeping copies of all correspondence.
• If unresolved, submit a formal complaint using the proper form to LARA.

Official Dispute Resolution Form: Mobile Home Complaint

• Form Name: Online Mobile Home Park Complaint Form
• When to use: If you believe the park owner or management is violating the Mobile Home Commission Act, such as failing to maintain the park, improper rent increases, or illegal eviction actions.
• How to use: Describe your issue with as much detail as possible, include supporting documents (like letters or photos), and submit online or by mail.
• Access the Mobile Home Park Complaint Form.

After submission, LARA will review your complaint, may inspect the park, and can order action or mediate the dispute as appropriate. You will receive updates on the process.

Common Issues Addressed Through Michigan’s Program

• Difficulty with timely repairs or park maintenance
• Rent increases that do not follow legal notice or limitation requirements
• Disagreements over park rules or regulations
• Improper eviction attempts or lack of required written notices

Each of these disputes can be formally addressed with LARA. If the issue involves eviction, renters may also access support through Michigan’s courts, guided by the Mobile Home Commission Act and applicable landlord-tenant regulations.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Once you submit the complaint, LARA will determine if further investigation or an on-site inspection is necessary. If a violation is found, LARA can require the park owner or manager to correct the issue. In complicated cases, mediation or a formal hearing may occur.

Key Michigan Dispute Resolution Contacts and Legislation

• LARA Mobile Home Division – Official dispute resolution and complaint board
• Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987) – Governing Michigan law for mobile home park operations and renter rights

LARA has the authority to enforce the Mobile Home Commission Act, offer solutions, and require repairs or practices to be corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my park manager ignores my repair requests?
   First, submit your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the issue is not resolved within a reasonable time, file an official complaint using the Mobile Home Park Complaint Form linked above.
2. Can my landlord evict me without notice in a Michigan mobile home park?
   No, the Mobile Home Commission Act requires your landlord to provide proper written notice before starting any eviction process. Specific reasons and notice periods must be followed.
3. Is there a fee to file a complaint with LARA’s Mobile Home Division?
   No, there is no cost to file a complaint about your mobile home park with LARA.
4. How long does the dispute process take?
   It varies based on complexity. LARA will notify you of next steps and may inspect the park if needed. Simple issues may be resolved in weeks, while more involved disputes could take longer.
5. Where can I find more guidance on Michigan mobile home park laws?
   The full Mobile Home Commission Act is available online. LARA also offers information sheets and frequently asked questions for mobile home park residents.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Michigan Mobile Home Renters

• The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees dispute resolution for mobile home park renters.
• Issues like repairs, rent increases, and park rule enforcement can be officially addressed by submitting a complaint through LARA.
• Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act offers clear protections and a path for resolving renter-park owner disagreements.

Understanding your rights, keeping records, and using official dispute programs can help resolve issues effectively and maintain housing stability.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• LARA Mobile Home Park Complaint Center: Start your complaint or learn more about dispute resolution.
• LARA Mobile Home Division – General Information: Rules, laws, and guidance for residents.
• Read the Mobile Home Commission Act for full legal text.
• If you need legal advice, you may contact your local legal aid office or Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org.

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1. Michigan Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987)
2. Michigan LARA Bureau of Construction Codes, Mobile Home Division
3. Mobile Home Park Complaint Process – LARA

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