Michigan Mobile Home Park Rules and Tenant Rights Explained

Living in a mobile home park in Michigan comes with unique rights and responsibilities. Whether you own your home or rent it in a manufactured housing community, it's important to know the rules that apply to you as a tenant and how the law protects you. This guide explains Michigan's regulations for mobile home parks, your rights as a resident, how to deal with issues like park rules or eviction notices, and where to find official help.

Understanding Michigan Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights

Michigan regulates mobile home parks and their management through specific laws designed to protect residents. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees these regulations and ensures operators comply with state law.

• Protection from unfair park rules: Rules must be reasonable, written, and apply to everyone equally.
• Right to proper notice before rule changes or rent increases
• Eviction protections and formal processes
• Park maintenance requirements

These rights are set out in the Michigan Mobile Home Commission Act and relevant sections of the Michigan landlord-tenant law.^[1]

Common Park Rules and What Makes Them Legal

Parks can set rules that help keep the community safe, clean, and orderly. However, all rules must be:

• Presented in writing to every resident
• Reasonable and relate to health, safety, or community welfare
• Consistent and applied to all tenants equally
• Not in conflict with state or federal law

If a mobile home park wants to create new rules or change existing ones, they generally must provide at least 30 days' notice to all tenants.

What Should You Do If a Rule Seems Unfair?

If you believe a park rule is unreasonable or being enforced unfairly, you can file a complaint with LARA. See the "Help and Support" section below for official contact information.

Rent Increases and Fee Changes in Michigan Mobile Home Parks

One of the most common concerns for tenants is the possibility of sudden rent increases. In Michigan, mobile home park owners must give tenants at least 30 days' written notice before raising lot rent or fees. The notice should clearly explain the new charge and the date it takes effect.^[2]

• If you rent the home and the lot, this rule applies to both charges.
• All tenants must receive formal notice—verbal notification does not satisfy legal requirements.

The law does not currently set a maximum percentage for increases but does require that changes are made fairly and with reasonable notice.

Eviction from a Mobile Home Park: Rules and Process

Eviction from a mobile home park in Michigan follows a specific legal process designed to protect tenants from sudden or unfair removal. Grounds for eviction can include:

• Nonpayment of rent or other lawful charges
• Violation of park rules or lease terms (with proper written warning)
• Health and safety violations

Before eviction, park management must usually give a 30-day written notice, except in certain nonpayment cases where only 7 days' notice may be required.

Required Forms: Eviction Notices

• Demand for Possession (Nonpayment of Rent), DC 100a
  Download official form DC 100a
  Use this if you receive a 7-day eviction notice for nonpayment of rent. It initiates the eviction process. Keep a copy and respond promptly.
• Notice to Quit - Health Hazard/Injury to Others, DC 100b
  Download official form DC 100b
  This notice is served if a safety or health hazard is claimed. You'll have at least 7 days to respond or correct the issue.

Eviction cases are handled by the Michigan District Court, which oversees landlord-tenant disputes across the state.^[3]

Park Maintenance and Your Right to a Safe Home

Michigan law requires park operators to maintain basic services—such as safe roads, adequate water, sewer, electricity, and trash removal. If repairs aren't made, you may file a complaint with LARA. Always keep written records of your requests to management for maintenance issues.

How Park Rules Must Be Shared with Tenants

• All park rules must be given in writing when you first move in and if any are changed later
• You should also receive a copy of the latest edition of Michigan's "Mobile Home Park Act" regulations for reference

What to Do If You Have a Problem: Filing a Complaint or Responding to a Notice

Here are the practical steps for dealing with issues like rule violations, rent concerns, or maintenance complaints:

• Attempt to resolve the issue directly with park management first, in writing.
• If unresolved, file a formal complaint with LARA using their official Resident Complaint Form (download here).^[4]
• If you receive an eviction notice, you have the right to respond and appear in court. Use the form and instructions referenced above, and consider contacting legal aid for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a mobile home park increase my rent without warning in Michigan?
   No, park owners must provide you with at least 30 days' written notice before any rent increase.
2. Do the same eviction rules apply in a Michigan mobile home park as in a regular apartment?
   Evictions must still follow due legal process, but some timelines and procedures may differ. Park-specific laws also apply.
3. Where do I file an official complaint if the park owner breaks the rules?
   File with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) using their complaint form.
4. Am I entitled to written park rules in Michigan?
   Yes. All park rules must be given to you in writing both when you move in and whenever rules change.
5. What can I do if the park refuses to make repairs?
   File a written request, then a formal complaint with LARA if the problems aren't resolved.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Michigan Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Michigan law gives you the right to written park rules, formal notice of rent changes, and legal eviction procedures
• Always respond in writing to rule violations, rent increases, or eviction notices, and keep records
• You can contact LARA or the Michigan courts for support and to formally address unresolved issues

Knowing your rights helps you maintain a stable home and confidently address problems with park management.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Mobile Home Resident Information - File a complaint or ask questions about park management
• Michigan Legal Help: Mobile Home Park Residents' Rights - Free legal info and self-help tools
• Michigan District Court Locator - Find your local court for landlord-tenant disputes
• Mobile Home Commission Act, Act 96 of 1987 - Read the official law

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1. Michigan Legislature: Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987)
2. Michigan Legislature: Written notice of rent increases, Section 125.2327
3. Michigan Courts: District Court Landlord-Tenant Information
4. LARA: Mobile Home Park Resident Complaint Form

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