Eviction Protections for Minnesota Mobile Home Owners

Living in a manufactured home park in Minnesota provides certain legal eviction protections that are different from those for apartment renters. If you own your mobile home but rent a lot in a manufactured home park, understanding your rights and the legal process can help you stay protected if eviction is threatened.

Understanding Eviction Rights for Mobile Home Owners in Minnesota

Mobile home owners in Minnesota are protected by laws specifically designed for manufactured home park residents. These laws aim to provide stability and fair treatment, ensuring landlords follow strict procedures before evicting a homeowner from their lot.

Key Legal Protections

• Written Notice Requirement: Park owners must provide a written notice stating the reason for eviction.
• Grounds for Eviction: Minnesota law restricts eviction to specific reasons, such as non-payment of rent, rule violations, or park closure for redevelopment.
• Longer Notice Periods: In most cases, a 60-day written notice is required, giving homeowners more time to respond.
• Right to Cure: Homeowners often have the chance to fix rule violations—like paying overdue rent—before eviction can proceed.

This section of the law gives additional security to people who have invested in their homes but don’t own the land their home sits on.

When Can a Mobile Home Owner Be Evicted?

Eviction from a manufactured home park lot is only allowed for the reasons established in the Minnesota Manufactured Home Parks Residential Lot Rental statute (327C.09).

• Nonpayment of lot rent
• Serious or repeated rule violations
• Significant damage to the park
• Illegal activity
• Park closure or redevelopment (with relocation benefits in some cases)

The park owner must follow precise steps before any eviction, and they cannot remove your home themselves without a court order.

What Notice Must Be Given?

• For nonpayment of rent, homeowners must receive at least a 30-day written notice.
• For most other causes (park closure, rule violations), a 60-day written notice is required (327C.09).

Notices must be delivered in person or by mail. They must explain the reason and, if possible, how to correct the problem.

The Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) Process

If the issue isn’t resolved within the notice period, the park owner may take the case to court. The official tribunal for these disputes is the Minnesota Housing Court, part of the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

• The court will schedule a hearing, and you will be notified in writing.
• You have the right to attend the hearing, present your side, and bring evidence.
• If the court orders eviction, the landlord must use law enforcement to enforce it.

Required Forms: What Mobile Home Owners Need to Know

Certain official forms are used during the eviction process in Minnesota. Knowing their purpose can help you respond appropriately:

• Eviction Action Complaint (Form CIV102):
  Eviction Action Complaint (CIV102) is filed by landlords to start an eviction proceeding in Housing Court.
  Example: If your park owner files this form because of unpaid rent, you will receive a copy and a court summons.
• Answer (Form CIV102A):
  Homeowners can use the Answer to Eviction Action (CIV102A) to share their side in writing.
  Example: Use this form if you want to explain a rent payment problem or dispute the reasons given by the landlord.
• Affidavit of Service (Form CIV103):
  The Affidavit of Service (CIV103) confirms that legal documents were properly delivered.
  Example: Required if you file a response or document and must show proof you’ve served copies to the landlord.

All forms and detailed instructions are available on the Minnesota Judicial Branch Eviction Forms page.

Action Steps If You Receive an Eviction Notice

If you receive a written eviction notice, it's important to act quickly:

• Read the notice carefully and note the "cure" period (the time allowed to fix the issue).
• Gather any records (rent receipts, written communications, park rules).
• If you resolve the issue (like paying rent), get written confirmation from the landlord.
• If you choose to fight the eviction, complete the Answer form and prepare for your Housing Court hearing.
• Consult legal support services or the court’s self-help resources if you need assistance.

FAQ: Minnesota Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Eviction Rights

1. How much notice does a mobile home park owner have to give before eviction in Minnesota?
   Usually at least 60 days’ written notice is required for most eviction reasons, but only 30 days for nonpayment of rent.
2. If I pay my overdue rent, can I stop the eviction?
   Yes, you generally have the right to pay past-due rent during the notice period and avoid eviction for nonpayment.
3. Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
   No, owners must obtain a court order for eviction through the Minnesota Housing Court.
4. What if the manufactured home park is being closed?
   If the park is closing, you must receive at least a 9-month notice and may qualify for relocation compensation through the state Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund.
5. Where can I get official forms and help responding to an eviction?
   Visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch Eviction Forms page for free forms, instructions, and guides.

Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Owners

• Eviction protections for mobile home owners in Minnesota are stronger than for typical renters: longer notice, limited grounds, and the right to cure many problems.
• You must be notified in writing before eviction, and have the right to attend a court hearing at the Minnesota Housing Court.
• Getting legal or tenant support as soon as you receive a notice can help protect your home and your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court – Eviction court information, forms, and help.
• Minnesota Attorney General – Mobile Home Residents' Rights – Guides to eviction, park rules, and park closure protections.
• LawHelpMN – Manufactured Home Park Resident Rights – Plain language resources for renters and mobile home owners.
• Minnesota Housing Partnership – Advocacy, outreach, and policy guides for manufactured home residents.

---

1. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 327C.09 – Residential Lot Rentals; Evictions
2. Minnesota Judicial Branch: Housing Court
3. Minnesota Judicial Branch: Eviction Forms
4. Minnesota Attorney General: Mobile Home Residents' Rights

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations