Missouri Mobile Home Owner Eviction Protections Explained

If you own your mobile home but rent a lot in a Missouri mobile home park, it's important to understand your rights and protections around eviction. Missouri law provides special rules for mobile home owners, including specific notice periods and legal procedures landlords must follow. This guide focuses on helping mobile home owners in Missouri understand how eviction works, what steps landlords must take, and what you can do if you receive an eviction notice.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Owner Leasing a Lot in Missouri

Mobile home owners who rent their lot (sometimes called "manufactured housing community tenants") are protected by Missouri's landlord-tenant laws and special provisions found in the Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441, Section 441.825.^[1]

• Landlords must provide a written notice before beginning an eviction.
• Your mobile home cannot be forced off the lot without specific grounds and due legal process.
• Certain reasons—like nonpayment of lot rent or serious lease violations—must be proven in court.

Grounds for Eviction of Mobile Home Owners

Under Missouri law, a landlord may only evict you from a mobile home park lot for certain reasons. The most common grounds include:

• Nonpayment of lot rent
• Violation of community rules or lease terms
• Substantial damage to the property
• Repeated disturbance of neighbors
• Refusal to sign a new lease with fair and reasonable changes

These grounds must be cited clearly in any written notice you receive.

Required Notice Before Eviction

Missouri law requires landlords to give mobile home owner-tenants at least 60 days' written notice before ending your tenancy, unless eviction is for nonpayment of rent or certain criminal behaviors.^[1] In cases of nonpayment, you must receive at least 10 days' notice.

• 60-Day Notice to Vacate: Used for most park rule violations or non-renewal. Read official details.
• 10-Day Notice to Vacate: Used when rent is unpaid. Must specify the amount owed and opportunity to pay before eviction is filed. Example: If your June lot rent is not paid, the landlord can issue a 10-day notice on July 1, requiring payment or vacate by July 11.

What Happens if You Receive a Notice of Termination?

If you receive a notice, it's important to:

• Check the reason for termination and notice period
• Review your lease and Missouri law for your rights
• Contact the local Circuit Court if you believe the eviction is improper or want to respond

Official Forms Used in Missouri Eviction Process

"Petition for Rent and Possession" (No Official Form Number)

When a landlord starts an eviction, they file a "Petition for Rent and Possession" with the local Circuit Court. There is a sample form available from Missouri Courts.^[2] This form is used when a landlord claims unpaid rent. Example: If you receive a court summons for eviction, it's based on this petition.

• When Used: Filed by the landlord to start formal eviction. Renters can respond in court.
• Missouri Courts landlord/tenant resources

"Answer to Petition for Rent and Possession" (No Official Form Number)

As a renter or mobile home owner, you can file an "Answer" to explain your side or raise defenses. There is a sample answer form.^[2]

• When Used: If you want to respond to an eviction case, complete and file this with the court before your hearing.

What Happens If You Lose an Eviction Case?

If the court finds in favor of the landlord, the judge will issue a "Judgment for Possession." This means you must move the mobile home within the period stated in the judgment. In some cases, you may have rights to request extra time or appeal—discuss these with the court clerk or legal aid.

Who Handles Mobile Home Park Eviction Cases?

Evictions in Missouri are handled by the Missouri Circuit Courts, which act as the main tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes.^[2] You may find local information and contacts via the Missouri Courts directory.

Action Steps If You Receive an Eviction Notice

• Review the written notice for accuracy and required details.
• Confirm the notice period aligns with your situation (10 days for unpaid rent, 60 days for other reasons).
• Collect your lease, payment records, and any communications with the landlord.
• File an Answer form if served court papers and want to explain your side (sample answer).
• Attend your court hearing, bringing all relevant documents.

Taking these steps quickly can help protect your home and your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must Missouri landlords give before evicting a mobile home owner?
   For most reasons, landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice. For unpaid rent, the notice is 10 days.
2. Can the landlord remove my mobile home from the lot if I am evicted?
   No, only the court can order removal, and you must be given a chance to move it yourself within the court-ordered period.
3. Where can I get official eviction forms in Missouri?
   Eviction-related forms are available on the Missouri Courts website.
4. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
   Read the notice carefully, gather your paperwork, consider legal help, and respond quickly to any court filings.
5. Who handles disputes about mobile home park evictions?
   The Missouri Circuit Court in your county handles these cases. Find your local court here.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Owners

• Missouri law provides special eviction protections for mobile home owners who rent their lot.
• Landlords must follow strict notice rules—usually 60 days for most reasons, 10 days for late rent.
• If you receive an eviction notice, respond promptly and use official court forms to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Courts Landlord-Tenant Eviction Forms
• Missouri Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Law (Section 441.825)
• Missouri Circuit Court Locator
• Legal Services of Missouri – For free or reduced-fee legal help

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441, Section 441.825 – Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Park Tenancies
2. Missouri Courts official landlord-tenant forms and eviction resources

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