Missouri Mobile Home Park Rules: Tenant Rights Guide

Living in a Missouri mobile home park offers an affordable lifestyle, but it's crucial to know your rights and responsibilities as a renter. Understanding key rules, tenant protections, and official resources helps you avoid common issues—including rent increases, maintenance delays, and evictions—while protecting your home and peace of mind.

Understanding Missouri Mobile Home Park Laws and Tenant Rights

Missouri regulates relationships between mobile home park owners (sometimes called 'landlords') and residents (tenants) through the Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Law (RSMo Chapter 700). This law explains the basic rights renters have—and the requirements parks and owners must follow.

• Rental Agreements: Missouri law requires written leases outlining lot rent, rules, and policies.
  If your landlord changes the park rules, they must notify you in writing (typically with 30 days' notice).
• Rent Increases: Increases must be provided with written notice (usually 60 days), per your lease. There is no statewide rent control, but sudden or excessive hikes may allow you to terminate your lease early.
• Park Rules: Rules must be applied fairly to all tenants. Significant changes (like new restrictions on pets or vehicles) require notice and, in some cases, may allow you to challenge the change.
• Maintenance: Landlords must keep common areas safe and maintain essential services. Tenants are generally responsible for their own mobile home maintenance, while landlords handle roads, utility hookups, and shared facilities.
• Eviction Protections: Tenants can only be evicted for specific reasons, including nonpayment of rent or violating significant park rules. You are entitled to written notice and a court process.

Where to Turn: The Official Tribunal for Disputes

In Missouri, disputes between mobile home tenants and landlords are handled by the Missouri Circuit Courts (specifically, your local county’s Small Claims or Associate Circuit Court). These courts oversee eviction cases and certain civil complaints between tenants and park owners.

Official Forms Every Missouri Mobile Home Tenant Should Know

Knowing which forms to use—and how to use them—protects your rights. Below are key official documents for renters in Missouri:

• Notice to Vacate (Landlord Use)
  When Used: If your landlord wants you to move out, they must first serve you a written Notice to Vacate (there is no set form number; most use a standard written letter following RSMo Section 441.060).
  Example: You receive a “30-Day Notice to Vacate” for reasons other than nonpayment. Check your notice for the reason and effective date.
  See RSMo Section 441.060: Notice Requirements
• Petition for Rent and Possession (Form CC6-OSCA30)
  When Used: If your landlord files for eviction, they complete this court form to begin the legal eviction process for nonpayment of rent.
  Example: Your landlord files this petition in court if you haven't paid rent after proper notice.
  Get Form CC6-OSCA30 (from MO Courts)
• Answer to Petition (Form CC15-OSCA37)
  When Used: As a tenant, you can use this form to formally respond to your landlord's eviction lawsuit.
  Example: If you receive court papers, you fill out and submit this form to explain your side.
  Get Form CC15-OSCA37 (from MO Courts)

For eviction or official notices, always review the paperwork and file responses promptly—late responses can affect your rights.

Facing a Rule Change or Notice? Steps You Can Take

• 1. Read All Notices Carefully: Note deadlines, reasons, and instructions.
• 2. Contact Your Landlord in Writing: For clarification or to negotiate solutions (e.g., on rule changes or repairs).
• 3. Document Everything: Keep copies of notices, communications, and photos of any issues.
• 4. Respond to Notices Promptly: Use official forms—or ask the court clerk for help if you are unsure.
• 5. Seek Mediation or Legal Support: In disputes that escalate, Missouri courts and some local agencies offer resources.

Tenant Advice: Protecting Your Rights

If you believe a park rule is unfair or applied unevenly, gather evidence and seek advice. For evictions, you usually have the right to a court hearing. Eviction for "just cause"—such as serious rule violation or nonpayment—is required by Missouri law. You can learn more in the Missouri Landlord and Tenant Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me without cause or notice in Missouri?
   No. Landlords must provide written notice and have a lawful reason—such as nonpayment or major rule violation—before evicting tenants. See Missouri law RSMo 441.060 and 700.010 for details.
2. How much notice is needed for rent increases in a Missouri mobile home park?
   Generally, at least 60 days' written notice is recommended, but check your lease for specific terms. Sudden or excessive hikes may allow you to terminate your lease.
3. What should I do if the park changes rules after I’ve signed a lease?
   The park must notify you in writing, typically 30 days in advance. If the change is unreasonable, you may challenge it or negotiate with management.
4. Can I be evicted for complaining about repairs or unsafe conditions?
   No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal—owners cannot evict you for asserting your legal rights. Document all complaints and communications.
5. Where do I file a mobile home park complaint in Missouri?
   Legal disputes and evictions go to your local Missouri Circuit Court. For mediation or help, contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Law: Rights and complaint info
• Missouri Courts – Find Your Local Circuit Court: File eviction responses and get court info
• Missouri Housing Development Commission: Housing resources, legal aid links, and support
• Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 700: Official mobile home law

---

1. See Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Law (RSMo Chapter 700)
2. Read Missouri Law on Notice to Vacate
3. Review Missouri Petition for Rent & Possession (Form CC6-OSCA30)
4. Check Missouri Circuit Courts (Residential Tenancy Tribunal)
5. Consult Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Resources

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