New Hampshire Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Assistance Guide

If you live in a mobile home or manufactured housing park in New Hampshire, understanding your rights is crucial when your park is closing. State laws offer renters protections and may entitle you to relocation assistance. This article explains what assistance is available, important forms, and where to get help.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Closures in New Hampshire

Under New Hampshire law, if the owner of a manufactured housing park plans to close or convert the park to another use, renters must be given specific advance notice and may be eligible for financial assistance to move their home.

Legal Notice Requirements

Park owners are required to provide at least 18 months written notice before they close the park or change its use. This notice must clearly explain the closure and your rights as a resident. You can read the specific requirements in RSA 205-A:21-b of New Hampshire law.^[1]

• Notice must be written and delivered to both residents and the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
• The notice should state your possible eligibility for relocation assistance funds.

Relocation Assistance Program

When a park is closing, eligible residents can apply for help through the New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Relocation Assistance Program (NHHFA). This program helps manufactured home owners pay costs to move their home or, if moving is not possible, for demolition and disposal.

• To qualify, the closure must be for park conversion (not for resident's own actions).
• Assistance applies to both owned and rented manufactured homes within the affected park.
• Covered expenses may include transporting your home, site preparation, and disposal if your home cannot be moved.

Key Forms and How They’re Used

• Relocation Assistance Application (NHHFA Form)
  When to use: If your park is closing and you've received proper notice, use this form to apply for funds to help move your manufactured home.
  Download the official Manufactured Housing Relocation Assistance Application from the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
  Example: Jane lives in a manufactured housing park receiving a closure notice. She fills out this NHHFA form, attaches estimates for moving her home, and submits to New Hampshire Housing for review and payment.

How to Apply for Relocation Assistance

Here’s a summary of steps if your park is closing:

• Receive the formal notice from the park owner (must be at least 18 months in advance).
• Gather proof of notice and estimates from licensed moving or demolition contractors.
• Complete the Relocation Assistance Application.
• Submit your application and materials to the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
• Wait for approval and payment before moving or demolition work begins.

If your relocation is approved, funds are paid directly to the service providers (like movers) on your behalf.

Your Rights and the Governing Legislation

All relocation assistance and tenant protections come from New Hampshire Revised Statutes Chapter 205-A (Manufactured Housing Parks Law). This is the core legislation governing park closures and tenant rights in New Hampshire.^[2]

Disputes or questions about relocation assistance are handled by the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA). While New Hampshire does not have a specialized landlord-tenant tribunal, NHHFA administers these manufactured housing programs and can refer you to further legal or mediation services if needed.

FAQs About Park Closure and Relocation in New Hampshire

1. What is the minimum notice requirement if my mobile home park is closing?
   New Hampshire law requires your landlord to give you at least 18 months advance written notice before closing a park.
2. How much money can I get for relocation assistance?
   The amount depends on actual costs (moving or demolition), but funds are limited to reasonable, documented expenses. Check current NHHFA guidelines for limits.
3. Who qualifies for the relocation assistance program?
   You must be a resident of the affected park, have received closure notice, and be moving (or demolishing) your home due to the closure—not due to eviction, nonpayment, or other causes.
4. Where do I send my application for relocation assistance?
   Send your completed application and all requested documents to the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. Their contact and mailing address are listed on the Relocation Assistance Application form.
5. What if my landlord does not follow notice or closure laws?
   You may contact NHHFA for support or seek legal advice through state legal aid services.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• New Hampshire law requires at least 18 months' notice when a park closes.
• Eligible residents can apply for relocation funds through the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
• Use only official forms – keep thorough records, and ask for help if you have questions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority: Manufactured Housing Programs — For forms and assistance
• RSA 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks Law — Governing state legislation
• New Hampshire Legal Aid — Free legal help for housing issues
• Phone support: NHHFA at (800) 439-7247

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1. See RSA 205-A:21-b Notice Requirements for Park Closures
2. See RSA 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks Law

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