Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights in New Hampshire

Living in a mobile home park in New Hampshire comes with unique rights and responsibilities for both park owners and tenants. Understanding state laws can help renters navigate issues like rent increases, rule changes, or eviction. This guide will help you understand essential protections and rules for manufactured housing communities in New Hampshire.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in New Hampshire

New Hampshire regulates mobile home parks through specific laws that cover rental agreements, park rules, rent increases, and eviction. The main legislation is the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks^[1].

• Written Rental Agreement: Park owners must provide tenants with a written agreement specifying rent amount, payment terms, and park rules.
• Reasonable Rules: Park rules must be reasonable, applied equally to all tenants, and comply with state law.
• Notice of Rule Changes: Park owners must give at least 30 days' written notice of any changes to rules or regulations.

This ensures all residents are aware of their obligations and any rule modifications well in advance.

Rent Increases and Fee Changes

By law, park owners in New Hampshire must provide at least 60 days' written notice before increasing rent^[1]. This gives you time to prepare, negotiate, or seek advice:

• Notice must be in writing and delivered to all affected tenants.
• Any increase cannot take effect sooner than 60 days after you receive the notice.

If you feel a rent or fee increase is unfair, you may discuss your concerns in writing with the park owner, or contact state resources listed below.

Eviction and Termination Protections

Eviction from a mobile home park in New Hampshire must follow strict procedures and can only occur for specific, lawful reasons, such as:

• Nonpayment of rent
• Violation of park rules (after proper notice and opportunity to correct the issue)
• Parks closing or converting to another use (requires at least 18 months’ notice)

You must be given a written eviction notice with the reason and a chance to fix some types of violations. The notice period is typically at least 30 days, but check your agreement for details.

Official Tribunal: New Hampshire Circuit Court – District Division

Tenant-landlord eviction disputes, including those in mobile home parks, are handled in New Hampshire by the New Hampshire Circuit Court – District Division^[2].

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Writ of Possession
  • What is it? A legal document ordered by the court if an eviction is upheld.
  • When is it used? Only after an eviction hearing and court decision. It allows the landlord to legally remove a tenant.
  • View sample Writ of Possession (NHJB-2339-DC)
• Landlord-Tenant Writ (NHJB-2338-DP)
  • What is it? Used by landlords to formally begin eviction proceedings for issues like unpaid rent or violating park rules.
  • When is it used? Landlords must file this with the Circuit Court, and renters are served with a copy. You can respond and appear at the court hearing.
  • Download the official Landlord-Tenant Writ
• Tenant Petition for Relief (Unlawful Park Owner Action)
  • What is it? Used by tenants to file a complaint against the park owner for violations of RSA 205-A, such as illegal eviction or unapproved rules.
  • When is it used? If you believe your park owner is violating state law, you can complete and file this with the District Court.
  • Download Tenant Petition for Relief (NHJB-2211-DC)

Each form comes with instructions. Completed forms are submitted to the Circuit Court.

Action Steps: What to Do if You Have an Issue

• Review your written rental agreement and park rules.
• If you receive a notice, respond promptly and keep records of all communications.
• For eviction notices or major disputes, seek assistance from the Circuit Court or legal aid (see below).

FAQ: Mobile Home Tenants in New Hampshire

1. How much notice must a mobile home park give for a rent increase in New Hampshire?
   At least 60 days’ written notice is required before rent can be increased.
2. Can I be evicted for breaking a park rule?
   Yes, but only after proper notice and the chance to fix the violation unless it’s a serious, repeat, or dangerous issue.
3. What should I do if the park owner changes rules without notice?
   You can challenge unannounced rule changes by filing a Tenant Petition for Relief with the Circuit Court.
4. Who handles disputes in mobile home parks?
   Disputes are handled by the New Hampshire Circuit Court – District Division.
5. Is my security deposit protected by state law?
   Yes. Security deposits have their own requirements under New Hampshire law, including specific timelines for return.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Tenants

• Tenants have strong legal protections against unfair eviction and sudden rule or rent changes.
• Notices about rent, rule, or eviction must follow strict guidelines—always keep written records.
• Use the forms and legal support available if you feel your rights as a mobile home park tenant are being violated.

Staying informed helps you maintain your home and peace of mind in a manufactured housing community.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• RSA 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks Law
• New Hampshire Circuit Court – Landlord and Tenant Information
• New Hampshire Judicial Branch: Self-Help – Landlord & Tenant
• NH Legal Aid: Manufactured Housing Help
• To file complaints or seek mediation, contact the NH Consumer Protection & Antitrust Bureau at Consumer Complaints

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1. RSA Chapter 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks
2. New Hampshire Circuit Court – District Division, Landlord and Tenant

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