Relocation Assistance for Mobile Home Park Closures in New Mexico

If you're a renter living in a mobile home park in New Mexico and have heard your park will be closing, you may feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Understanding what relocation assistance you are entitled to can help make this transition smoother. This article explains your rights, the steps to take, and where to find official support under New Mexico law.

What Happens When a Mobile Home Park Closes in New Mexico?

New Mexico has specific laws in place to protect renters and mobile homeowners if a landlord decides to close or convert a manufactured home park. The aim is to provide time and financial assistance for renters who must move their homes due to a park closure or change of use.

Landlord Notice Requirements

If a landlord plans to close a mobile home park or change its use (such as to redevelop the land), they must provide written notice to all tenants at least 18 months before the date of closure. This requirement is part of the New Mexico Mobile Home Park Act (NM Stat §47-10-7.1).

• The notice must clearly state the reason for closure and the expected date.
• This gives residents time to find a new location for their mobile home or alternative housing.

Relocation Assistance Under New Mexico Law

If you must move because the park is closing, you may qualify for relocation assistance through the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division (MHD). This program helps with costs for moving and reinstalling your manufactured home.

• Eligible tenants: Owners of mobile homes lawfully residing in the park before the closure notice is given.
• Covered expenses: Reasonable moving costs, including disconnecting, moving, and reconnecting the home within New Mexico. If moving is not possible, you may be eligible for demolition and disposal assistance instead.

How to Apply for Relocation Assistance

To apply for assistance, tenants must complete the official Relocation Assistance Form and submit supporting documents to the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division.

• Form name: Manufactured Housing Park Relocation Application
• When is it used? File after receiving the park closure notice, as soon as you plan to move your home.
• Find the form: Download the Relocation Application Form (PDF from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department).

Practical example: If your park manager delivers an 18-month closure notice, and you decide to move your home to another park, you would fill out the form, attach copies of the notice and moving estimates, and submit them to the MHD for review.

Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do If Your Park Is Closing

• Review the written notice from your landlord about the park closure or change of use.
• Contact the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division for detailed information about assistance.
• Gather documents: the closure notice, proof of park residency, and cost estimates from licensed movers.
• Complete and submit the Relocation Application Form with all attachments.
• Wait for approval and coordinate your move according to the guidance provided.

Keep all communication and documents related to your relocation, as you may need them for verification or reimbursement.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Resident

New Mexico’s Mobile Home Park Act ensures that residents receive adequate notice and potential financial help when a park closes. The Manufactured Housing Division is the official state body that oversees these matters.

What if You Cannot Move Your Home?

If moving your manufactured home is not possible due to age, condition, or cost, you may qualify for demolition cost assistance. The MHD can provide guidance on eligibility requirements and next steps.

FAQs: Mobile Home Park Relocation in New Mexico

1. How much relocation assistance can I receive in New Mexico?
   The amount depends on your actual moving costs and is subject to caps set by the Manufactured Housing Division—contact them for the current limits and eligibility.
2. What if I’m renting my mobile home space but don’t own the home?
   The relocation fund is designed for mobile homeowners. If you rent both the home and the space, you may not be eligible for this specific assistance but should review your rights under the park closure notice for moving timeframes.
3. Can I appeal if my relocation assistance application is denied?
   Yes. You may request a review or appeal the decision with the Manufactured Housing Division. Review the instructions on your decision letter or contact MHD for next steps.
4. What notice am I entitled to before a New Mexico park closes?
   You must receive at least 18 months’ advance written notice from the landlord before the closure date, according to state law.
5. Where can I get help completing the relocation application?
   The Manufactured Housing Division offers phone and online support for application questions. Local legal aid organizations may also offer assistance.

Key Takeaways

• You are entitled to at least 18 months’ notice before a mobile home park in New Mexico closes or changes use.
• Relocation assistance is available for eligible mobile homeowners through the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division.
• Act promptly and gather all documentation to support your application for financial help.

Being informed and proactive helps protect your rights and reduces the stress of moving.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division – Main resource for relocation assistance programs, regulations, and forms.
• New Mexico Mobile Home Park Act – Official text of all park closure and relocation tenant rights laws.
• New Mexico Legal Aid – For free or low-cost legal assistance specifically for renters.
• For disputes or to file a complaint, contact the Manufactured Housing Division complaint portal.

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1. New Mexico Mobile Home Park Act, NMSA 1978, Section 47-10-1 et seq. – Official legislation text.
2. New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division (MHD) – Official agency page.
3. Relocation Application Form (MHD) – PDF official form.

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