Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights and Rules in New York

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights New York published June 21, 2025 Flag of New York

Living in a mobile home park in New York offers affordable, community-based housing. But it also means understanding special tenant rights and rules that protect you as a mobile or manufactured home park resident. Knowing these rights helps you respond confidently to rent increases, rule changes, or repairs, and ensures you’re treated fairly under New York law.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in New York

Mobile home parks in New York are regulated by specific laws that set out what landlords can and cannot do. Park owners must provide you with a written copy of all park rules when you move in, and whenever any changes are made.

  • Rules must be reasonable. They may cover things like pets, parking, noise, home maintenance, and use of park amenities.
  • All tenants must receive at least a 90-day written notice before new park rules or changes take effect.
  • Rules cannot discriminate or conflict with state or federal law.

Whenever you’re unsure, ask your landlord for the latest written rules, and compare them with your rights under New York’s Real Property Law, Article 11 - Regulation of Manufactured Home Parks. You can read the official law at New York Real Property Law Article 11.[1]

Your Key Rights as a Mobile Home Park Tenant

  • Protection from sudden rent hikes: Park owners can only increase your rent once every 12 months, and must provide at least 90 days’ written notice. Large increases may be challenged as “unconscionable” (excessive or unfair).
  • Eviction safeguards: You can only be evicted for very specific reasons, such as not paying rent, repeated rule violations, or if the park is closing. The owner must follow strict legal procedures for eviction.
  • Right to sell your home: You may sell your mobile home in place, and the park owner cannot charge a fee for this. Buyers must follow park rules but cannot be unreasonably rejected.
  • Maintenance standards: Park owners must keep common areas and utilities in good repair and handle snow removal from streets and shared walkways.
  • Freedom from retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you (such as raising rent or threatening eviction) because you assert your rights, complain about conditions, or join a residents’ group.

By understanding these basic protections, you can help ensure your living situation is stable and respectful.

New York State's Governing Tribunal

The tribunal that reviews disputes between manufactured home park owners and residents is the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) – Office of Rent Administration.[2] DHCR handles complaints and provides relevant forms for tenants.

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Common Official Forms for Mobile Home Park Tenants

  • DHCR Form HPR-1: Complaint for Alleged Violation of Manufactured Home Park Laws
    When and How to Use: If you believe your landlord has violated state park laws concerning rent increases, rules, maintenance, or retaliation, complete this form and submit it to the DHCR. For example, file this if you received a sudden, unexplained rent hike or were not given proper notice of new park rules.
    Download DHCR Form HPR-1 (Complaint)
  • Notice to Tenant: Rent Increase or Rule Change
    When and How to Use: Landlords must use a written notice to inform you of rent increases or rule changes at least 90 days in advance. Tenants should keep copies for their records, especially if they wish to challenge the increase.

How to File a Complaint (Step-by-Step)

If you think your rights have been violated as a manufactured home park resident, you can file an official complaint with New York DHCR:

  1. Get the DHCR Form HPR-1 and review instructions.
  2. Fill out the form, providing details of the issue and any supporting documents or evidence.
  3. Submit your completed form to DHCR by mail or as directed on the form.
  4. Keep a copy of the form and all related communications for your records.
It's a good idea to document all interactions and notices with your landlord—this protects your interests if a dispute arises later.

FAQ: Mobile Home Park Rules and Tenant Rights in New York

  1. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
    At least 90 days’ written notice is required before any rent increase can take effect, and no more than one increase per 12 months is allowed.
  2. Can my park owner change the rules at any time?
    No, they must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before new rules or rule changes take effect, and rules must be reasonable and non-discriminatory.
  3. What can I do if my landlord won’t repair common areas?
    You can file a complaint with New York DHCR using Form HPR-1 if the landlord is neglecting their legal maintenance duties.
  4. Can I be evicted for no reason in a mobile home park?
    No. Evictions are only allowed for specific legal reasons, such as nonpayment of rent, repeated violations of park rules, or if the park is closing with proper notice.
  5. Is my landlord allowed to retaliate if I complain?
    No. Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against you for asserting your rights or complaining about living conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile home park rules in New York require fair notice and must follow state tenancy laws.
  • You have robust rights regarding rent increases, evictions, and maintenance in mobile home parks.
  • Use official forms and contact the New York DHCR if your rights are not being respected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. [1] New York Real Property Law Article 11: Regulation of Manufactured Home Parks
  2. [2] New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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