NY Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Limits Explained

New York offers special protections for renters living in mobile home parks, especially when it comes to rent increases. If you rent a lot or space for a manufactured, modular, or mobile home in New York, it's important to know the legal limits, notice requirements, and your rights to dispute an excessive rent hike. This article helps mobile home residents understand these rules so you can better protect your home and finances.

How Rent Increases Work in New York Mobile Home Parks

In New York, mobile home park landlords generally can only raise your lot rent once within any 12-month period. There are also state-mandated limits on how high that increase can be, providing essential security for renters.

Statewide Rent Increase Cap

• Maximum Annual Increase: Landlords may not increase your rent by more than 3% per year unless they meet strict requirements.^[1]
• Exception Process: Increases over 3% (up to 6%) are allowed if the landlord can prove that operating cost increases justify the higher rate. A landlord must apply to the appropriate tribunal and provide notice to tenants.
• Increases Above 6%: Any increase exceeding 6% per year requires approval from a New York Housing Court, and tenants have the right to challenge these increases.

These rules are set by the New York City Housing Court (in NYC), or by local county/district courts outside NYC.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Your landlord must provide proper written notice before any rent increase takes effect:

• 90 days’ advance notice is required for all rent increases.^[2]
• The notice must clearly state the amount of the increase, when it will start, and your rights if you wish to challenge it.

Challenging Excessive Rent Increases

If your landlord tries to raise your rent by more than 3% per year and you think it's unjustified, New York law allows you to challenge the increase.

• You can file a complaint with your local housing court or tribunal before the increase takes effect.
• The landlord must prove that their increased operating expenses actually justify a larger rent hike.
• If successful, the court may lower or deny the increase entirely.

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Mobile/Manufactured Home Rent Increase Challenge Form (No standard statewide number):
  Used by residents to formally dispute a rent increase above 3%.
  Example: If you receive a 5% increase notice without detailed justification, you can submit this form at your local housing court.
  Download the sample rent challenge form (NY Courts DIY Form).
• Tenant’s Answer to Petition/Notice of Rent Increase:
  Used if you are summoned to court for not paying the higher rent amount.
  Example: Complete and file this form at the court appearance to explain your side and seek relief.
  NY Courts DIY Forms & Instructions

What Is the Main Legislation Protecting Mobile Home Park Renters?

All mobile home and manufactured housing renters in New York are safeguarded by the New York Real Property Law - Article 11: Regulation of Manufactured Home Parks.^[1] Key protections cover rent increase limits, notice requirements, eviction restrictions, and dispute processes. For specific language and full legal protections, consult the official legislation text.

How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

If you receive a rent increase notice:

• Check if the increase exceeds 3% and that you received it at least 90 days in advance.
• Ask the landlord for proof of increased costs if the hike is over 3%.
• If you disagree, gather all documents and file a challenge with your local housing court or tribunal before the effective date.

Always submit your form and supporting documents as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

FAQs: Renters' Questions About Rent Increases in Mobile Home Parks

1. How often can my landlord raise rent in a New York mobile home park?
   By law, only once within a 12-month period, with a maximum of 3% annually unless properly approved for a higher increase.
2. What should I do if I receive a rent increase of more than 3%?
   You can challenge the increase by filing a complaint with your local housing court. Provide supporting evidence and keep all communication in writing.
3. How much advance notice does my landlord have to give me?
   At least 90 days’ written notice is required before any increase takes effect.
4. Which agency or court handles rent disputes for mobile home parks?
   Disputes are managed by the New York City Housing Court (in NYC) or your local district/county housing court (outside NYC).
5. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can increase my rent if I agree?
   If both parties agree, the cap may not apply, but written consent is strongly advised. Always review any new lease terms carefully.

Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Park Renters

• New York law limits most rent increases in mobile home parks to 3% per year and requires 90 days' notice.
• Landlords must get court approval for increases above 3%, with special rules above 6%.
• Renters have a clear right to challenge excessive increases and use official court forms to do so.

Staying informed and responding quickly to notices helps protect your home and rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New York City Housing Court – Rent dispute information and forms
• NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) – Manufactured home regulations
• NY Courts: Mobile Home Parks Tenant Rights
• Legal Aid Society and local legal services (LawHelpNY) for free or reduced-cost legal help
• Statewide forms and guides: NY Courts DIY Forms

---

1. New York Real Property Law – Article 11 (“Regulation of Manufactured Home Parks”): NY Real Property Law Article 11
2. NY Courts: Mobile Home Parks Rent Increase Rules: Mobile Home Parks Tenant Help

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