North Carolina Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Help for Renters

If you rent a lot in a mobile home park in North Carolina, learning what happens if your park closes is important for your peace of mind. When a park owner decides to close or redevelop the property, you may be entitled to relocation assistance, but it can be confusing to know what steps to take and what your rights are under North Carolina law.

Understanding Park Closure and Relocation Assistance in North Carolina

In North Carolina, renters who own their mobile or manufactured home but rent the lot it sits on are protected by specific laws if the park closes or is converted to a different use. These protections ensure you receive adequate notice and may qualify for help with moving costs.

What Happens When a Park Owner Decides to Close?

If your park owner plans to close or change the use of the land (such as for development), they must provide written notice to each tenant. Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 7: Landlord and Tenant, the minimum notice period is 180 days before you have to move your home.^[1]

• If the landlord fails to give proper notice, you may not be required to move during that time or may be owed additional remedies.
• During the notice period, you should not receive a rent increase (except for normal, written-in-advance changes or utilities adjustments).

Relocation Assistance: What Support You May Qualify For

Some park closures, especially those involving federal or state redevelopment projects, may provide financial assistance for moving your home. However, private park closures may not always require landlords to pay for relocation, unless specified in your rental agreement or local government ordinances.

• When state or federal funds are used (such as for highway projects), relocation payments and moving expenses may be available under the North Carolina Department of Transportation Relocation Assistance Program.
• This includes payment for moving your mobile home and sometimes for finding a new rental lot or housing.
• If your park closure is not due to a government project, check with your city or county housing office for possible local programs.

If you receive a park closure notice and need help with moving costs, always ask if any local, state, or federal relocation assistance applies to your situation.

How to Respond to Park Closure Notice: Practical Steps

• Review your notice: Make sure the park owner gave you at least 180 days and clearly states the closure date.
• Check for assistance eligibility: Ask if the closure is related to a government project; if yes, contact the NCDOT Relocation Assistance team.
• Explore local resources: Contact your city/county housing department and local legal aid about possible relocation help or mobile home moving grants.

Respond promptly to any relocation forms or requests within the deadlines stated in your notice.

Key Forms and Where to Find Them

• NCDOT Residential Move Claim Form (Form ROW-15):
  Use this if your relocation relates to a government-funded project. It allows you to claim moving expenses and assistance. Download the ROW-15 form (PDF). Complete after receiving your official relocation advisory notice.
  Example: If your park is closing due to a new highway, fill this form out and submit it as directed by NCDOT.

For private park closures, there is no statewide form for relocation assistance, so be sure to keep all written notices and communication with your landlord for your records.

How to Apply for Relocation Help When Available

Not all park closures qualify for state-funded help, but if yours does, follow these steps:

• Contact the relocation coordinator listed in your closure notice or the North Carolina Department of Transportation (if government funded).
• Collect required documents (notice, lease/rental agreement, proof of ownership, etc.).
• Complete and submit the appropriate forms (such as Form ROW-15) by the deadline listed.
• Keep all receipts and communications related to your move.

North Carolina’s laws help ensure you have time and support to find a new home if your mobile home park closes. If you have concerns about landlord compliance or need more time, you can seek help from consumer protection or legal aid agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What notice does a landlord have to provide before closing a mobile home park in North Carolina?
   Landlords are required to give at least 180 days’ advance written notice before closing or converting the use of a mobile home park.
2. Do all renters qualify for financial relocation assistance when a park closes?
   Not every closure triggers assistance: typically, only government-funded closures (such as highway or public construction projects) offer relocation payments.
3. How do I know if I qualify for NCDOT relocation help?
   If your park is being closed due to a state or federal project, you should receive written information about relocation assistance and how to apply, including Form ROW-15.
4. Can my rent be raised after I get a park closure notice?
   Once the park owner gives a closure notice, they generally cannot increase the rent except for previously announced, regular increases or changes in utility charges.

Key Takeaways

• North Carolina law requires at least 180 days’ written notice before a mobile home park can close.
• Financial relocation help is available mainly when the closure is due to a government project; private closures may not offer this unless local laws say so.
• If you receive a closure notice, contact local housing agencies or legal aid to understand your options immediately.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NC Judicial Branch: Landlord-Tenant Disputes – Guidance on housing laws and how to request court help.
• NCDOT Relocation Assistance – Info and contact for state-assisted relocation if a government project causes your move.
• Legal Aid of North Carolina – Free or low-cost legal advice for renters facing eviction or park closure.
• NC Department of Insurance: Mobile Home Program – Info on mobile/manufactured home rules and complaint process.

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1. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 7: Landlord and Tenant
2. NCDOT Relocation Assistance Program

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