North Dakota Mobile Home Park Tenants: Rules & Your Rights

Living in a mobile home park in North Dakota comes with a unique set of rights and responsibilities. Whether you own your manufactured home and rent the lot, or rent a unit and the land, understanding the official rules protects your home and peace of mind. This guide covers key rules, tenant rights, notice requirements, and where to find government help for North Dakota renters in mobile or manufactured housing communities.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in North Dakota

Mobile home park landlords create and enforce rules to keep the park safe and orderly. These rules, along with state laws, govern topics like:

• Quiet hours and behavior
• Parking regulations
• Use and upkeep of yards or lots
• Pet ownership policies
• Maintenance responsibilities

By law, any park rules must be provided in writing to each tenant at or before move-in. Rules should be reasonable, applied equally to all tenants, and not conflict with state law.

Your Core Rights as a Mobile Home Park Tenant

North Dakota protects key rights for renters living in mobile home parks under the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-32.2 – Manufactured Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]. Major protections include:

• Right to Written Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
• Right to Advance Notice of Rule Changes: Tenants must receive at least 30 days’ written notice of any new or changed park rules.
• Limits on Eviction: Tenants generally cannot be evicted without good reason, such as unpaid rent, repeated rule violations, or when the park is closing. Other requirements and notice periods apply (see below).
• Right to Repairs: Landlords must keep the common areas and park infrastructure in a fit and safe condition.
• Anti-Retaliation Protection: It’s illegal for a landlord to retaliate (for example, by increasing rent or threatening eviction) because a tenant exercised legal rights like requesting repairs.

If you believe your rights are being violated, you may have ways to resolve the dispute, including formal complaint processes and legal recourse. See Resources below for contact points.

Rent Increases, Rule Changes, and Required Notices

Staying informed about changes that affect your home is important. North Dakota law sets mandatory notice periods:

• Rent Increases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice.
• Rule Changes: New or updated park rules also require at least 30 days’ written notice before they apply.
• Eviction Notice: For nonpayment of rent, landlords must give at least three days’ written notice to pay or vacate. Other evictions (for cause, or park closure) may have different requirements—check the legislation for details.

All notices must be delivered by hand or by mail to the tenant’s address at the park.

Evictions from Mobile Home Parks: What to Expect

North Dakota law states that tenants in mobile home parks may only be evicted for specific reasons, including:

• Repeated nonpayment of rent
• Frequent or serious violations of park rules (after warnings/notices)
• Park closure or major redevelopment plans

The landlord must follow legal notice procedures and, in most cases, file a formal eviction action with the court if the tenant does not move out by the stated date. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, etc.) are never legal.

Official North Dakota Forms: Serving, Responding, or Defending Your Rights

• Notice of Intention to Evict – Eviction Summons and Complaint
  When to use: If you receive this court form, your landlord is starting a formal eviction. You have the right to respond and appear in court.
  Where to find: Eviction Forms on the North Dakota Courts Website^[2].
  How it's used (example): If you are served these papers, follow the instructions on appearing for the scheduling hearing to present your side and any evidence.
• Tenant's Answer to Eviction
  When to use: To provide your defense and response if you disagree with an eviction complaint.
  Where to find: Tenant's Answer to Eviction (Official Forms).
  How it's used (example): Complete this form and file it with the court by the deadline stated in the complaint. This explains your situation and helps you protect your rights.

Always keep copies of all notices and completed forms for your records.

Who Handles Mobile Home Park Disputes?

Disputes between mobile home park tenants and landlords in North Dakota are handled by the North Dakota Court System, specifically the district court in your county. Eviction cases (including for mobile home parks) must follow court procedure as set out in the state Manufactured Home Parks legislation.

Steps to Take If You Have a Dispute in a Mobile Home Park

If you and your landlord reach an impasse, here are practical actions you can take:

• Communicate your concerns in writing and keep records
• Review your lease agreement and park rules
• Consult the North Dakota Manufactured Home Park Laws
• Contact free legal aid if you need help understanding your rights (see Resources section)
• For eviction or unresolved issues, prepare for court: collect forms, notices, and evidence

FAQs: North Dakota Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights

1. Can my landlord change the rules after I move in?
   Yes, but state law requires your landlord to give you a written notice at least 30 days before any new or updated park rule takes effect.
2. What should I do if my landlord threatens to evict me without warning?
   Landlords must follow legal notice and court procedures. Self-help evictions (e.g., locking you out) are illegal. If you are threatened, contact your local district court or legal aid right away.
3. I received an eviction summons—what now?
   Carefully read the court document. You may file a "Tenant's Answer to Eviction" form to explain your side, and you have the right to appear in court. Deadlines are strict, so act quickly.
4. Who enforces mobile home park tenant rights in North Dakota?
   Disputes (such as evictions or unlawful rule enforcement) are handled by the North Dakota court system. See Resources below for court contact details.
5. Do these rules apply if I rent the lot but own my home?
   Yes. The North Dakota Manufactured Home Parks law covers both tenants who rent the lot only and those who rent both a mobile home and the lot.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Mobile Home Park Renters

• You have the right to advance written notice for rent increases and rule changes
• Eviction requires proper legal process; retaliation by landlords is illegal
• Court-approved forms and free resources are available to help protect your rights

Know the law, keep good records, and seek help if you face challenges where you live.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota District Courts – Where eviction and dispute cases are filed
• Official Landlord/Tenant Legal Self-Help (North Dakota Courts)
• Legal Services of North Dakota – Free or low-cost legal aid for eligible renters
• North Dakota Manufactured Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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1. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-32.2 – Manufactured Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. View full legislation here.
2. Eviction Forms and Procedures, North Dakota Court System. View forms and guide here.

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