Ohio Mobile Home Eviction Protections: What Owners Need to Know

Ohio mobile home park residents have unique eviction rights and protections. Whether you own your mobile or manufactured home but rent a lot space, or you rent both the home and lot, it's important to understand the specific eviction procedures and protections in Ohio. This article explains the process, the forms you'll see, your rights under current laws, and where to find help.

Understanding Mobile Home Eviction Laws in Ohio

Mobile home park tenants in Ohio fall under the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3733 – Mobile Home Parks as well as general landlord-tenant laws. These rules outline how and when a park operator (landlord) can terminate a rental agreement and evict a mobile home owner from a park.

When Can You Be Evicted from a Mobile Home Park?

Under Ohio law, you cannot be evicted without cause during the term of your lease unless the park operator provides proper notice and follows legal procedures. Common causes may include:

• Non-payment of rent
• Violation of park rules
• Damage to property or safety violations

If your lease is month-to-month, or has expired, you may also be evicted by proper written notice.

Notice Requirements and Forms

For any eviction, park operators must provide specific written notice. The most common forms include:

• Notice to Leave the Premises (3-Day Notice)
  Official form
  When used: Served when the resident fails to pay rent or violates the lease. It gives you 3 days to pay overdue rent or move.
  Example: If you miss your rent payment, you'll receive this notice before any eviction action can start.
• Complaint in Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction Complaint) — Form LAW-0013
  Official form
  When used: Filed by park operator with the local municipal or county court if you do not move after the 3-Day Notice.
  Example: If you remain after the notice period, the operator files this with the court to begin legal eviction.

All official eviction forms and instructions are available through the Ohio Supreme Court Landlord-Tenant Forms Portal.

The Eviction Process at a Glance

• Receive written notice (often 3-Day Notice to Leave the Premises)
• If you do not comply, the landlord files a complaint in the appropriate Ohio municipal or county court
• You will receive a summons and hearing date (usually held within 7-14 days)
• You may appear in court to present your side
• If the court rules for eviction, you may receive a Notice to Remove Your Mobile Home with a specific move-out deadline

Ohio law prevents a park operator from removing your home or shutting off utilities without a court order^[1].

Special Protections for Mobile Home Owners in Parks

• 30-Day Written Notice: For reasons other than nonpayment (like park redevelopment), the operator must give you at least 30 days' notice in writing.
• Retaliation Protection: It's illegal for a park operator to evict you simply for complaining to authorities or exercising your legal rights.

Your rights are stronger than for many other rental situations, but you must act promptly to protect your interests.

If You Need to Respond: Taking Action

If you receive a 3-Day Notice, you can:

• Pay the full past-due rent (if nonpayment is the reason)
• Fix the lease violation, if possible
• Contact Legal Aid or a tenants' advocacy group for help
• Prepare for court—organize documents, photos, or witness statements

Relevant Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes in Ohio

Eviction hearings for mobile homes are handled by your county or municipal court. Find your local court via the Ohio Courts Directory.

Which Laws Protect You?

• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3733 - Mobile Home Parks
• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Law

These laws outline obligations for park operators and the rights of mobile home park residents. They provide protections for due process and fair eviction procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a mobile home park operator evict me without a reason in Ohio?
   In general, you cannot be evicted without cause while your lease is active. After the lease expires, a 30-day written notice is usually required.
2. How much notice must I get before being evicted from my mobile home in Ohio?
   You must get a 3-Day Notice for nonpayment/lease violation, or 30-day notice for other reasons such as park closure or rule changes.
3. What should I do if I get a 3-Day Notice to Leave the Premises?
   You should pay overdue rent (if possible), correct the violation, and consider contacting legal aid or preparing for a court hearing.
4. Can the park operator remove my home or shut off utilities right away?
   No. Only the court can authorize removal, and the park operator must follow all legal steps first.
5. Where can I find more information and official forms?
   Visit the Ohio Supreme Court Landlord-Tenant Forms Portal.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Supreme Court – Official court directory, forms, and information
• Ohio Legal Help – Free online legal resources and assistance
• Ohio Fair Housing Centers – Assistance for discrimination or retaliation
• Your local county or municipal court – File forms or get case information

---

1. Ohio Revised Code Section 3733.10 – Unlawful removal or services interruption
2. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord and Tenant
3. Ohio Supreme Court Landlord-Tenant Forms
4. Ohio Judicial System – Find a Local Court

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