Ohio Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Laws: What Renters Need to Know

Rent increases in mobile home parks can be stressful for manufactured home residents. In Ohio, while landlords have certain rights to set and adjust rent, there are legal guidelines on how, when, and by how much they can increase your rent. This article explains the rules, required notices, and the steps renters should take if facing a rent hike in an Ohio mobile home park.

Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Rules in Ohio

Ohio law has specific requirements for rent increases in manufactured home parks (sometimes called mobile home parks). Understanding these rules can help you plan, negotiate, and protect your rights as a renter.

Is There a Limit on How Much Rent Can Be Increased?

• No state-wide limit: Ohio does not set a maximum percentage or dollar cap on rent increases for manufactured home park lots.
• Landlords may raise rent by any amount unless there is a lease or park agreement that states otherwise.
• However, all increases must follow Ohio’s notice requirements and not be retaliatory or discriminatory.

Some mobile home parks or local governments may offer additional protections, but these are not statewide. Always check your park rules and local ordinances for further limits.

Required Notice for Rent Increases

• Landlords must give you at least thirty (30) days written notice before raising rent (Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.38)¹.
• The 30 days must be counted before the date the new rent takes effect.
• If you have a lease, landlords usually cannot raise rent until the lease ends—check your contract.

What Must Be Included in the Rent Increase Notice?

• The amount of the new rent
• The date the new rent starts
• A written statement, delivered by hand or mail, at least 30 days before the change

Can I Challenge a Rent Increase?

While Ohio does not give you the right to dispute the size of the increase legally (unless it breaks your lease), you do have rights if the change is:

• Done in retaliation for making a complaint or requesting repairs (which is illegal)
• Discriminatory based on protected characteristics
• Not properly noticed according to the law

If you believe the rent increase is unlawful, you may file a complaint or seek mediation.

Tip: Always keep a copy of any rent increase notice and related communication for your records.

Key Official Forms for Manufactured Home Renters

• Complaint Form – Ohio Attorney General
  Consumer Complaint Form
  When to use: If you suspect your landlord has engaged in unfair, retaliatory, or discriminatory practices or failed to follow notice requirements.
  Example: If you received less than 30 days’ notice of a rent increase, complete this form online or print and mail it to the Attorney General’s Office.
• Mobile Home Park Resident Complaint – Ohio Department of Commerce
  Resident Complaint Submission Page
  When to use: To report violations by your mobile home park owner or operator. This form is suitable for issues like improper notice or unsafe conditions.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

• Tenant-landlord disputes in Ohio are handled through local County or Municipal Courts (also called “Courts of Common Pleas” for some matters).

There is no dedicated tribunal just for residential/mobile home tenancies. If negotiation fails, you may file a claim or respond to eviction in your local courthouse. See the Ohio Manufactured Home Park Law for the full legal framework.

Summary Table: Rent Increase in Ohio Mobile Home Parks

• Maximum Rent Increase: No statewide cap; subject to lease and park rules
• Required Notice: 30 days in writing
• Where to Complain: Ohio Attorney General or Dept. of Commerce

1. Can a landlord raise rent more than once a year in Ohio mobile home parks?
   Yes, unless restricted by your lease or park agreement. However, each increase must be preceded by a 30-day written notice.
2. What if I don't agree to the new rent in my Ohio manufactured home park?
   You can try to negotiate or refuse to renew your lease. If you stay past the notice date without agreeing, eviction procedures may begin. You have the right to receive proper notice and defend yourself in court.
3. Do I have to move if the rent increases by a large amount?
   No, but if you cannot pay the new rent, your landlord may issue a notice to vacate or begin court eviction. Explore local resources or advocate for payment terms if struggling.
4. How do I file a complaint about rent increase notice violations in Ohio?
   You can submit a complaint online to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or contact the Department of Commerce.
5. Where can I get a copy of the Ohio Manufactured Home Park laws?
   You can read the laws at the official Ohio Revised Code Section 4781 website.

Conclusion: What Ohio Mobile Home Renters Should Remember

• Ohio does not set a legal limit on rent increases, but requires 30 days’ written notice.
• If rent is raised in violation of the law or in retaliation for exercising your rights, you can file a complaint or seek help from courts or consumer protection agencies.
• Always save official notices and know your lease terms for added protection.

Understanding your rights can help you respond confidently to rent increases in Ohio’s mobile home parks.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Attorney General – Consumer Complaint Form
• Ohio Department of Commerce – Manufactured Home Resident Information
• Ohio Courts of Common Pleas – Contact for Tenancy/Eviction Hearings
• Ohio Manufactured Home Park Laws (Ohio Revised Code § 4781)

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1. Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.38 – Notice Requirements
2. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4781 – Manufactured Home Park Law
3. Ohio Department of Commerce – Resident Rights & Complaints
4. Ohio Attorney General – Consumer Protection
5. Ohio Courts – Common Pleas Courts

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