Pennsylvania Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Help for Renters

If you rent a manufactured home site in Pennsylvania and your park is closing, you may be concerned about your rights and what support is available. Understanding Pennsylvania’s relocation assistance rules can help you plan your next steps and protect yourself throughout this transition. This guide outlines what renters can expect when a mobile home park is shutting down in PA, including notice requirements, eligibility for financial help, and official forms and resources.

What Happens When a Mobile Home Park Closes in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law requires mobile home park owners to provide significant notice before closing or changing park use. The Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (MHCRA) sets specific rules to help protect renters during a park closure^[1].

• 6 Months’ Written Notice: Landlords must give each manufactured home owner at least 6 months’ advance written notice of the intended closure, change of use, or sale of the property. Notice must clearly state the reason and date of closure.
• Notice must also be posted publicly in the park.
• Renters cannot be evicted for reasons related to the closure until the notice period has expired.

Summary: If your mobile home park is closing, you must receive at least 6 months’ advance, written warning.

Relocation Assistance: Are You Eligible?

Pennsylvania’s relocation assistance laws apply when a park is being closed, sold, or converted to another use. While not all renters qualify, certain situations require landlords to help cover moving costs for residents who own their manufactured homes. Assistance may come in the form of cash reimbursement or direct payment to moving companies. The purpose is to help mobile homeowners safely relocate their homes within the state.

• Who May Qualify?
  • Residents who own their mobile home and have a lease or rental agreement for a site in the closing park.
  • Assistance is tied to the actual cost of relocating the home to another park in Pennsylvania.
• You usually must apply for assistance within a certain time frame after receiving closure notice.

How Much Help Can You Get?

Assistance amounts depend on several factors, including your home’s size, type, and the moving distance. You may be responsible for costs that go beyond the state’s maximum coverage. Always keep receipts and documentation related to your moving expenses.

Required Forms and Application Process

To apply for relocation assistance, Pennsylvania offers the Manufactured Home Owner Relocation Assistance Application. This form, managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), is an essential step for qualifying residents.

• Form Name: Manufactured Home Owner Relocation Assistance Application (Form MHCRA-1)
• When & How Used: Use this form after receiving your park closure notice and once you have plans to move your home to a new location. Submit it to the PHFA with all supporting documentation, such as the closure notice, proof of home ownership, receipts for moving expenses, and the signed lot lease or rental agreement.
• Download the official application here (PDF) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Practical example: Suppose you own your manufactured home in a park that’s closing. After you receive the 6-month written notice, you arrange to move your home. You’d complete the MHCRA-1 form, attach a copy of the closure notice and receipts for moving costs, then submit everything to PHFA.

The Role of the PHFA and Tribunal Oversight

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Manufactured Home Community Rights Program administers this assistance program. If disputes arise or you need to appeal a decision, you may be referred to the PHFA Hearing Request Form (MHCRA-2) to request an official hearing. The PHFA is the primary state authority for manufactured housing community matters.

Additional Action Steps if Your Park Is Closing

Here’s what renters should do after receiving a mobile home park closure notice:

• Carefully review the written notice. Confirm the closure date and details.
• Keep copies of all communications with your park owner or manager.
• Contact the PHFA to check your eligibility for relocation help.
• Gather documentation: home ownership, receipts for moving costs, current lease agreement.
• Submit the relocation application form (MHCRA-1) promptly, following all PHFA instructions.
• If you’re unsatisfied with the PHFA’s response, consider filing for a hearing using the official Hearing Request Form (MHCRA-2).

Summary: Document everything, communicate with the PHFA, and act quickly to secure help if you qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What notice must a landlord give before closing a mobile home park in Pennsylvania?
   Pennsylvania law requires at least 6 months’ advance written notice to each homeowner and a public park notice.
2. Who is eligible for relocation assistance after a park closes?
   Eligibility is typically limited to residents who own their mobile home and must move it because of the closure, with requirements set by the PHFA.
3. How do I apply for relocation help if my park is closing?
   Submit the official relocation application form (MHCRA-1) along with copies of your closure notice, moving receipts, and ownership documents to the PHFA.
4. What if I disagree with a PHFA decision about my relocation assistance?
   You may submit a Hearing Request Form (MHCRA-2) to PHFA to appeal or dispute the decision.
5. Does the PHFA handle other manufactured housing disputes?
   Yes. The PHFA oversees manufactured home community rights and can provide information or referrals for other concerns.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• You must receive at least 6 months’ written notice if your mobile home park is closing in Pennsylvania.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualifying residents, usually those who own their manufactured homes and must move because of the closure.
• Use the official MHCRA-1 form to apply, and contact the PHFA for questions or appeals using the MHCRA-2 form if needed.

Summary: Stay informed, act quickly with forms, and seek help if you encounter issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• PHFA Manufactured Home Community Rights: Program info, forms, and contact options for relocation aid.
• Relocation Assistance Application (MHCRA-1)
• Hearing Request Form (MHCRA-2)
• Pennsylvania Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (MHCRA)
• Contact the PHFA for assistance or questions.

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1. Pennsylvania Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (68 Pa.C.S. §§ 398.1–398.10), available at PA General Assembly - MHCRA
2. PHFA Manufactured Home Community Rights Program and official relocation forms: PHFA Manufactured Housing Rights

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