Pennsylvania Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Rules

Understanding rent increases is crucial if you rent a mobile or manufactured home in Pennsylvania. The state has specific rules to ensure rent in mobile home parks is raised fairly and with proper notice. Knowing your rights as a renter helps you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and take action if something seems off.

Pennsylvania’s Law on Mobile Home Park Rent Increases

Pennsylvania regulates rent increases in mobile home communities under the Mobile Home Park Rights Act (MHPRA). As a renter, you are entitled to:

• Advance written notice from your park owner before any rent increase
• The right to contest improper rent increases or practices
• Fair treatment according to statewide standards

While there is no fixed statewide cap limiting the percentage a landlord can raise rent in a mobile home park, there are important notice requirements and protections against unfair treatment.

Required Notice for Rent Increases

Park owners must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect. This notice must clearly state:

• The new rental amount
• The date the increase starts

This rule helps ensure renters have time to adjust their budgets or seek help if needed.

Limits on Rent Increases

Pennsylvania law does not set a maximum percentage for rent increases in mobile home parks. However, a rent increase cannot be:

• Used as retaliation against renters for exercising their legal rights
• Applied in a discriminatory or uneven manner (e.g., targeting certain renters unfairly)

If you believe a rent increase is in retaliation for a complaint or is discriminatory, you have the right to challenge it through state agencies or the courts.

Disputing Unfair Rent Increases

If you think your rent increase is unlawful or retaliatory, you can:

• Contact the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for complaints about your renter rights
• File a complaint directly using an official form
• Appeal to the local Magisterial District Court if eviction or disputes arise

Official Complaint Form

• Form Name: Pennsylvania Mobile Home Park Tenant Complaint Form
• Use: This form is used to officially report violations of the Pennsylvania Mobile Home Park Rights Act, such as improper rent increases, to the Attorney General
• Practical Example: If you receive a rent increase notice with less than 30 days’ warning, or if you believe the reason is retaliation, fill out and submit this form to state officials for investigation.
• Link to official form: Mobile Home Park Tenant Complaint Form (PDF)

The Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes

Rental disputes and eviction issues in Pennsylvania, including matters involving mobile home parks, are typically handled by your local Magisterial District Court. This court can handle landlord-tenant complaints and eviction appeals related to rent increases or other disagreements.

Rights and Responsibilities for Pennsylvania Mobile Home Renters

• Always receive written notice at least 30 days before a rent hike
• Request written details or clarification if you don’t understand your rent increase notice
• You can ask for a hearing or file a complaint if you suspect unfair practices

Keep all rent increase notices and correspondence with your park owner for your records.

FAQ: Mobile Home Park Rent Increases in Pennsylvania

1. How much can my landlord raise the rent in a Pennsylvania mobile home park?
   There is no fixed statewide cap on the amount, but your landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
2. What should I do if I believe my rent increase is unfair or retaliatory?
   File a complaint using the official complaint form and contact the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. You may also seek a hearing in your local Magisterial District Court.
3. Can my landlord increase rent in the middle of my lease term?
   If you have a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be raised until the lease ends unless the lease specifically allows for increases. Month-to-month renters must receive 30 days’ written notice.
4. Who handles disputes about rent increases in Pennsylvania?
   The Magisterial District Court in your community generally handles landlord-tenant disputes, including those about rent increases and eviction.
5. Where can I get help if I’m struggling with a rent increase?
   You can contact the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection or local housing counseling services for advice and support.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights as a Mobile Home Renter

• Always get at least 30 days’ written notice before any rent increases in a Pennsylvania mobile home park
• You have the right to dispute unfair or retaliatory increases using official state agencies and forms
• Keep all documents, know your rights, and ask questions if unsure—help is available

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Mobile Home Park Rights — Guidance and complaint filing instructions
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: Housing Counseling
• Find Your Magisterial District Court — To resolve disputes or attend hearings
• Full Text of the Mobile Home Park Rights Act

---

1. Pennsylvania Mobile Home Park Rights Act (MHPRA)
2. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Mobile Home Park Rights
3. PA Magisterial District Courts: Landlord-Tenant Matters

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