Rhode Island Mobile Home Owner Eviction Protections Explained

Living in a mobile home park in Rhode Island gives you special protections under state law if your landlord tries to evict you. Understanding these rights is crucial for keeping your home and planning your next steps if you receive eviction papers. This page explains Rhode Island's unique rules, required notices, and how to respond in clear, renter-friendly language.

Understanding Mobile Home Owner Eviction Rights in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law treats mobile home owners renting space in a mobile home park differently from standard apartment tenants. The Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act gives you the right to remain in your community except for specific legal reasons. You cannot be forced out just because your landlord wants to sell the property or end your tenancy without cause.^[1]

When Can a Mobile Home Owner Be Evicted?

Evictions from mobile home parks are allowed only for certain lawful reasons:

• Nonpayment of lot rent or utilities
• Substantial violation of park rules, after written notice
• Failure to comply with law or health/safety codes
• Change of use or redevelopment of the park (with special protections and relocation aid)

Each reason comes with strict notice and procedure requirements. The park owner must follow the law exactly for an eviction to be valid.

Required Notice and Step-by-Step Process

Your park owner must deliver a written notice before they can start an eviction. Notice periods are:

• 30 days for nonpayment of rent or late fees
• 60 days for most other legal reasons (such as violation of park rules)
• One year if the land is being repurposed and the park is closing

Each notice must explain why the landlord is asking you to leave and reference the exact section of the law relied upon. The notice must be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail.^[2]

Common Eviction Forms Used

• Residential Landlord and Tenant Complaint (District Court Form DC-53): Used by park owners to formally begin eviction proceedings in court if the notice period ends and the issue is not fixed.
  Renter Example: If you receive this after a missed rent notice and didn't pay or resolve the issue before 30 days, this form means your landlord is asking the court to order you out.
  View the official DC-53 form (PDF)
• Motion to Stay
  (No official number; file with District Court Clerk): Lets you request more time to move if facing hardship after the court orders an eviction.
  Renter Example: After a judge issues an eviction, you can ask in writing for extra time if moving within days is impossible.
  See District Court forms and guidance

What Happens at the Eviction Hearing?

If the court receives a complaint (Form DC-53), a hearing date is set at the Rhode Island District Court, which is the official tribunal for residential eviction cases. Both the park owner and tenant have a right to present their side. You may bring witnesses or evidence to show you did not break park rules, have cured the problem, or have another legal defense. Legal help is often available—don't ignore court papers.

Key Tip: Always respond to court papers on time. Missing a hearing could result in automatic eviction.

Special Protections When Park Closes or Land Is Sold

If your mobile home park is closing or changing use, Rhode Island law provides extra advance notice (one year minimum), relocation support, and the right to stay until the end of the notice period. Some state funds may help pay for moving costs. Learn more from the Rhode Island Housing Mobile Home Park Residents Information page.

Your Rights: Appeal and Delay

• Appeal: If you lose your eviction case, you may file an appeal to a higher court within 5 days using court forms.
• Hardship Stay: You can ask the judge to delay the eviction if moving right away is unsafe or impossible due to special circumstances. Use a written motion filed at the court clerk's office.
• Payment: If nonpayment of rent led to eviction, you may still have a right to stop the eviction by paying all owed amounts before the hearing.

It's important to act quickly at every stage of the process. Free court self-help resources and legal aid are often available in Rhode Island.

FAQ: Mobile Home Eviction Protections in Rhode Island

1. Can I be evicted from a mobile home park without a reason? No, the law requires a valid legal reason for eviction. Your landlord must follow proper notice and court process. "No cause" evictions are generally not allowed in Rhode Island mobile home parks.
2. What notice must I get before eviction? The park owner must give written notice: 30 days for nonpayment, 60 days for most rule violations, or a year for park closure. Notices must be specific and delivered properly.
3. What can I do if I get an eviction notice? Check the reason given, see if you can correct the issue (such as paying back rent), and respond before the deadline. Seek legal help and save all paperwork. You have the right to go to court and explain your side.
4. Who handles eviction cases in Rhode Island? The Rhode Island District Court is responsible for mobile home park eviction hearings. Forms and information are available through the District Court website.
5. Where can I get help if my park is closing? Contact Rhode Island Housing for relocation assistance and information on your rights: Mobile Home Park Residents Info.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Owners

• Eviction from a Rhode Island mobile home park is allowed only for specific legal reasons and with proper written notice.
• You have court rights and may contest the eviction or seek more time to move.
• Extra protections and advance notice apply if your park is closing or being redeveloped.

Understanding your rights and acting quickly can help protect your home and your options.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rhode Island Housing: Mobile Home Park Residents – Know your rights, relocation help, contact info
• Rhode Island District Court – Forms, eviction hearing info, court locations
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) – Reports for park infractions and code issues
• Rhode Island Legal Services – Free legal aid for qualifying low-income renters

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1. Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act (Title 31, Chapter 44)
2. Rhode Island District Court – Eviction Process and Forms

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