Rhode Island Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Limits Explained

If you live in a mobile home park in Rhode Island, it’s important to know your rights around rent increases. While landlords can raise rent, state law sets clear limits to protect residents from unfair or sudden hikes. This guide covers Rhode Island rules, the official process, and helpful steps if you think a rent increase isn’t justified.

Understanding Rent Increases in Rhode Island Mobile Home Parks

Rhode Island has specific regulations for how much and how often rent can be raised in mobile home parks. These protections are found in the Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act.^[1] Here’s what renters should know:

How Much Can Rent Be Increased?

• Rent can only be increased once in a 12-month period.
• The increase must be ‘reasonable’ and cannot be unconscionable or retaliatory. While Rhode Island law does not set a specific percentage cap, the law requires increases to be fair compared to local market rates and operating costs.
• If you believe a rent increase is excessive, you have a right to challenge it.

For more details, refer to §31-44-2 - Rent Increases.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increase

• Landlords must give you at least 60 days’ written notice before the new rent takes effect.
• The notice must clearly state the new rent amount, when it starts, and your right to dispute the change.

This written notice gives you time to budget and respond if the increase seems unreasonable.

Challenging an Unfair Rent Increase

If you believe a rent increase is unreasonable, you can file a complaint with the Rhode Island District Court, which handles landlord-tenant matters statewide. Before filing, try to discuss your concerns with your landlord—often, disputes can be resolved through communication.

Required Official Forms

• Complaint for Relief from Unreasonable Rent Increase (Form DC-28)
  When to use: If you wish to formally dispute a rent increase you believe to be unconscionable or unlawful. Submit this form to the District Court.
  Example: If your park owner raises the rent by 25%, and you believe it’s unjustified, you would fill out DC-28 and provide supporting documentation (such as comparable rents).
  Download Complaint for Relief from Unreasonable Rent Increase (DC-28)

Details on how to submit the form and next steps can be found on the Rhode Island District Court Landlord/Tenant FAQ.

Tip: Keep a copy of every notice, form, and response for your records. Written documentation helps protect your rights.

Role of the Tribunal or Court

The Rhode Island District Court adjudicates disputes between mobile home tenants and park owners, including rent increases.^[2]

Your Rights Under Rhode Island Law

• Right to advance written notice of rent increases
• Limit of one rent increase per year
• Right to file an official complaint if a rent increase is unreasonable or retaliatory
• Protection against eviction for disputing a rent increase

For detailed information, see the Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act.

FAQ: Rhode Island Mobile Home Park Rent Increases

1. How much notice must my landlord give me for a rent increase?
   They must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect.
2. Is there a maximum percentage my rent can be raised?
   Rhode Island law does not set a specific cap, but increases must be reasonable and not unconscionable.
3. What can I do if I think my rent increase is unfair?
   You can file a Complaint for Relief from Unreasonable Rent Increase (Form DC-28) with the District Court.
4. Can I be evicted for disputing a rent increase?
   No. The law prohibits retaliation or eviction for exercising your rights.
5. Where can I get more information or file a complaint?
   Visit the Rhode Island District Court website for official forms and filing instructions.

Key Takeaways

• Rhode Island law allows only one rent increase per year in mobile home parks, and it must be reasonable.
• Landlords must provide 60 days’ written notice for any increase.
• You have the right to challenge unfair rent hikes using official forms, with protection from retaliation.

Understanding these rules helps you protect your housing stability and respond confidently to any changes in rent.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rhode Island District Court – Information and contact for filing tenant-landlord complaints.
• Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act – Read the full state legislation protecting your rights.
• Rhode Island Housing – Housing resources, financial help, and tenant support.
• Rhode Island Legal Services – Legal aid for low-income renters.

---

1. Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act (Title 31, Chapter 44)
2. Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Information

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