Rhode Island Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Assistance Guide

If your mobile or manufactured home park in Rhode Island is closing, it’s natural to worry about your housing situation and moving costs. Rhode Island law provides certain protections and potential financial relocation assistance for mobile home residents in these situations. This guide explains your rights, outlines available help, and shows you what actions to take if your park is closing.

Understanding Your Rights When a Park Closes

In Rhode Island, mobile home park landlords must follow specific state laws if they plan to close or redevelop the park. These laws are designed to give renters notice, protect against sudden eviction, and in some cases, offer financial help for moving your mobile home.

Key Legal Protections for Residents

• Advance Written Notice: Park owners must provide residents with at least twelve (12) months’ written notice before closing a park or changing its use.
• Relocation Assistance: In certain cases, the landlord may be required to contribute to relocation expenses for residents who must move their mobile homes due to park closure or redevelopment.
• These protections are set out by the Rhode Island General Laws § 31-44-2 Mobile and Manufactured Homes—Change of Use and § 31-44-14 Relocation Expenses.¹

How Relocation Assistance Works

If a park is closing, landlords may be required to pay for some of the reasonable costs residents incur when moving their homes. Assistance can help with:

• Moving and transporting your mobile home
• Disconnecting and reconnecting utilities
• Permits or fees related to set-up at a new location

Because moving mobile homes is expensive and sometimes not possible, it’s important to know your eligibility and act within official timeframes.

Official Tribunal for Mobile Home Disputes

Mobile home and manufactured housing matters in Rhode Island are overseen by the Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Division. This tribunal handles disputes over relocation, notices, and other park closure issues.

Important Forms for Relocation Assistance

• Mobile and Manufactured Home Park Notice of Change of Use
  When to use: Park owners use this form to officially notify all residents of a planned closure or change in park use.
  Renter example: You should receive this written notice at least 12 months in advance. If you do not, you may have grounds to challenge the eviction and request more time via the court.
  Official Source: [Sample template provided in R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-2](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE31/31-44/31-44-2.HTM)
• Application to District Court for Relocation Expenses
  When to use: If you and the landlord cannot agree on relocation assistance, you can apply to the District Court for a determination.
  Renter example: Submit this application during your notice period if your landlord refuses to pay or disputes costs. The judge will decide based on your eligibility and receipts.
  Official Source: [Court Instructions – Landlord/Tenant Division](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/landlordtenantinfo.aspx)

Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your Park is Closing

• Review the Official Notice: Check that you received written notice at least 12 months before your move is required.
• Keep Records: Collect and save all communications from your landlord and any receipts for moving expenses.
• Negotiate Relocation Assistance: Ask your landlord for written details on relocation aid and reimbursement.
• File with District Court if Needed: If you do not receive required assistance, apply to the Rhode Island District Court, providing all documentation and the official notice.

FAQs About Park Closure and Relocation in Rhode Island

1. What is the minimum notice period if my Rhode Island mobile home park is closing?
   Residents are entitled to at least 12 months’ advance written notice before any closure or change of use can take effect.
2. Am I guaranteed relocation assistance if my park closes?
   Not all situations lead to mandatory assistance, but eligible residents forced to move due to closure may receive aid for reasonable moving costs, as decided by law or the District Court.
3. Where do I file if I have a dispute about relocation assistance?
   You can file an application with the Rhode Island District Court’s Landlord/Tenant Division.
4. Are there official forms I need to complete to apply for help?
   There is no standard statewide form, but you must submit a written application with supporting documents to the District Court. The court clerk can provide assistance.
5. What laws protect me if my park is closing?
   Protections are found in the Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Home Park Rights Act, including requirements for notice and relocation assistance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Rhode Island Mobile Home Renters

• If your park is closing, you are generally entitled to one year’s written notice.
• Ask your landlord about relocation assistance—Rhode Island law may require them to help with moving costs.
• You can resolve disputes through the District Court’s Landlord/Tenant Division and should act promptly if problems arise.

Understanding your rights and documenting your correspondence are the best ways to protect yourself during this transition.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Information: Filing, forms, and tenant-landlord dispute guidance
• Rhode Island Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal help for renters statewide
• Rhode Island Housing: Housing resources and emergency rental assistance information
• Mobile and Manufactured Homes Laws (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 31-44): Full legal text

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1. Rhode Island General Laws § 31-44-2 Mobile and Manufactured Homes—Change of Use
2. Rhode Island General Laws § 31-44-14 Relocation Expenses
3. Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Division

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