South Carolina Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Help

If you rent a lot in a South Carolina mobile home or manufactured housing park, sudden park closure can be stressful and confusing. Understanding your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities is essential. This article offers clear guidance about relocation assistance when a park closes in South Carolina, including legal rights, important forms, and where to get help.

What Happens When a South Carolina Mobile Home Park Closes?

When a park owner decides to close or repurpose a mobile home park, they must follow rules found in the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. It’s important to know what notice you’ll receive, possible assistance for moving your home, and what protections are in place for you as a renter.

Required Notice for Park Closings

• Notice Must Be in Writing: The landlord is required to provide at least 60 days’ written notice before the park closes.^[1]
• Delivery of Notice: The notice should be personally delivered or sent by certified mail to each affected tenant.
• The notice must state the intended date of closure and provide information about your vacate date.

This advance notice is meant to give renters enough time to plan possible relocation or arrange for the sale or moving of their mobile home.

Is Relocation Assistance Offered in South Carolina?

Unlike some states, South Carolina law does not require landlords to pay relocation assistance (such as funds to move your mobile home or to find a new lot) if a mobile home park closes. All tenants are responsible for their own moving costs unless the rental agreement specifically says otherwise.

However, landlords are required to follow all lease terms, and counties or cities may offer additional supports or grants in rare cases. Contact local housing agencies to ask about help moving your home or special relocation programs.

Important Forms and Notices

• Notice of Termination of Tenancy (Form 410): South Carolina does not use a state-mandated form, but written notice is required. If you receive a letter titled "Notice of Park Closure" or "Notice of Termination of Tenancy," read it carefully and keep it for your records.
  • Use this notice to plan your move-out and, if needed, dispute the notice in court.
• Complaint for Relief (Form SCCA/748): If you think the notice is improper or the landlord is not following the law, you may file a complaint in Magistrate Court.
  • Complaint for Relief (SCCA/748): File this if you believe your rights under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act are being violated.

Always submit court forms to your local Magistrate Court office. Find your local court using the South Carolina Magistrate Court Locator.

Your Legal Rights and Where to File Disputes

The South Carolina Magistrate Court handles residential tenancy cases, including mobile home park closures and disputes about notice or eviction.^[2]

• If you disagree with the closure or believe your notice was improper, you may file a complaint with the Magistrate Court before your move-out date.
• The court can determine if notice requirements were followed or if you are entitled to remain longer.

Key Action Steps for Affected Renters

• Read Your Notice Carefully: Record important dates and details.
• Move Out by the Deadline: Prepare to vacate your lot by the date listed in your notice or as determined by the court.
• Document All Communication: Keep copies of notices, letters, and any written agreements related to your move-out and park closure.
• Seek Help if Needed: Contact state or local agencies if you need legal advice or face barriers to moving your home.

In summary, while South Carolina does not guarantee relocation funds, you do have rights regarding notice and court appeals if facing a park closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must my landlord give for a mobile home park closure in South Carolina?
   Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before a park closes.
2. Can I get financial assistance to move my mobile home if the park closes?
   There is no statewide requirement for relocation assistance, but check with local agencies for possible help.
3. What if I don’t agree with the closure notice I’ve received?
   You can file a complaint in Magistrate Court if you believe your notice is invalid or the process was not followed.
4. Where can I find the necessary forms to file a court complaint?
   You can download the Complaint for Relief (SCCA/748) from the South Carolina Judicial Department website.
5. Is the landlord responsible for moving my home from the park?
   No, under South Carolina law, tenants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own move unless the lease specifically says otherwise.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• South Carolina requires 60 days’ written notice before a mobile home park closes, but does not guarantee relocation funding.
• Your local Magistrate Court is the proper place to dispute notice or eviction relating to park closures.
• Documentation and timely action help protect your rights during any park closure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Carolina Magistrate Court Locator – Find the court to file disputes or complaints.
• South Carolina Legal Services – Free legal help for qualified renters.
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full text of current rental housing law.
• Contact your county housing office or local Department of Social Services for potential emergency relocation aid.

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1. See South Carolina Code of Laws Title 27, Chapter 47: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 27-47-530(B).
2. Find your official local court at the South Carolina Magistrate Court Locator.

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