Tennessee Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution: Renter Guide

If you're renting a home in a Tennessee mobile home park and facing problems—like unexpected rent increases, poor maintenance, or sudden eviction threats—it's important to know your rights and the ways you can seek resolution. This guide explains Tennessee's rules for handling disputes in mobile home parks, the process to address your concerns, and official resources to help you resolve issues fairly and efficiently.

How Disputes Are Resolved in Tennessee Mobile Home Parks

Disagreements in mobile home parks—whether about repairs, lease renewals, rent increases, or potential eviction—can be stressful. Tennessee law provides a process for resolving these issues, but the approach is different from some states with formal dispute resolution programs.

Official Tenant-Landlord Board or Tribunal in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have a specialized residential tenancy tribunal. Disputes are generally resolved through local courts; for many renters, this means the General Sessions Court in your county.

The state's main law covering mobile home park renter rights is the Tennessee Mobile Home Lot Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-31-101 et seq.)¹. This Act sets the rules for things like lease notices, rent increases, and eviction protections for renters in mobile home parks with four or more lots.

Main Steps for Resolving Disputes

• Try to resolve informally: Speak or write to your landlord or park manager about the issue. Outline what you want fixed and keep a record of all communication.
• Use written notices and documentation: Tennessee law often requires landlords or tenants to give each other written notice (for example, before increasing rent, terminating a lease, or addressing repairs).
• If unresolved, turn to local court: Most formal disputes—including efforts to force repairs, stop unlawful eviction, or challenge rule violations—must be filed at your county’s General Sessions Court.

Key Forms for Mobile Home Park Renters

• Notice to Landlord of Repairs Needed
  (No official state form, but a written letter is required by law. There is no assigned number.)
  When to use: If you need repairs or essential maintenance.
  How: Write a dated, signed letter to your landlord describing the problem and requesting repairs, referencing Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-31-111.
  Sample tenant complaint letters and advice (official TN resource)
• Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction) Summons
  Form provided by your local General Sessions Court
  When to use: If you’ve received a court date for eviction or want to respond to an unlawful eviction.
  How: Respond or appear in court as directed in your notice. Resources and sample forms are available from your county court office.
  Find your General Sessions Court here

In Tennessee, always consult your local court or Tennessee Real Estate Commission for the exact forms, since there are no statewide fill-in forms for most disputes.

How to Address Common Disputes in Tennessee

Many mobile home park conflicts can be resolved by following clear steps provided by state law. Here are the most common situations:

Rent Increases

• Your landlord must give you at least 60 days' written notice before increasing rent (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-31-105).
• If you do not agree, respond in writing or seek advice from a local legal aid agency. Nonpayment after a legal notice can lead to eviction proceedings.

Eviction or Lease Termination

• Park owners must provide written notice before terminating your lease or beginning an eviction, usually 30 days, unless for nonpayment of rent.
• You have the right to respond, either by fixing the problem or attending your court date to contest the eviction.

Repair and Maintenance Issues

• You must notify your landlord in writing if repairs are needed. Keep copies of all correspondence.
• If repairs are not made within a "reasonable time," you may contact local code enforcement or file a claim in General Sessions Court.

Practical Example

What to Expect in Tennessee Courts

If you can’t resolve things directly, you may need to file in General Sessions Court. This is a local, accessible court that handles landlord-tenant disputes quickly. You can represent yourself or bring legal counsel. Bring documentation, including lease agreements, written notices, and photos or letters as evidence.

Legislation Covering Mobile Home Park Renters

• Tennessee Mobile Home Lot Act – governs park leases, rent, and eviction
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission – official state board for property regulation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What notice does my landlord need to give before raising rent?
   Landlords must provide a minimum of 60 days' written notice before increasing rent in a mobile home park.
2. How do I contest an eviction from a mobile home park in Tennessee?
   You have the right to appear at your General Sessions Court on your scheduled date and present your case, along with evidence such as written notices and your lease.
3. Is there a state dispute resolution board for mobile home park renters?
   No, disputes are usually handled through local General Sessions Courts rather than a specialty housing tribunal.
4. What should I do if my landlord refuses repairs?
   Send a written request for repairs. If not addressed, you may escalate by contacting local code enforcement or seeking help in court.
5. Where can I find official mobile home park regulations?
   Official regulations are in the Tennessee Mobile Home Lot Act.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Disputes in Tennessee mobile home parks are resolved by communication, proper written notices, and—if unresolved—in local General Sessions Courts.
• The Tennessee Mobile Home Lot Act provides the key rules for renters and landlords in these communities.
• No state-run dispute board exists—always prepare strong written documentation if you must go to court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Find Your General Sessions Court – file claims or contest evictions
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission – laws, complaints, and licensing info
• Tennessee Consumer Protection – file general housing complaints or get guidance
• Tennessee Justice Center – free or low-cost legal aid for tenants

---

1. Tennessee Mobile Home Lot Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-31-101 et seq.)
2. Tennessee General Sessions Courts – Official Directory
3. Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)

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