Texas Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation and Renter Rights

If you rent land in a Texas mobile home or manufactured housing community, park closure can feel overwhelming. Knowing your rights and the relocation help available when a park shuts down is essential for a smoother transition. This guide explains Texas renters’ mobile home park closure rights, relocation assistance, and how to access official resources and forms.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Closures in Texas

Texas has specific laws for renters living in manufactured home communities. When a park closes, you may face the need to move your home or find alternative housing. State rules set out what owners must do and what protections you have during this process.

Notice Requirements for Park Closure

• By Texas law, manufactured home community landlords must provide at least 180 days’ written notice before closing a park or changing its use.
• This notice gives you time to plan your relocation and look for assistance.
  See Texas Property Code, Chapter 94: Manufactured Home Tenancies for full requirements.^[1]
• The notice must be delivered either in person or by mail to each home owner or renter on site.

What Is Relocation Assistance?

Texas does not have a statewide government-funded relocation assistance program for renters affected by mobile home park closures. However, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division oversees manufactured housing standards and may help connect you to available local programs or nonprofit groups, especially for lower-income residents.

Key Steps and Forms for Texas Renters

Even without direct state funds, you still have rights and formal processes. The following outlines what renters should do if a Texas mobile home park closes:

• Receive and Keep Written Notice: This is your main proof of notice period and your eligibility for any local or federal programs.
• Contact Local Housing Resources: Reach out to your city or county housing authority or the TDHCA for guidance.
• Request a Rental History Statement (no official state form): Ask your landlord for written proof of rental payments and tenure. This can help with future rental applications.
• Notice of Termination—Texas Property Code 94.206: If you intend to terminate your lease due to park closure, you must provide written notice to your landlord. This does not require a specific state form, but a simple letter referencing Property Code Sec. 94.206 is sufficient.
  • Use Example: After receiving the park closure notice, you deliver a written statement to your landlord stating your intention to move before the 180-day period ends, enabling you to terminate your lease without penalty.

Additional Protections and Moving Guidance

While relocation payments are not guaranteed by state law, you may qualify for help if the park closure is part of a government project (e.g., for new road construction). You might then be eligible under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA). For most private-owner closures, explore the following:

• Local housing assistance programs (contact your city or county housing office)
• Non-profit legal aid (see resources below)
• Report unlawful landlord conduct (such as not meeting the 180-day notice requirement) to the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division

Where to Get Help Filing a Complaint

Any complaints about landlord or park operator conduct should be directed to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division, which is the main tribunal overseeing manufactured housing tenancies. File a manufactured housing complaint through TDHCA.^[2]

FAQ: Texas Renters & Manufactured Home Park Closure

1. How much notice must my landlord give if my mobile home park is closing in Texas?
   Landlords must give you at least 180 days’ written notice before closing or changing the use of a manufactured home community.
2. Does Texas offer financial relocation assistance if the park closes?
   Texas does not guarantee state-funded relocation help for private park closures, but some local programs or nonprofits may offer assistance.
3. Can my landlord terminate my lease immediately if the park is closing?
   No. The landlord must follow the 180-day notice rule, and you also have the right to end your lease without penalty with written notice.
4. What if the park is closing due to a government project?
   You may qualify for federal relocation assistance through the Uniform Relocation Act.
5. Where do I file a complaint about my manufactured home landlord?
   Submit complaints to the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division.

Key Takeaways for Texas Mobile Home Renters

• You are entitled to 180 days’ written notice for park closure.
• Direct state relocation assistance is limited, but federal or local programs may be available in special circumstances.
• Always keep written records, and seek help if your landlord fails to follow the legal process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division – Main tribunal for mobile/manufactured housing tenancies in Texas
• TDHCA Complaint Process – File a formal tenant complaint
• TexasLawHelp Manufactured Housing Rights – Legal information for manufactured home renters
• Your local legal aid office – For low-income renters needing advice or advocacy

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1. Texas Property Code, Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies
2. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – Manufactured Housing

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