Texas Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights & Park Rules Explained

Living in a mobile home park in Texas comes with unique rules and protections under state law. Whether you're concerned about park regulations, facing a rent increase, or unsure about eviction processes, understanding your tenant rights can help you make informed decisions and protect your home. This guide will help Texas renters get clear on how park rules work, your legal protections, and what steps to take if you have a dispute.

Understanding Park Rules for Texas Mobile Home Tenants

Each mobile home park can set its own rules, as long as these follow Texas state law. Rules commonly cover:

• Noise restrictions and quiet hours
• Parking guidelines for residents and guests
• Maintenance of your lot, skirting, and exterior appearance
• Pet policies
• Requirements for home placement or additions

Parks must provide a written copy of all rules and policies to residents when you move in. If the park later changes the rules, you must receive written notice at least 30 days before any new or amended rule takes effect.^[1]

Limits on Park Rule Changes

Park owners can't change rules in a way that's discriminatory or violates Texas law. They must give you advance notice, and the changes can't take away your fundamental rights as a tenant.

Your Main Rights as a Mobile Home Park Tenant in Texas

Most Texas mobile home park tenants own their homes but rent the lot. This creates unique rights and responsibilities under the Texas Property Code, Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies:

• You have the right to written lease agreements and park rules
• Your landlord must repair and maintain common areas and park utilities
• You are protected against retaliation for exercising your legal rights
• You must receive proper notice for rent increases or rule changes

For full details, refer to the latest version of Texas Property Code, Chapter 94.

Rent Increases and Notices

Landlords can increase rent, but must provide at least 60 days' written notice before the new rent takes effect. This rule helps you plan ahead and decide if you want to renew your lease or seek alternatives.^[2]

Notices for rent increases or rule changes must be delivered:

• By hand, or
• By mail to your address in the park

Evictions and Lot Lease Termination

Eviction from a Texas mobile home park generally requires "cause," such as nonpayment of rent, repeated violations, or rules violations. The park must give you:

• 12 months' lease (unless otherwise agreed)
• At least 60 days' notice in most eviction cases
• Written notice of the reason for the termination

If you don't resolve the issue or move your home by the end of the notice period, the landlord can file for eviction in Texas Justice Court (JP court).^[3]

Official Forms Used in Texas Mobile Home Parks

• Notice to Vacate – This written notice is given to tenants before filing for eviction. It lets you know the landlord is ending your tenancy and gives you the required time to fix an issue or leave. See examples and legal requirements at the Texas Law Help: Eviction Notices page.
• Eviction Petition (Justice Court Form) – Landlords use this when filing an eviction case. While renters do not usually file this themselves, you should know what the form looks like if you receive a court summons. Find details at the Texas Courts – Official Forms section (see "Eviction Petition").
• Answer to Eviction Suit – Tenants use this form to respond to an eviction lawsuit. Use the Answer to an Eviction Case form if you want to tell the court your side and possibly request a hearing.

Practical example: If your landlord gives you a Notice to Vacate, read it carefully. If you disagree or need more time, file an "Answer to Eviction Suit" in JP court within the time listed on your notice.

Where to File Complaints or Get Help

If you have unresolved disputes or believe your rights under Texas mobile home park rules have been violated, you can:

• Contact the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division
• File a complaint with your local Justice Court (JP court) if facing eviction
• Seek free legal aid through services such as Texas Law Help – Legal Aid Directory

The official body handling residential tenancies and disputes in mobile home parks is the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division, and court appeals are managed by Texas Justice Courts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Home Park Rules in Texas

1. Can my mobile home park raise the rent at any time?
   No, Texas landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before a rent hike takes effect.
2. What should I do if I get a Notice to Vacate?
   Read the notice carefully and respond quickly. If you want to dispute the eviction, file an "Answer to Eviction Suit" with the JP court before the stated deadline.
3. Do I have to follow all park rules, even if I disagree?
   Tenants are expected to follow park rules that comply with state law and were properly given to you. You can contest rules that are unfair or violate your statutory rights by contacting TDHCA or seeking legal advice.
4. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord violates the law?
   File complaints with the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division or, if it's an eviction issue, respond via your local Justice Court.

Key Takeaways for Texas Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Written notices and clear communication are required for all major changes, rent increases, and evictions.
• Your rights are protected by the Texas Property Code, Chapter 94.
• Free legal help and state resources are available if you face disputes or possible eviction.

Knowing your rights can help you confidently address issues and stay protected as a Texas mobile home park resident.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division – File complaints or learn about your rights
• Texas Justice Courts – For eviction hearings and legal filings
• Texas Law Help – Get free legal information and forms
• TDHCA Consumer Assistance Center – Renter complaint forms and phone help

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1. Texas Property Code, Section 94.008 – Park Rules
2. Texas Property Code, Section 94.205 – Rent Increase Notice
3. Texas Law Help: Eviction Process

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