Vermont Relocation Assistance for Mobile Home Park Closures

If you rent a lot in a Vermont mobile home park and have heard your park may close, it's natural to feel uncertain. Vermont has specific laws designed to protect renters and mobile homeowners in these situations, including requirements for advance notice, options for purchase, and relocation assistance. This guide explains your rights, the steps involved, and where to get official help if your mobile home park is closing.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Closures in Vermont

Burlington to Brattleboro, mobile home parks offer critical affordable housing. However, sometimes a park owner decides to close or sell. If this happens, Vermont law requires owners to follow detailed steps and support, including relocation assistance for park residents.

Legal Protections When a Park Closes

• Notice Period: Park owners must provide at least 18 months’ written notice to all residents before closure.
• Opportunity to Purchase: Resident associations and nonprofits have a chance to buy the park before closure. Learn more at the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Relocation Assistance: If the park closes, eligible residents are entitled to moving and set-up cost assistance (see below).

These rules are found in the Vermont Mobile Home Park Law (10 V.S.A. Chapter 153).¹

What Is Relocation Assistance?

Relocation assistance helps cover the cost of moving your mobile home if you are forced to leave due to park closure or change of use. This can include transportation, disconnection and reconnection of utilities, and site preparation at a new location.

• The Vermont Mobile Home Park Closure Fund provides payments directly to mobile home owners and renters. For eligibility and applications, visit the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) Mobile Home Park Program.
• Assistance is available whether you choose to move your home or, if that's not possible, help with decommissioning and new housing search.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

• Form: "Application for Relocation Assistance"
  
  • When to use: If you've received notice your park will close, file this form to request financial help for moving or replacing your mobile home.
  • How it works: Fill out basic information about your situation and provide a copy of your closure notice. Submit completed forms to the VHCB Mobile Home Park Program by mail, email, or in person.
  • Download the official Application for Relocation Assistance (PDF)

If you have questions about the process, contact the Housing and Conservation Board for guidance and support.

How Much Assistance Can You Receive?

The Vermont program provides up to $4,000 for moving your mobile home or up to $8,000 if your home must be abandoned and replaced, depending on your situation. Funding is subject to availability and determined by actual moving costs and need.

What Happens If You Can't Move Your Home?

If your mobile home is too old or damaged to move, you may qualify for compensation to help with disposal and securing alternative housing. The Application for Relocation Assistance lets you explain your circumstances to request this support.

How to Apply for Relocation Assistance: Step-by-Step

Applying for help is straightforward and can make a big difference if you have to move.

• Collect your closure notice and any cost estimates or invoices related to your move.
• Complete the Application for Relocation Assistance.
• Send your application to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board by mail or email (see address on form).
• Wait for a decision—VHCB staff will contact you for any additional info and to confirm payment details.

Keep copies of everything you submit and respond to requests for more information quickly to avoid delays.

Your Rights: Notices, Timelines, and Legal Support

Under Vermont law, your park owner must:

• Provide at least 18 months’ advance notice in writing before park closure
• Include clear information on how to apply for relocation assistance and challenge the closure if needed

Disputes are handled by the Department of Public Service: Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program. You can seek help from this program if you believe your rights were violated.

FAQs – Vermont Mobile Home Park Closure & Relocation

1. How much notice am I entitled to if my park is closing?
   You are entitled to at least 18 months’ written notice if the park will be closed or converted to another use.
2. What should I do if I can’t move my mobile home?
   If moving is not possible, apply for relocation assistance and explain your circumstances—support may include help with decommissioning and replacement housing.
3. Who handles disputes over park closures or assistance?
   Disputes are handled by the Vermont Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program.
4. Can renters who do NOT own their mobile home get relocation assistance?
   Typically, relocation payments are available to mobile home owners, but long-term tenants may qualify in some situations. Check with the VHCB for eligibility.
5. Do I have to pay tax on relocation payments?
   In most cases, relocation payments are not taxable, but confirm with a tax professional or the Vermont Department of Taxes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vermont Mobile Home Park Renters

• You have strong rights to advance notice and, in most cases, financial assistance when a Vermont mobile home park closes.
• Always keep copies of all notices and forms—promptly apply for relocation aid if you get closure notice.
• Know that official help is available. Contact Vermont agencies and legal aid if you need support.

Understanding these protections can help reduce disruption and clarify your options during a mobile home park closure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Housing & Conservation Board – Mobile Home Park Program (Relocation applications and program info)
• Vermont Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program
• Vermont Legal Aid – Mobile Home Park Assistance
• Vermont Mobile Home Park Law – Full Text
• Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development – Mobile Home Parks

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1. Vermont Mobile Home Park Law (10 V.S.A. Chapter 153): Read the legislation
2. Vermont Housing & Conservation Board: Official assistance information
3. Mobile Home Park Closure Fund Application: Official PDF form
4. Tribunal for disputes: Vermont Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program

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