Vermont Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights and Rules Guide

Living in a Vermont mobile home park gives you specific rights and responsibilities. Whether you're facing a rule change, a rent increase, or concerns about park maintenance, it's important to know how state law protects you. This guide breaks down the essentials of Vermont's mobile home park rules and your rights as a tenant.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in Vermont

Mobile home parks in Vermont are regulated to ensure tenants have clear expectations, stability, and basic protections. Park owners must maintain written rules, share them with tenants, and apply them fairly. Common topics covered by these rules include:

• Noise and community behavior
• Pet policies
• Parking and vehicles
• Maintenance of your lot and home
• Use of common areas

If a park owner wants to change or add rules, Vermont law requires them to provide tenants with at least 60 days' written notice of any new rule or rule change. Any rule must not conflict with state or federal law and must be applied in a non-discriminatory manner.

Your Key Rights as a Mobile Home Park Tenant

Vermont’s Mobile Home Park Residency Law lays out the core protections for tenants, including:

• Right to Written Rental Agreement: Tenants must have a written lease or month-to-month agreement.
• Protection from Retaliation: Park owners cannot evict or penalize you for exercising your legal rights, such as complaining about conditions.
• Advance Notice of Rent Increases: You must receive at least 60 days’ written notice if your rent is going up.
• Maintenance and Repairs: The park owner is responsible for maintaining all common infrastructure, utilities they provide, and park access roads.
• Eviction Only for Good Cause: Park owners must have a legally recognized reason to evict you, such as nonpayment or persistent rule violations.

If you believe park rules are unfair or haven’t been properly changed, you may have grounds to challenge them.

When and How Can Park Rules Be Changed?

Any change to the park rules must follow Vermont law. Practical example: If the park proposes a new rule against overnight guest parking, they must:

• Give all affected tenants 60 days’ written notice
• Ensure the rule doesn’t conflict with the residency law or discriminate
• Apply the new rule to every tenant equally

Handling Rent Increases, Maintenance, and Disputes

Understanding the process for changes or issues can help you protect your home and your rights.

• Rent Increases: At least 60 days’ advance written notice is required. The notice should explain the new rent and the date it will begin.
• Request for Repairs: If a park-owned utility, road, or facility needs repair, notify your park owner in writing. If there’s no response, you may file a formal complaint (see forms below).
• Rule Violations/Eviction Notices: You must be told in writing about any alleged violations and given time to correct them, except in serious cases (like illegal activity).

Official Forms for Vermont Mobile Home Park Tenants

Certain situations require using official forms. Here are key forms and how they are used:

• Mobile Home Park Complaint Form (VDH/ACCD): Use this if you have unresolved disputes about maintenance, health, rent increases, or rule changes.
  Example: If the park hasn’t fixed a broken road, you can submit this form.
  Download the Mobile Home Park Complaint Form
• Notice of Rent Increase (Landlord): While park owners use this to notify tenants of rate hikes, tenants should check for the compliance of timing and delivery.
  See the Vermont Notice of Rent Increase sample
• Mobile Home Uniform Complaint and Request for Mediation Form: Tenants can request mediation if informal resolution fails.
  Access the Mediation Request Form here

The Tribunal Responsible for Mobile Home Park Disputes

In Vermont, formal disputes relating to mobile home parks may be handled by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development's (ACCD) Mobile Home Park Program. Eviction matters could also be decided in Vermont Superior Court's Civil Division depending on the nature of the dispute.

Vermont’s Mobile Home Park Residency Law

The main law protecting tenants is Vermont Statutes Annotated (Title 10, Chapter 153: Mobile Home Parks). This legislation outlines tenant and park owner obligations, rule change procedures, and eviction processes. Review the law or seek advice if you're uncertain about your rights.

1. Can my landlord change mobile home park rules at any time?
   Park owners can update rules, but they must give tenants at least 60 days’ written notice, and the rules cannot contradict Vermont law. Tenants should always receive changes in writing.
2. What should I do if I believe a park rule is unfair or discriminatory?
   You can first address concerns in writing with your park owner. If unresolved, file a Mobile Home Park Complaint Form with the Vermont ACCD or request mediation using the official forms listed above.
3. How much notice must I get for a rent increase in my mobile home park?
   You are entitled to a minimum of 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase becomes effective. Check that the notice includes the new amount and start date.
4. How do I challenge an eviction from a mobile home park?
   If you receive an eviction notice, review your rights under the Mobile Home Park Residency Law and consider responding in writing or attending court. Seek legal advice if needed or contact the ACCD for guidance.
5. Who handles formal disputes about mobile home park living in Vermont?
   The Vermont ACCD’s Mobile Home Park Program helps with complaints regarding rules, rent, or maintenance. For eviction and legal matters, the Vermont Superior Court may also be involved.

Summary of Key Takeaways

• You’re protected by Vermont’s mobile home park legislation, including rights to fair notice and protection from unfair rule changes or eviction.
• Official forms and complaint options are available for maintenance, rent, or rule issues—always keep copies of all correspondence.
• If unsure, seek help from the Vermont ACCD or consult official resources before taking further action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont ACCD Mobile Home Park Program: Resources, forms, and dispute guidance.
• Vermont Superior Court Civil Division: Handles legal proceedings, including evictions.
• Vermont Mobile Home Park Residency Law (10 V.S.A. Chapter 153)
• Vermont Legal Help: Mobile Home Parks: Practical help for renters with mobile home park problems.

---

1. Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 153: Mobile Home Parks Residency Law
2. Vermont ACCD Mobile Home Park Program: Official Park Program Info
3. Vermont Judiciary – Superior Court: Court Locations and Info
4. Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development: Housing Division

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