Can a mobile home park owner change the rules at any time in Virginia?

No, Virginia law requires park owners to give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice before any rule changes take effect.

What notice is required for a rent increase in a mobile home park?

Landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month tenants.

What should I do if maintenance is not being performed in my mobile home park?

Notify your landlord in writing; if unresolved, file a Tenant’s Assertion (DC-429) form with the local General District Court.

How does eviction work for manufactured home park tenants in Virginia?

Eviction requires a written notice to cure, followed by a court process—tenants have the right to be heard in court.

Where can I get help with a dispute about mobile home park rules?

You can contact the Virginia Manufactured Housing Ombudsman or seek guidance through Virginia Legal Aid.

Virginia Mobile Home Park Rules: Tenant Rights Guide

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Virginia published June 21, 2025

Living in a mobile home park in Virginia offers affordability and community, but it also comes with a distinct set of rules and renter protections. As a mobile home park tenant, it's vital to know your rights relating to park rules, notice for changes, rent increases, evictions, and maintenance. Understanding these protections can help you address issues confidently and assert your rights effectively under Virginia law.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in Virginia

Mobile home parks in Virginia operate under specific state laws that protect both owners and residents. Virginia’s Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (MHLRA) governs the relationship between landlords (park owners) and those who lease lots for their manufactured homes.^[1]

Written Rules Required: Park owners must provide tenants with a clear, written copy of park rules and regulations, typically when you sign your lease.
Notice of Rule Changes: Changes to park rules must be delivered to tenants at least 30 days before they take effect.
Fairness Standard: Rules must be reasonable and applied equally to all tenants.
Prohibited Rules: Park rules cannot limit your rights granted by law or be enforced unfairly.

Summary: Knowing the rules ensures you understand both your restrictions and protections in the park.

Rent Increases and Rent Notices

Virginia law regulates how and when your rent can be increased in a mobile home park. Rent increases are allowed only after your current lease ends or with required notice for month-to-month agreements:

Notice Requirement: For month-to-month tenancies, owners must give you at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
Written Notice: Written notice may be delivered in person or sent by mail.

If you receive a notice of rent increase and believe it's not compliant with these requirements, you can file a complaint using the proper forms with the appropriate authorities (see below).

Maintenance Responsibilities

Both you and the mobile home park owner have duties:

Landlord Duties: The park owner must keep common areas in safe, clean condition and comply with building and health codes that affect your safety.
Tenant Duties: Tenants are responsible for their own mobile home maintenance and for keeping their lot neat and clean as outlined in park rules.

Issues like water, sewer, or major system failures should be addressed quickly. If maintenance isn’t performed as required, you may have the right to request repairs or take further action using official complaint forms.

Eviction Process and Tenant Protections

Eviction from a mobile home park in Virginia is a legal process. The reasons and steps are outlined by law to ensure fairness. Key points:

Valid Reasons: Nonpayment of rent, repeated rule violations, or noncompliance with lease terms are common grounds for eviction.
Notice to Quit: Landlords must serve you with a written notice specifying the violation and giving you time to correct it—often 30 days for most rule violations, but as little as 5 days for nonpayment.
Court Proceedings: If not resolved, the owner must file with the General District Court for a formal eviction.
Relocation Support: There are rules regarding required relocation notice and resources if the park is being closed or converted.

Virginia General District Court handles residential landlord-tenant cases in the state.^[2]

Official Forms for Renters

If you need to take action, these official Virginia forms may be relevant:

Form DC-421 – Summons for Unlawful Detainer: Used by landlords to initiate eviction if you remain after a notice period. If you receive this, attend your court date and prepare your defense.
See the form and guidance at Summons for Unlawful Detainer (Form DC-421).
Tenant’s Assertion (DC-429): Used to inform the court of unresolved health or safety violations by the landlord. For example, if the park fails to repair sewer problems after written notice, you could use this form to ask the court for a remedy.
Access form and detailed guidance at Tenant's Assertion and Complaint (Form DC-429).

Always follow instructions carefully when submitting any official form. Save copies and track all related correspondence.

Tip: If you receive an eviction notice or an official court summons, act quickly—attend all hearings and get assistance from a legal aid organization or tenant advisor when possible.

How to File a Complaint or Dispute

If you have unresolved problems with your park owner or manager, such as unfair rule enforcement or major maintenance issues, you can:

Contact the landlord in writing to request repairs or dispute rule changes.
Use the Tenant's Assertion form to ask the court for help if health or safety issues aren't fixed.
Contact the Virginia Office of the Manufactured Housing Ombudsman for neutral guidance.
Visit: Virginia Manufactured Housing Ombudsman program.

It's important to document all actions, keep copies of notices, and follow required timelines strictly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights

Can a mobile home park owner change the rules at any time in Virginia?
Park owners must give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice before any new rule takes effect. Rules should be fair and provided in writing.^[1]
How much notice is required for a rent increase?
In month-to-month agreements, the landlord must give at least 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase.^[1]
What should I do if the park is not maintaining common areas?
First, notify the landlord in writing. If not resolved, you may file a Tenant’s Assertion (DC-429) with the court.^[3]
How does eviction work in Virginia mobile home parks?
Eviction requires written notice, a chance to correct issues, and—if unresolved—a court filing with the General District Court.^[2]
Who enforces tenant protections in Virginia?
The Virginia General District Court handles hearings and official landlord-tenant disputes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Virginia Mobile Home Park Renters

Virginia mobile home park tenants have rights to written rules, fair notice of changes or rent increases, and safety standards.
Eviction is a formal legal process, not a landlord decision alone—official notices and court filings are required.
Use official forms and resources to protect your health, safety, and housing security—never ignore notices or legal documents.

Understanding these basics helps you make informed choices and stand up for your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (MHLRA)
Virginia Manufactured Housing Ombudsman – Offers neutral help for manufactured housing issues
Virginia General District Court – Landlord-Tenant Information
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Virginia Legal Aid – Tenant Support