Washington Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights and Rules Guide

Navigating life in a mobile home park can feel challenging—especially if you’re unsure about your rights as a renter in Washington. Whether you’re experiencing rent increases, rule changes, or maintenance delays, understanding the law empowers you to protect yourself. This guide provides clear information about your rights as a tenant under Washington’s Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20) and links you to official resources you can trust.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Rules in Washington

In Washington, landlords can create reasonable rules for their mobile home parks, but those rules must be clearly stated, applied equally to all tenants, and follow the law. Before moving in, landlords must provide tenants with a written rental agreement detailing all community rules and any changes made during the tenancy.

• Reasonable Rules: Rules must relate to safety, health, or management of the park.
• Posting Requirements: All rules must be posted in clearly visible locations around the park.
• Rule Changes: If a landlord wants to change the rules, at least 30 days’ written notice is required. New rules can’t conflict with your rental agreement or Washington law.

Common Examples of Park Rules

• Pet restrictions or leash requirements
• Quiet hours and noise limits
• Parking and vehicle policies
• Yard maintenance expectations

If you believe a rule is unfair or not being applied equally, consider seeking help from the Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program.

Rent Increases, Notices, and Eviction in Mobile Home Parks

Washington law requires landlords to follow special rules for rent increases and evictions in mobile home parks.

• Rent Increases: Landlords must give tenants at least 90 days’ written notice before raising the rent in a mobile home park. Shorter notice is not allowed.
• Eviction Protections: Tenants can only be evicted for specific reasons listed in the law, like non-payment of rent, repeated rule violations, or illegal activity. “No cause” evictions are prohibited.
• Notice Requirements: The type of eviction or rule violation will affect how much notice you get. For example, non-payment of rent usually requires a 5-day notice, while other breaches receive 20 or 30 days.

If you receive any notice about rule violations or eviction, read it carefully and respond promptly to protect your rights.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Termination of Tenancy (Form provided by landlord):
  Used when your landlord asks you to move out for reasons listed in RCW 59.20. You should review this notice and take action quickly.
  Example: If you receive a 20-day notice for an alleged rule violation, you may have a right to cure (fix) the issue and stay.
• Complaint for Resolution—Mobile/Manufactured Home Landlord-Tenant Dispute (Form):
  Used if you have a serious dispute that cannot be resolved directly with your landlord. File through the Office of the Attorney General’s Dispute Resolution Program.
  Access the complaint form and program details here.

Your Rights to Repairs and Park Maintenance

Landlords must keep common areas, roads, and utilities safe and in good working order. If something breaks, let your landlord know in writing right away. If repairs aren’t made:

• You may have the right to use the formal dispute resolution process.
• Document all issues and communications—these records can be important if your case escalates.

Filing a Complaint with the Dispute Resolution Program

If your landlord fails to meet their obligations or you face retaliation for exercising your rights, Washington offers a free, neutral dispute resolution service through the Attorney General’s office. Here’s how to proceed:

• Complete the Manufactured Housing Dispute Complaint form (see link above).
• Submit the form online or by mail.
• An independent contact from the program will help mediate the issue.

Understanding the Handling Tribunal for Mobile Home Disputes

In Washington, disputes about mobile home parks are handled outside of court by the Manufactured/Mobile Home Dispute Resolution Program run by the Washington State Attorney General. This program is free, informal, and focused on resolving tenant-landlord conflicts without going to court. Serious unresolved issues may enter the court system as a last resort.

Key Legislation Protecting Manufactured Housing Tenants

• RCW 59.20 - Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act
• General rights for all renters: RCW 59.18 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Always refer to these laws to confirm your rights and responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must my landlord give before a rent increase in a Washington mobile home park?
   Washington law requires at least 90 days’ written notice before raising the rent for tenants in a mobile home park.
2. Can my landlord evict me without a reason from a mobile home park?
   No. Evictions can only occur for reasons strictly listed in the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act.
3. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t fix something in the park?
   First, notify your landlord in writing. If nothing happens, you can file a complaint with the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program.
4. Where can I find official forms for mobile home park disputes?
   Official forms are available through the Attorney General’s Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program website.
5. Who handles legal disputes between mobile home tenants and landlords?
   The Washington Attorney General’s Manufactured/Mobile Home Dispute Resolution Program is the official board for most non-court conflicts.

Key Takeaways for Manufactured Home Park Renters

• Mobile home park tenants in Washington have strong legal protections for rent increases, evictions, and repairs.
• Always ask for rule changes or notices in writing and keep copies.
• Free help is available through the Attorney General’s dispute resolution program for unresolved problems.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Program – General tenant help and information
• Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program – File complaints and resolve disputes out of court
• Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20) – Official state law governing your rights
• Phone: 1-866-924-6458 – Direct line for manufactured/mobile home tenant support

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1. RCW 59.20 - Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act
2. RCW 59.18 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
3. WA Attorney General's Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program

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