West Virginia Mobile Home Park Closure: Relocation Help for Renters

If you rent a lot in a mobile home or manufactured housing park in West Virginia, you may worry about what happens if the park closes down. Understanding your rights and the available relocation assistance when a park closes in West Virginia can help you prepare and protect your home and family.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Closure in West Virginia

Sometimes, mobile home parks close for reasons like redevelopment or changes in land use. In these situations, residents face the difficult process of finding a new place for their home or securing other housing. Thankfully, West Virginia law provides basic protections and steps that landlords and park owners must follow before a closure takes place.

What Landlords Must Do Before Closing a Park

• Advance Written Notice: Park owners are typically required to give all residents a written notice well before closing or changing land use.
• Notice Timeline: West Virginia law generally mandates at least 180 days' notice prior to closure or major changes.^[1]
• Clear Information: The notice should specify the intended closure date and reasons.

Receiving proper notice gives you more time to plan your next steps, whether that's relocating your home, selling it, or seeking financial assistance.

Relocation Assistance: What Support Is Available?

West Virginia does not have a dedicated state-run relocation assistance fund for mobile home park closures, unlike some other states. However, in certain circumstances, local help may be available through city or county housing agencies, HUD-approved counseling services, or area charitable organizations.

• Always ask the park owner if they offer compensation or help with moving expenses as part of the closure process.
• Check with your local housing authority and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources for possible emergency housing or rental help.
• If federal or local funding is available due to redevelopment (such as through a city project), you may qualify for benefits under the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (learn about URA).

Your Options If the Park Is Closing

• Move Your Home: If feasible, relocate your manufactured or mobile home to another park or private land (check local zoning first).
• Sell Your Home: You may be able to sell your home if you can't move it, especially if local demand exists.
• Apply for Local Assistance: Reach out to area agencies for emergency housing or moving support.

Key Forms for Mobile Home Park Closure Situations

While West Virginia does not use a standardized statewide form for park closure notices, landlords typically provide an individually written document. However, if you believe the notice or closure process does not comply with state law:

• West Virginia Magistrate Court Complaint Form: If you're facing improper eviction or insufficient notice, you can use the official Civil Complaint Form (Magistrate Court) to file a dispute.
  How to Use: Complete the form and file with your local county Magistrate Court for landlord-tenant matters.
  Example: If your landlord attempts to evict you with less than 180 days' notice or does not provide written details, fill out this form and bring your documentation to file a case.
• Notice of Intent to Vacate Form (sample only): If you choose to move out, provide written notice to your landlord. You may draft your own letter, but always keep a copy for your records. See sample templates on the West Virginia DHHR Housing Resources page.

Who Handles Park Closure Disputes in West Virginia?

Residential tenancy and eviction disputes—including mobile home park closure complaints—are handled by the West Virginia Magistrate Courts throughout the state.

Relevant Legislation for West Virginia Renters

Your protections are defined mainly in the West Virginia Manufactured Home Community Rights Act and the Residential Rent and Eviction Act.^[1][2] These laws outline landlord notice requirements, timeline standards, and the proper court or agency for disputes.

FAQ

1. How much notice does my landlord have to give before closing a mobile home park in West Virginia?
   Landlords must generally provide at least 180 days' advance written notice before closing a manufactured housing or mobile home park.
2. Will I receive financial help to move my mobile home?
   There is no guaranteed state relocation fund, but you may be able to access local agency assistance or federal benefits if a government project is causing the closure.
3. What can I do if I don’t get the required notice?
   You can file a complaint in your local Magistrate Court using the Civil Complaint Form. Always keep copies of all correspondence and notices as evidence.
4. Can my landlord evict me immediately if the park is sold?
   No, landlords must provide proper notice according to state law before any eviction or closure process can begin.
5. Where do I go if I need legal help with a park closure?
   You can contact your local Magistrate Court or seek advice from West Virginia Legal Aid or a HUD-approved housing counselor.

Conclusion

• If your mobile home park is closing, you are generally entitled to 180 days’ advance written notice in West Virginia.
• Relocation assistance is not automatic but may be available through local or federal programs.
• If you believe your rights are violated, file a complaint with your local Magistrate Court.

Advance knowledge is your best defense. Make sure to gather all paperwork and act early if you believe your landlord hasn't followed the law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in West Virginia

• West Virginia Magistrate Courts – File tenant-landlord complaints and resolve disputes.
• WV Department of Health and Human Resources: Housing Assistance – Find emergency help, housing, or referrals.
• Legal Aid of West Virginia – Free legal advice for eligible renters dealing with eviction, relocation, or housing rights.
• HUD West Virginia: Tenants Rights and Resources – HUD-vetted housing counselors and guides.

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1. West Virginia Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (W. Va. Code §37-15-6).
2. West Virginia Residential Rent and Eviction Act (W. Va. Code §55-3A).

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