West Virginia Mobile Home Park Rules: Tenant Rights Explained

Living in a mobile home park in West Virginia comes with unique rules and protections. If you’re renting a space for your manufactured or mobile home, knowing your tenant rights helps prevent disputes and ensures fair treatment. In this guide, we break down the most important details about mobile home park rules, evictions, rent increases, and how to get support if you need it.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in West Virginia Mobile Home Parks

West Virginia sets out protections for tenants in mobile home parks through its landlord-tenant laws. Both renters and park owners must follow these rules, which cover issues like rent increases, park rules, eviction notifications, and repairs.

Key Tenant Rights in Mobile Home Parks

• Written Lease: You should have a written lease or rental agreement describing rent, responsibilities, and park rules.
• Notice of Rent Increases: Park owners must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before raising rent under West Virginia Code §37-15-5.
• Eviction Protections: Tenants are entitled to written notice before eviction. The notice period depends on the reason for eviction (typically 30 days for most violations or non-renewal).
• Clear Park Rules: All rules must be applied equally to all tenants, and new rules require at least 30 days’ notice.
• Habitability: The park owner must keep common areas and utilities in safe, working condition.

Following these rights helps maintain stability and predictability for renters and their families.

Park Rules: What Landlords Can and Cannot Do

West Virginia law allows mobile home park owners to establish rules, but these must be fair and reasonable, and applied equally to all residents. Your lease or park rules should outline:

• Quiet hours and noise limits
• Guest and parking policies
• Home maintenance requirements
• Use of community areas
• Pet restrictions, if any

Any new rule or change needs at least 30 days’ written notice. No rule may discriminate or violate state or federal law.

Rent Increases and Lease Renewals

Park owners must give 60 days’ written notice before any rent increase. This gives tenants time to plan or seek alternative arrangements if needed. You cannot be forced to move before your lease ends unless you violate the lease or law.

Evictions in Mobile Home Parks: Process and Protections

Evictions must follow formal legal procedures. The landlord cannot remove you, your home, or your property without:

• Written notice specifying the reason for termination
• At least 30 days' notice for most lease violations or non-renewal
• A court order, if you do not leave by the end of the notice period

Common reasons for eviction include unpaid rent, serious lease violations, or repeated rule violations. If you are facing eviction, you have the right to dispute the landlord’s claims in court.

How to Respond If You Receive an Eviction Notice

• Read the notice carefully and check the reason
• Correct any violations if possible, or contact the landlord about the issue
• Attend your court hearing if an eviction is filed
• Get legal help if you’re unsure of your rights

Eviction cases for mobile home park tenants are generally heard in West Virginia Magistrate Court. Visit the West Virginia Judiciary’s Public Resources page for more details and local court contacts.

Official Forms: What Renters Should Know

• Complaint to Magistrate Court (Form SCA-M1100):
  This form is used to respond to an eviction or file your own housing-related complaint. For example, if your landlord files for eviction, you will receive documents from the court. You may use this form to file a counterclaim for repairs or security deposit issues.
  West Virginia Magistrate Court Forms
• Mobile Home Park Complaint Form (Consumer Protection Division):
  Report unfair park practices, safety issues, or discrimination. For example, if a park rule is changed without proper notice, submit this form to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

For most court actions, submitting forms in person at your local magistrate court is required.

Relevant Law and Responsibilities

The main legislation is West Virginia Code Chapter 37, Article 15 – Regulation of Landlords and Tenants of Manufactured Home Communities. This law sets out your protections and responsibilities as a renter.

The West Virginia Magistrate Court is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions and park complaints. Explore resources and forms directly on the West Virginia Judiciary’s official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent in a West Virginia mobile home park?
   At least 60 days’ written notice is required before any rent increase.
2. Can I be evicted without cause in a mobile home park?
   No. Landlords must provide a valid legal reason and at least 30 days’ notice before eviction, unless you voluntarily agree to leave earlier.
3. Do mobile home park rules apply to all tenants equally?
   Yes. Park rules must be applied fairly and equally to all residents and cannot discriminate.
4. Where do I file a complaint if I believe a park rule or eviction was unfair?
   You can file a complaint with the West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or challenge the eviction in Magistrate Court.
5. What happens if my landlord changes the park rules without proper notice?
   New rules require at least 30 days’ written notice. If you did not receive notice, you may file a complaint with state authorities.

Conclusion: What West Virginia Mobile Home Park Renters Should Remember

• You have a right to fair park rules, proper notice for rent increases, and protection from sudden eviction.
• All park rules must be applied equally; unfair treatment can be reported to state authorities.
• For any dispute, reach out to the Magistrate Court or the Consumer Protection Division for formal assistance.

Staying informed helps protect your home and family in West Virginia mobile home parks.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• West Virginia Magistrate Court Public Resources – For court contacts, forms, and tenant-landlord dispute information
• Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – File complaints about unfair practices, discrimination, or unsafe conditions
• West Virginia Manufactured Home Parks Landlord-Tenant Law – Full text of state legislation covering renter rights and park responsibilities

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1. West Virginia Code Chapter 37, Article 15 – Regulation of Landlords and Tenants of Manufactured Home Communities
2. Notice of Rent Increases (WV Code §37-15-5)
3. West Virginia Magistrate Court (Tribunal for Landlord-Tenant Matters)
4. West Virginia Magistrate Court Forms Portal
5. Mobile Home Park Complaint Form — WV Attorney General

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