Wisconsin Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Guide

If you rent a mobile or manufactured home in Wisconsin, understanding your rights and knowing how to resolve disputes with park management is vital. The state provides several formal and informal ways for tenants to address issues such as rent increases, maintenance delays, or the threat of eviction. This guide explains Wisconsin’s dispute resolution process for mobile home park tenants and highlights the resources, official forms, and legal protections available to you.

Understanding Your Rights as a Mobile Home Park Tenant in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law provides unique protections for mobile and manufactured home tenants, with specific rules for rent increases, park closures, and eviction procedures. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Manufactured Home Regulatory program oversee many issues relating to mobile home parks.^[1]

Common Types of Disputes in Mobile Home Parks

• Unlawful rent increases or fees
• Failure to maintain common areas
• Improper eviction or non-renewal of lease
• Retaliation for complaints

Before taking action, try to resolve problems directly with your landlord or park manager. If informal communication doesn’t work, Wisconsin provides official processes to help.

How to File a Complaint About a Mobile Home Park

If you believe your landlord or park manager is violating state laws or your rental agreement, you can file a formal complaint with the Wisconsin DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resource Center. This is the main government body handling tenant complaints in mobile home parks in the state.

Official Forms for Wisconsin Mobile Home Park Disputes

• DATCP Tenant Complaint Form (Form Number: None)
  When to use: If attempts to resolve the problem with the park owner have failed, use this form to file a complaint about issues such as improper rent increases, lack of repairs, or unfair treatment.
  How to use: Fill out the form with details about your situation and submit it to the DATCP by mail, email, or fax.
  DATCP Tenant Complaint Form
• DATCP Consumer Complaint Online Submission
  When to use: You can also file a complaint online if it is more convenient.
  How to use: Complete your complaint and submit details directly through the online system.
  File a Consumer Complaint Online

If your complaint involves issues like health hazards, contact your local health department as well.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

After receiving your complaint, DATCP will review the information and may contact both you and the landlord for additional details. They can attempt mediation, explain the law, or refer you to another agency if needed. While DATCP cannot force a landlord to take action in every case, their involvement encourages landlords to comply with the law.

What Is the Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Tribunal?

Wisconsin does not have a separate tribunal for mobile home disputes. Instead, unresolved disputes may be heard by the local small claims court (part of the Wisconsin Circuit Courts). The Wisconsin Court System's Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center provides guidance if you need to take your case further. Always seek legal advice if you plan to go to court.

Relevant Legislation Protecting Tenants

• Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15 – Manufactured and Mobile Home Community Law
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant

Your Action Steps for Resolving a Dispute

Here’s a quick summary of what you should do if you’re facing a mobile home park dispute in Wisconsin:

• Talk to your landlord or park manager about the issue. Keep a written record.
• If unresolved, complete the DATCP Tenant Complaint Form or use their online system.
• Submit your complaint with as much evidence as possible (letters, photos, your rental agreement).
• Respond promptly if DATCP contacts you for more information or mediation.
• If necessary, consider small claims court, and review the Wisconsin Courts Landlord/Tenant Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord raise the lot rent without notice?
   No. Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15, your landlord must give at least 28 days’ written notice before increasing rent or changing park rules.
2. What should I do if my mobile home park is being closed or sold?
   In most cases, you are entitled to at least 120 days’ notice. Review your rights under Section 710.15 and contact DATCP for guidance.
3. I got an eviction notice—how much time do I have?
   The required notice period depends on your situation, but you usually must get 60 days’ notice unless you violated major park rules or your lease.
4. How can I get help if my landlord refuses to fix a health hazard?
   Besides filing a complaint with DATCP, contact your local health department if there is a risk to health or safety.
5. Where can I find out the laws that protect me as a mobile home park tenant?
   The main laws are Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15 and Chapter 704.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Mobile Home Renters

• Wisconsin provides dedicated complaint forms and processes to help resolve disputes with mobile home park landlords.
• Know your rights under Section 710.15 and always keep documentation of your communications.
• DATCP is your primary resource for complaints, but small claims court is also an option for unresolved issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DATCP Landlord-Tenant Program: Main state agency for tenant complaints, education, and enforcement.
• DATCP Tenant Complaint Form (PDF)
• Wisconsin Court System Landlord/Tenant Guide: Steps if you need to go to court.
• Wisconsin Local Health Departments: For living condition issues and health hazards.
• Legal Action of Wisconsin: Free legal help for eligible tenants.

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1. [1] Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection – Landlord Tenant Resources
2. [2] Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15 – Manufactured and Mobile Home Community Law
3. [3] Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
4. [4] Wisconsin Court System Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center

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