Wisconsin Renters: Mobile Home Park Closure Relocation Rights

If you rent a space in a mobile home park in Wisconsin, learning that your park may be closing can be a stressful experience. Understanding your rights under Wisconsin law is essential, especially when it comes to relocation assistance. This guide explains what happens when a park shuts down, the steps you can take, and what help is available to renters and homeowners in manufactured housing communities.

What Happens When a Mobile Home Park Closes?

In Wisconsin, if the owner of a manufactured or mobile home community decides to close or convert the property, they must follow Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15. This law gives you notice rights and may qualify you for relocation assistance if your home cannot stay in the park.

• Advance Notice: Park owners must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before asking residents to move due to closure or redevelopment.
• Eligible for Relocation Assistance: Homeowners whose units cannot reasonably be relocated may be entitled to state financial aid or the opportunity to sell their homes to the park owner.
• Alternative Accommodations: You should start looking for new parks or housing options as soon as you receive a notice.

Relocation Assistance Programs in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) operates the Mobile Home Park Closure Assistance Program. This program helps eligible manufactured/mobile home owners with moving or demolition costs if their park is closing.

• Homeowners of qualifying units may receive payments for reasonable relocation expenses.
• If your home cannot be moved, there may be funds available for demolition.
• Applications must be submitted with supporting documentation (e.g., notice of closure, moving estimates).

Key Official Form: Application for Park Closure Assistance

• Form name: Mobile Home Park Closure Assistance Application
• How it’s used: If you are required to move because of a park closure, use this form to apply for state assistance with relocation or demolition costs.
• Practical example: Jane, a mobile homeowner, receives an official park closure notice and must vacate in 60 days. She gets moving quotes and submits them along with the completed application to the DOA.
• Access this application and instructions on the Department of Administration website.

Wisconsin Residential Tribunal

If you cannot resolve relocation, habitability, or refund disagreements with your park operator, you can take your case to a Wisconsin small claims court. Park closures and rental disputes typically fall under civil court jurisdiction.

• Wisconsin Courts - Landlord & Tenant Self-Help Center

Your Rights Under Wisconsin State Legislation

Wisconsin’s core law on mobile home communities is found in Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15: Manufactured and Mobile Home Communities.^[1]

• It requires written rental agreements (including terms for closure or conversion).
• Ensures you get at least 60 days’ notice before eviction due to park closure.
• Describes the process for relocation assistance and dispute rights.

Summary

When a Wisconsin mobile home park is closed, renters and homeowners have important protections. These include formal notice requirements, possible eligibility for state relocation assistance, and help resolving disputes through local courts.

FAQs: Relocation Help for Manufactured Home Residents

1. How much notice must I get before being asked to leave due to park closure?
   Wisconsin law requires park operators to give you at least 60 days’ written notice before a park is closed or redeveloped.
2. Am I eligible for relocation assistance if my mobile home park closes?
   If you own your mobile home and cannot move it, you may qualify for state assistance through the Wisconsin Department of Administration's program. Renters of homes (not homeowners) typically do not qualify, but should check available support options.
3. Where can I get the application for relocation assistance?
   You can find the application forms and eligibility guidelines on the Wisconsin DOA Mobile Home Park Closure Assistance website.
4. What should I do if I disagree with the relocation payment or timing?
   You may file a civil action in Wisconsin small claims court if you feel your rights have been violated under the state law regarding park closures.
5. What legal protections do I have if my park owner does not follow the law?
   Tenants and homeowners can seek remedies under Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15. You may report violations or take civil action for enforcement.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Mobile home park owners must give a minimum of 60 days' notice before closing.
• If you own your mobile home, you may be eligible for state relocation financial help.
• Always use official applications and seek legal support if you face obstacles or disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin DOA Mobile Home Park Closure Assistance: Program details, eligibility, applications.
• Wisconsin Court System – Landlord/Tenant Self-Help: Information on resolving disputes and filing small claims.
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Landlord/Tenant Resources: Legal facts and complaint contacts.

---

1. Wisconsin Statutes Section 710.15 – Manufactured and Mobile Home Communities
2. Wisconsin Department of Administration – Mobile Home Park Closure Assistance
3. Wisconsin Court System – Landlord/Tenant Self-Help

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations