Mobile home parks provide an affordable place to live for thousands of people. According to Mobile Home Parks Statistics from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), in 2021, there were 5,246 mobile home and RV parks in California. As a result of the increasing number of mobile home parks, California has extensive legislation pertaining to mobile home park residents' rights, rules, and regulations– Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL).
Mobilehome Residency Law
The Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL) is a section of the California Civil Code containing the rights and responsibilities of mobile home park owners and park management. The MRL is the "landlord-tenant law" for mobile homes and RV parks, which the courts enforce. The Senate Select Committee on Manufactured Home Communities states that the HCD has no authority to enforce violations of this law.
Mobilehome Park Residents’ Rights
Challenges can sometimes arise in mobile home parks between park management and residents. California created specific programs to help resolve these disputes. These laws below establish requirements for fees, permits, and responsibilities of park operators and the HCD to enforce the regulations and laws that protect mobile home park residents.
Mobilehome Parks Act
Special Occupancy Act
The RV Park Occupancy Law
Each year, California legislation strives to provide residents with fundamental rights and a livable, reasonably safe living environment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It's crucial to speak with a Mobile Home Park Attorney to discuss your rights.
The MRL establishes specific rights for mobile home residents and responsibilities of homeowners; these include the following:
Management must give residents written notice of any rent increase at least 90 days before the increase.
Residents have access to park facilities.
Residents have a right to assemble peacefully and meet in the mobile park.
Residents have the right to gather in common areas.
Mobile homeowners must pay annual property tax in California.
Residents have the right to keep at least one pet in their homes.
Park owners must provide information about rental agreements and park conditions to potential renters.
Park Owner Responsibilities
California's laws and regulations for mobile home park residents aim to prevent abuse and mistreatment against residents pertaining to residents' rights; the rules also state how mobile home park owners have certain obligations ensuring the quality of the park's condition and the residents’ quality of life. Park owners should be:
Keeping the park reasonably safe from impending harm.
Maintaining cleanliness of the park.
Maintaining proper infrastructure and road conditions.
Ensuring that utilities are working correctly.
Addressing problems within the park.
Enforcing rules and regulations for residents.
As of July 1, 2020, residents of mobilehome parks are now entitled to submit a complaint for an alleged violation of the Mobilehome Residency Law. If you need assistance in filing a complaint, our team is here to help.
Contact a Chico Mobilehome Park Lawyer
Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP has over 125 years of legal experience representing mobile home victims harmed by the negligence of a mobile home owner failing to uphold their duty. Residents in mobile homes and RV parks are entitled to live in safe conditions, free from potential hazards. If you are a mobile home park resident and you have had your rights violated, we advise that you seek a skilled mobile home park attorney to discuss your rights. Contact us today at (530) 342-3593, to schedule your free consultation.