Rights of tenants in mobile home parks
If you live in a mobile home or manufactured home park, there are certain additional protections that apply to you. If you feel your rights have been violated call the Manufactured Homes Program at 1-800-432-4210.
Limits on Rent Increases
New York law limits how much a manufactured home park owner can increase your rent, including the lot rent and any fees or utilities.
- In most cases, rent increases are limited to 3%, but park owners can raise the rent up to 6% if the increase is determined to be “justifiable.”
- If your park owner asks for a rent increase that is more than 3%, you can challenge the increase in court. The judge will determine whether the increase is justifiable.
Rent-to-Own Protections
- If you are entering into a rent-to-own agreement with a manufactured home park owner, they must provide you with a contract that clearly describes:
- The terms of the contract.
- Any and all fees, rent, or other charges due during the life of the contract.
- The fair market value of the manufactured home.
- The responsibility of the manufactured home park owner to cover major repairs and improvements during the rental period.
- All leases must include a rider regarding tenant rights.
- Every rent-to-own contract must state that until the title to the property is transferred, you are occupying a rented home. It must also state that until that time, the park owner is responsible for keeping your home in habitable condition; making all major repairs and improvements; and keeping it free from conditions that would be dangerous to your health and safety.
- Once a year, you are entitled to an itemized account of all payments that you made in relation to the rent-to-own contract.
- If your lease is terminated by the park owner, the owner must pay back all of the rent-to-own payments that you paid in addition to any lot and/or home rent
If you feel your rights have been violated, or have questions, you can search for a legal aid organization in your area here.