Living in a Mobile Home Community in Virginia

If you own a mobile home and rent the lot it sits on, Virginia has specific protections for you. There are rules for what your landlord can and cannot do. You also have tools to push back when things go wrong.

You may hear your home called a manufactured home. That is now the official legal term in Virginia for what most people call a mobile home. They are the same thing. The law that covers your situation is called the Manufactured Home Landlord-Tenant Act, or MHLRA.

This page explains the basics about mobile homes and links to more detailed information depending on your situation.

What are the rules about my lease and rent?

Your landlord must offer you a written one-year lease. You do not have to accept month-to-month. Your landlord must give you written notice before raising your rent. Late fees are also capped. It is the law.

Read more: Leases, Rent, and Fees

What can my landlord do?

Your landlord owns the lot, not your home. They cannot enter your home without your agreement. They cannot charge your guests a fee to visit. There are also rules about what your landlord can and cannot make you do.

Read more: What Your Landlord Can and Cannot Do

What if something needs to be repaired?

Your landlord is responsible for keeping common areas like roads and water lines in good shape. If your landlord will not act on repairs, there are steps you can take.

Read more: Repairs and Maintenance

What if I get an eviction notice?

An eviction from your lot is serious. You may have to move your entire home, which is expensive and takes time to arrange. Deadlines are short. If you get a notice, act right away.

Read more: Facing Eviction from Your Lot

Can I sell or move my home?

Your home is yours, and you can sell it to a buyer of your choice. Your landlord cannot interfere with the sale itself.

However, your landlord does have the right to approve or deny anyone who wants to live in the community. This means a landlord cannot stop you from selling your home, but they can reject your buyer's application to live in the park. If that happens, your buyer would own the home but not be allowed to live there. This can make it harder to find a buyer.

Read more: Selling or Moving Your Home

What if my community is being sold or closed?

If your community is being sold or converted to another use, your landlord must notify you in writing. In some cases, you may qualify for financial help to relocate. You and your neighbors may also have the right to put in a competing offer to buy the community.

Read more: If Your Community Is Being Sold or Closed

Complaints, organizing, and retaliation

You can file a complaint, talk to the press, form a tenant group, or take your landlord to court. Virginia law says your landlord cannot punish you for any of these things.

Read more: Complaints, Organizing, and Retaliation

Where can I get free or low-cost help?

• Find your local legal aid office: virginialawhelp.org/get-legal-help
• Ask a lawyer a question online for free: virginia.freelegalanswers.org
• Get a low-cost attorney consultation for $35: vsb.org/Site/legal-help/vlrs.aspx

Things to remember

• Your landlord must offer you a written one-year lease. You do not have to accept month-to-month.
• Your landlord must give you written notice before raising your rent.
• Virginia law protects you from being punished for complaining or organizing.
• If you get an eviction notice, act right away. Deadlines are short.