Introduction
Mobile home communities are vital to Texas’s affordable housing landscape, with over 1,200 parks and hundreds of thousands of residents statewide.
However, many renters feel uncertain about their rights, especially regarding rent increases, evictions, and park rules.
This guide provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of your rights as a mobile home renter in Texas, based on the latest laws and best practices for 2025
Overview: Mobile Home Living in Texas
Texas is home to one of the largest populations of mobile home residents in the United States. These communities offer affordable housing options for retirees, families, and individuals on fixed incomes.
Most residents own their homes but rent the land (the “lot”) from a park owner, making them vulnerable to lot rent increases and other tenancy issues.
Key Facts:
- Over 1,200 mobile home parks in Texas.
- Residents often face sudden rent hikes, unclear lease terms, and additional fees.
- Texas law provides specific protections for mobile home renters, but there is no statewide rent control.
Key Rights for Mobile Home Renters
Notice Requirements for Lot Rent Increases
Texas Property Code Title 8, Chapter 94 governs manufactured home tenancies. Under this law:
- Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing the lot rent
- The notice must be in writing, delivered by hand, certified mail, or posted at the home.
- It must clearly state the effective date of the increase.
- If the landlord gives less than 60 days’ notice, the rent increase is invalid
Pro Tip: Always keep copies of all notices and communications from your park management.
Limits on Rent Increases
- No Rent Control: Texas does not have rent control laws for mobile home parks. There is no legal cap on the percentage increase in rent.
- A park could raise rent by 5%, 10%, or even 30% if it gives proper notice.
- Frequency: Texas law does not limit how often rent can be increased.
- Most leases lock in rent for 12 months, so changes typically occur at renewal.
- For month-to-month leases, rent can be increased with 60 days’ notice.
Necessary: Review your lease for any clauses about rent increases or frequency.
Retaliation Protections
Texas law protects tenants from retaliation by park owners:
- Section 94.251 of the Texas Property Code prohibits landlords from increasing rent, decreasing services, or evicting tenants within six months after a tenant:
- Files a complaint with a government agency.
- Joins a tenants’ association.
- Reports code violations.
- If you believe a rent increase is retaliatory, you can dispute it.
Eviction Protections
- Retaliatory Evictions: Landlords cannot legally evict you for filing complaints or joining a tenants’ association within six months of such actions.
- Notice Requirements: Eviction notices must comply with Texas law and your lease terms.
- Habitability Issues: If your home or park is unsafe or not maintained, you can file a complaint without fear of legal eviction in retaliation.
Common Issues Faced by Mobile Home Renters
Mobile home renters in Texas often encounter the following challenges:
- Sudden and Unregulated Lot Rent Increases: Without rent control, renters may face significant and unexpected rent hikes, especially on month-to-month leases.
- Retaliatory Actions: Some landlords may attempt to increase rent or evict tenants after complaints or organising, but this is illegal under Texas law.
- Unclear Lease Terms: Many renters are unaware of clauses that allow mid-term rent increases or other unfavourable terms.
- Additional Fees: Renters may be charged extra for maintenance, utilities, or amenities, sometimes without clear disclosure.
- Difficulty Relocating: Moving a manufactured home is expensive and complex, making it hard for renters to leave if conditions become unfavourable.
- Limited Awareness of Rights: Many tenants do not know their legal protections or how to access help.
How to Dispute Unfair Practices
If you believe your rights have been violated, take these steps:
- Document Everything: Save all notices, emails, and communications from your landlord or park management.
- Review Your Lease: Check for clauses about rent increases, fees, and eviction procedures.
- Send a Formal Dispute Letter: Clearly state your concerns and reference the relevant sections of the Texas Property Code.
- File a Complaint: Contact the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) if you believe a rent increase or eviction is unlawful.
- Seek Legal Help: Reach out to legal aid organisations for assistance (see below).
Legal Resources and Tenant Organisations
Several organisations can help you understand and defend your rights:
- Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) – Manufactured Housing Division
- Handles complaints and provides resources for mobile home renters.
- TDHCA Manufactured Housing | (877) 313-3023
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)
- Offers free legal assistance to low-income renters.
- TRLA
- HUD Mobile Home Complaint Office
- Addresses federal violations and habitability issues.
- HUD Manufactured Housing
- Tenants’ Associations
- Texas law protects your right to join or form a tenants’ association. Retaliation for doing so is illegal .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can my landlord raise my lot rent during my lease?
A: No, unless your lease explicitly allows for mid-term increases. Most leases lock in rent for 12 months.
Q: What if I’m on a month-to-month lease?
A: Your landlord can increase rent with 60 days’ written notice. You must accept the increase or move out.
Q: Is there a limit to how much my rent can be increased?
A: No, Texas does not have rent control for mobile home parks. There is no cap on the percentage increase.
Q: What should I do if I think a rent increase is retaliatory?
A: Document your situation, send a formal dispute letter, and file a complaint with TDHCA. Retaliatory increases within six months of a protected action are illegal.
Q: Can I be evicted for complaining about rent or park conditions?
A: No, Texas law prohibits eviction in retaliation for complaints or joining a tenants’ association within six months of such actions.
Q: Where can I get help?
A: Contact TDHCA, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, or HUD for assistance. Joining a tenants’ association can also provide support.
Conclusion
As a mobile home renter in Texas, you have necessary rights and protections under state law.
While park owners can raise lot rent, they must provide at least 60 days’ written notice and cannot retaliate against you for standing up for your rights.
There is no rent control, so staying informed, reviewing your lease, and knowing how to dispute unfair practices is essential.
Contact the resources listed above for help and support if you face challenges.
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