Mobile Homes Law & Legal Definition

Mobile Home is defined as “a detached residential dwelling unit designed for transportation after fabrication on streets or highways on its own wheels or a flatbed or other trailer, and arriving at the site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, location on jacks or other temporary or permanent foundations, connections to utilities, and the like. A travel trailer is not to be considered a mobile home." See Greene County v. N. Shore Resort, 238 Ga. App. 236, 237 (Ga. Ct. App. 1999)

A mobile home may be defined as a movable or portable dwelling built on a chassis, connected to utilities, designed without a permanent foundation, and intended for year-round living. Mobile homes and the land used for mobile home park purposes have seen increasing demand and therefore, the need for laws governing their sale, lease, utilities, recreational facilities, parks, etc., has also risen.

A lease of space within a mobile home park is similar to a general residential lease, except that the contract specifies that the residence is not affixed to the land and is the property of the tenant. Additionally, many mobile home parks provide recreational areas and facilities for use of park residents, and the rights of the residents to use the facilities are generally set forth in the lease. Extra charges which are not illegal under state or federal discrimination laws may be assessed.

State laws, which vary by state, govern operations of mobile home parks and the rights and remedies of the parties. For example, RV parks may limit the size of vehicles. Such laws often define the rights of the mobile home park owner to evict tenants. The most common remedy for a failure to pay rent is a contact action to recover money damages. A landlord's lien against the property may also be sought, however, it may be subject to a prior security interest. Local laws should be consulted for specific requirements in your area.