Mobile home lot rent rules in Maryland

Maryland has a dedicated Mobile Homes law — Real Property Article, Title 8A — that governs lot tenancies in mobile home parks. It guarantees a one-year lease, sets the notice required before a rent increase, and limits park-fee increases. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone dealing with a specific increase should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Maryland.

What the statute says

On the lease term, Md. Code, Real Property §8A-202(a) provides that "a park owner shall offer all current and prospective year-round residents a rental agreement for a period of not less than 1 year." After the initial term the resident moves to a month-to-month tenancy unless a longer term is agreed (§8A-202(b)), and a "qualified resident" is entitled to be offered a renewed one-year agreement.

On a rent increase at renewal, §8A-202(i)(2) provides:

If a park owner intends to offer the renewal of a lease agreement with an increase in rent, the park owner shall provide notice to the resident of the rent increase no later than 60 days before the expiration of the existing rental agreement.

Park fees — charges for use of the park or for services, which are defined separately from rent — are governed by §8A-401(a): "a park owner may increase a park fee only if the park owner delivers to each resident a notice in writing of the increase at least 30 days before the effective date of the increased park fee," and if the park fails to give notice "the park owner may not collect the increased amount."

How it works in general

A park must offer every year-round resident at least a one-year lease, with the rent and all park fees stated in the agreement. To raise the rent at a one-year renewal, the park must give the resident at least 60 days' written notice before the current term ends. Park fees (distinct from base rent) can be raised only with at least 30 days' written notice, and a fee increase given without notice cannot be collected. There is no statewide cap on the amount of an increase — the lease and market set the number, while Title 8A sets the process, the lease term, and the notice.

Common scenarios

General examples Maryland park residents commonly encounter:

• A renewal offer raises the rent. It must reach the resident at least 60 days before the existing term expires (§8A-202(i)).
• A park raises a service or use fee. That requires at least 30 days' written notice, and an un-noticed increase can't be collected (§8A-401).
• A resident wants a stable term. The park must offer a one-year lease, and a qualified resident can renew for another year (§8A-202).

Other authorities that may apply

Title 8A governs the tenancy and cannot be waived — §8A-202(e) voids a rental-agreement clause by which "the resident agrees to waive or to forego any right or remedy provided by applicable law." The written rental agreement supplies the rent amount and any longer notice. Local ordinances may add protections (and a county law that gives less protection than the retaliation rule is superseded under §8A-1301(f)), and federal law such as the Fair Housing Act can apply to how an increase is administered.