Mobile home lot rent rules in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a strong dedicated law for manufactured housing parks — RSA Chapter 205-A. It requires advance notice and an explanation before a rent increase and gives residents a mediation pathway, though it does not cap the amount. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone dealing with a specific increase should consider consulting a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.

What the statute says

RSA 205-A:6, I requires the park to "fully disclose in writing all terms and conditions of the tenancy including rental, utility and service charges," and provides that "no charges so disclosed may be increased by the park owner or operator without an explanation for the increase and specifying the date of implementation of said increase, which date shall be no less than 60 days after written notice to the tenant, and providing notice of the opportunity for voluntary private mediation of the increase."

RSA 205-A:6, I-a requires every rent-increase notice to state, in bold, that residents "may be able to engage in mediation, with the cost of the mediator to be fully paid by the park owner, if: at least one adult member of no less than 51 percent of the home owners in the park signs a petition requesting mediation, and the rent increase exceeds $15 per month." Separately, a change to park rules generally requires the tenant's written consent or "3 months' written notice" (RSA 205-A:4, V).

How it works in general

A New Hampshire park must give at least 60 days' written notice before a rent or other charge increase, and the notice must explain the increase and tell residents about mediation. There is no statewide cap on the amount, but if an increase exceeds $15 a month and at least 51% of homeowners sign a petition, the residents can require mediation — and the park pays the mediator. Rule changes that weren't agreed to need three months' notice.

Common scenarios

General examples New Hampshire park residents commonly encounter:

• A rent increase takes effect on short notice. It is not valid without 60 days' written notice and an explanation (RSA 205-A:6, I).
• Residents think an increase is unreasonable. A petition by 51% of homeowners can force mediation (at the park's cost) if the increase exceeds $15/month (RSA 205-A:6, I-a).
• A park changes the rules. That generally requires written consent or three months' notice (RSA 205-A:4, V).

Other authorities that may apply

Chapter 205-A governs the tenancy and cannot be waived (RSA 205-A:10); a violation can be an unfair trade practice (RSA 205-A:13-a). The written rental agreement supplies the rent and any longer notice, and the Manufactured Housing Consumer Action Program administers the mediation. Federal law such as the Fair Housing Act can apply to how an increase is administered.