Mobile Homes: Rights and Responsibilities of Park Owners in Chicago

Park owners have specific duties under the Illinois Mobile Homes Landlord and Tenant Act to ensure fair treatment of tenants and proper maintenance of the mobile home park. Below is an overview of their rights and responsibilities:

Responsibilities of Park Owners:

1. Provide Safe and Habitable Conditions
   • The landlord can only rent when the mobile home conforms with sanitation, housing, and health codes of the state, county, or municipality it is located in. 765 ILCS 745/4. 
   • Keep shared areas like roads, playgrounds, and utility spaces clean and safe.
   • Maintain utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage connections in working order. If the park’s water supply is disrupted for more than three days, the park owner must provide enough water for each household based on basic survival needs. This rule does not apply if the water outage is caused by something outside the park owner’s control. 765 ILCS 745/14.3.
   • Keep all exterior property areas not rented to tenants free from harmful weeds and plant growth. 765 ILCS 745/11. 
   • Maintain all roads within the mobile home park in good condition. 765 ILCS 745/11.
   • Park owners must clearly list all services and facilities provided, such as lawn maintenance, snow removal, garbage disposal, and recreational facilities. 765 ILCS 745/11.
2. Offer a Written Lease
   • Provide tenants with a written lease that clearly states the terms of the rental agreement. It needs to be at least 24 months. But, the tenant and landlord can choose a different term. 765 ILCS 745/6. 
   • Identify to each tenant the lot area they are responsible for before they move in. 765 ILCS 745/11. 
   • Disclose the full names and addresses of all individuals with legal or equitable title to the park, or the designated agent. 765 ILCS 745/11. 
   • Give tenants at least 90 days' notice before any rent increase. 765 ILCS 745/6(d).
   • The lease needs to include a printed notice. 765 ILCS 745/17. To read the required language, click here.
3. Respect Tenant Privacy
   • Do not enter a tenant’s mobile home without their permission, except in emergencies. 765 ILCS 745/11.
4. Disclose Information
   • Share contact details of the park owner or manager with tenants. 765 ILCS 745/11.
   • Inform tenants about park rules and regulations in writing.
   • Provide a custodian’s office and furnish each tenant with the name, address, and telephone number of the custodian and designated office. 765 ILCS 745/11.
5. Adhere to Legal Evictions
   • Evictions can only be based on non-payment of rent, breaking park rules, or violating state or local laws.
6. Antenna and Television Services
   • Park owners cannot make tenants remove an outside conventional television antenna or to subscribe to and pay for master antenna television services instead of using an outside antenna. 765 ILCS 745/4a.
   • If master antenna television services are offered for free, park owners can require removal of an outside antenna, as long as the price of such services is not included in the tenant’s rent.
7. Diligent Inquiry after Mobile Home Owner Abandons Property
   • If a mobile home is abandoned or repossessed and then sold, the park owner must first use the money to pay off any rent, fees, and other costs. After that, any remaining money goes to the tenant-homeowner. If they cannot be found within 90 days, the money is forfeited. 765 ILCS 745/9.5. 
   • If a mobile home is abandoned after an eviction or repossession, the park owner must follow state laws on handling the home and any personal belongings left inside.

Rights of Park Owners:

1. Enforce Rules
   • Create and enforce reasonable park rules to ensure safety and order.
   • Rules must apply equally to all tenants.
2. Collect Rent and Fees
   • Charge rent as stated in the lease and collect other approved fees for services.
3. Sell or Close the Park
   • Park owners can sell or close the park but must give tenants proper notice and follow specific legal steps.