Cal. Civ. Code § 8A-1102
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8A — Mobile Homes
Operative Text
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Threaten to take possession” means using words or actions intended to convince a reasonable person that the park owner intends to take imminent possession of the leased premises in violation of this section. (3) (i) “Willful diminution of services” means intentionally interrupting or causing the interruption of heat, running water, hot water, electricity, or gas by the park owner for the purpose of forcing a resident to abandon the property. (ii) “Willful diminution of services” does not include a park owner choosing not to continue to pay for utility service for the leased premises after a final court order awarding possession of the leased premises, if the park owner has provided the resident reasonable notice of the owner’s intention and the opportunity for the resident to open an account in the resident’s name for that service. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a park owner may not take possession or threaten to take possession of leased premises from a resident or resident holding over by locking the resident out or any other action, including willful diminution of services to the resident. (2) A park owner may take possession of leased premises from a resident or resident holding over only: (i) In accordance with a warrant of restitution issued by a court and executed by a sheriff or constable; or (ii) If the resident has abandoned or surrendered possession of the leased premises. (c) (1) If in any proceeding the court finds in favor of the resident because the park owner violated subsection (b) of this section, the resident may recover: (i) Actual damages; and (ii) Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. (2) The remedies set forth in this subsection are not exclusive.
Under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8A-1102, a mobile home park owner is prohibited from retaking possession of a leased lot through self-help measures such as changing locks or deliberately cutting off essential utilities like heat, water, or electricity to pressure a resident into leaving. The only lawful ways a park owner may reclaim a lot are through a court-issued warrant of restitution carried out by a sheriff or constable, or when a resident has voluntarily abandoned or surrendered the premises. A resident who prevails in a court proceeding based on a violation of this section may recover actual damages as well as reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Park owners and property managers operating under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8A-1102 are expected to pursue possession exclusively through the court process — obtaining a warrant of restitution and having it executed by a sheriff or constable — rather than through any form of self-help. Compliant operators do not change locks, remove belongings, or interrupt utility services such as heat, running water, or electricity as a means of pressuring a resident to vacate. After a final court order awarding possession, a park owner who chooses to stop paying for utility service generally provides the resident reasonable notice and an opportunity to open an account in the resident's own name before doing so.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8A-1102 of the Maryland Real Property Code gives mobile home park residents explicit protection against lockouts and deliberate utility shutoffs intended to force them out without a court order. If a park owner takes or threatens possession through prohibited means, a resident who prevails in court may be entitled to recover actual damages as well as reasonable attorney's fees and costs under this provision. Residents who believe their park owner has violated § 8A-1102 may consider documenting the conduct, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring available legal aid resources to understand the enforcement paths open to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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