Do Alabama mobile home park residents have the right to buy their park first?

No, Alabama does not grant a legal 'right of first refusal' for residents. However, residents can organize and approach the owner to make an offer if the park is for sale.

What steps do residents take to begin the ownership process?

Residents should form a residents' association, communicate their interest to the owner in writing, and consider legal and financial steps for an official purchase offer.

Who resolves disputes between residents and park owners in Alabama?

Local district courts under the Alabama Unified Judicial System handle landlord-tenant disputes, including issues around park sales or tenancy changes.

Are there official state forms for converting a mobile home park to resident ownership?

There are no specific Alabama state forms for park conversion. Residents forming a cooperative or association must file business registration forms with the Secretary of State.

Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Alabama: A Guide

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Alabama published June 21, 2025

Facing changes or new opportunities in your mobile home park in Alabama can be overwhelming—especially if the park is being sold or converted. Resident ownership offers renters a chance to gain stability, control, and protect your homes for the long term. This guide explains the basics of how mobile home park conversions to resident ownership work in Alabama, what legal protections apply, and where to find help.

Understanding Resident Ownership in Alabama Mobile Home Parks

Resident ownership means people who live in the park band together—often as a cooperative—to purchase and run the park themselves. This usually happens when the current park owner puts the property up for sale, and the residents are given a chance to buy it first. Alabama does not have a specific resident purchase "right of first refusal" law for mobile home parks, unlike some states. However, residents can still organize and work toward buying their park if the owner is willing to sell.

Steps Typically Involved

Residents form an association or cooperative
The group expresses interest in buying to the park owner
Negotiations start; price and terms are discussed
If agreement is reached, the association secures financing
The purchase is completed, and the residents begin self-management

While Alabama law does not require park owners to sell to residents first, open communication with the owner and clear organization among residents are both key to success.

Key Alabama Laws Covering Mobile Home Parks

Alabama rental and mobile home tenancies are primarily regulated by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA)^[1]. This law covers many of your rights as a renter, including notices about rent increases or park sales, and procedures to end a lease or handle disputes. There is currently no dedicated state agency or tribunal for mobile home park conversions, but general rental laws apply.

Relevant Protections and Notices

Notice Requirements: If the park is closing, being sold, or being converted to a different use, park owners must provide the notice stated in your rental agreement. There are no extra "conversion notice" requirements beyond the lease-based notice in most cases.
Tenant Associations: The AURLTA affirms your right to organize with other residents for mutual benefit (such as exploring ownership).
Eviction and Lease Terms: You are protected by the standard renter rights under AURLTA—including notice before termination or rent increases.

If you and your neighbors are considering buying your park, you may want to form a residents' association. This does not require a specific government form in Alabama, but adopting bylaws and registration paperwork can help you organize finances and responsibilities.

Useful Forms and How to Use Them

Written Notice to Landlord (General Communication):
If you're requesting information or making a formal offer to buy, use a written letter. While Alabama does not provide a state-specific form for this, you can use a basic template and send it by certified mail for proof.
Example: Residents collectively send a "Letter of Interest in Purchase" to notify the park owner of their wish to negotiate a sale.
See recommended notice practices
Business Entity Registration (Resident Cooperative or Association):
If forming a cooperative, file paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State - Business Entities. The form used will depend on whether you incorporate as a nonprofit, cooperative, or LLC. See official forms for Alabama business registration.
Example: Residents file "Domestic Nonprofit Corporation Certificate of Formation" to establish a legal group for the park purchase.

Always document communications and keep copies of any forms submitted to officials or the park owner.

Where to Get Help With Disputes or Questions

If disputes arise regarding your lease or rights as a mobile home park tenant, your main option in Alabama is your local district court, which oversees landlord-tenant matters under the guidance of the Alabama Unified Judicial System^[2]. There is no dedicated state tribunal, but local courts can decide on disputes involving tenancy rights, lease termination, and notices.

Summary of Resident Ownership Pathways

While there is no automatic right for resident purchase in Alabama, residents who organize proactively stand the best chance of successfully purchasing their park if the opportunity arises. Collaboration and clear steps, such as forming an association and communicating in writing, are essential.

What is the first thing residents should do if they want to buy their mobile home park?
Organize a resident meeting and consider forming a residents' association or cooperative. This group can represent your interests, communicate with the park owner, and handle the paperwork needed for a possible purchase.
Do Alabama mobile home park residents have the legal right to buy their park first?
No, Alabama does not have a "right of first refusal" law. Park owners can sell to whomever they choose, but residents can organize and request to make an offer.
Who handles disputes if residents and park owners disagree about tenancy or ownership?
Local district courts oversee rental disputes as part of the Alabama Unified Judicial System.
Are there official state forms for mobile home park conversions?
No specific state-issued forms exist for resident purchase of a park. However, business entity registration documents must be filed if residents form a cooperative or association.
Where can Alabama renters learn about their legal rights?
The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act overview is available from the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Conclusion: What Alabama Mobile Home Park Renters Should Remember

Resident ownership is possible if residents are organized, but there is no legal right of first purchase in Alabama.
The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act protects general renter rights, including notice of park sales and tenancy changes.
Use official channels and clear documentation—such as written notices and proper business filings—for any conversion effort.

While the law does not guarantee a resident purchase option, renters who work together and follow official processes stand a better chance of success.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Alabama Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Law: Guides, FAQs, and consumer resources.
Alabama Unified Judicial System – Find Your District Court: For legal disputes and court filings.
Alabama Secretary of State – Business Entity Forms: For cooperative or association registration forms.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Alabama Renters: Federal renter protections and local housing information.