Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Alaska: Your Rights

For many Alaska residents, living in a mobile home park means having a place that's affordable and tight-knit. When a park is put up for sale, renters often worry about rent increases or losing their homes. Alaska law offers an important opportunity: residents can come together and purchase the park themselves, ensuring secure, long-term housing. This guide explains how this process works, what forms you’ll need, and how to protect your rights under Alaska law.

Understanding Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Alaska

Alaska law allows residents of a mobile home park to purchase the park if the owner decides to sell. This process is known as conversion to resident ownership. By buying the park together (often as a cooperative or association), residents gain more control over rent and the upkeep of their community. The process is protected under the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

When Can Residents Purchase the Park?

The park owner must notify tenants in writing if they plan to sell or change the use of the park. Alaska law requires this notice to be sent to each tenant at least 90 days before a sale or any conversion to another use (such as redevelopment). This gives residents time to organize and make an offer to purchase the park.

• The notice must state that residents have a chance to buy the park.
• This requirement helps prevent sudden evictions or loss of affordable housing.

Key Steps for Resident Ownership Conversion

If you and your neighbors want to pursue ownership, you typically need to do the following:

• Form a resident organization or cooperative.
• Submit a written offer to purchase the park within the legal time frame (usually within the 90-day window).
• Negotiate terms with the current park owner.
• Obtain financing or support (through member contributions or groups like ROC USA).

Working together as a group increases your bargaining power and helps meet legal requirements.

Required Forms and Helpful Examples

To begin the process, several key forms may be involved. Below are the most relevant for Alaska renters:

• Notice of Intent to Sell
  Name/Number: No specific state form; owners must provide a written notice.
  When/How It's Used: Required when park owners plan to sell. Tenants should keep a copy and use it to organize a response.
  See details in the Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act booklet, p. 28.
• Articles of Incorporation for a Cooperative
  Name/Number: State of Alaska Form 08-454 (Domestic Cooperative Corporation Articles of Incorporation).
  When/How It's Used: If residents choose to form a legal cooperative to purchase and manage the park, they must file this form with the Alaska Division of Corporations.
  Download the official Articles of Incorporation for Cooperatives.
• Notice of Tenant Association Purchase Offer
  Name/Number: No standardized form; residents should create a written offer letter.
  When/How It's Used: Deliver this written offer to the owner within the 90-day period, outlining your intention and proposed terms.
  See Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act booklet (p. 29) for recommended content.

Your Legal Protections

Under Alaska’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, park owners must:

• Give proper written notice of intent to sell or change park use
• Allow at least 90 days for tenants to organize and make an offer
• Consider bona fide (good faith) offers from resident groups

If you suspect the owner did not follow these rules, you can file a complaint or seek mediation from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED).

Summary of Steps and What to Do Next

To take action, residents should:

• Watch for written notices from the park owner.
• Talk to neighbors and hold a meeting to discuss interest in ownership.
• Form an association or cooperative (file articles of incorporation if needed).
• Draft and deliver a written purchase offer within the 90-day window.
• Consult with DCCED or seek legal advice if you encounter difficulties.

Official rules and forms may be updated. Always refer to the latest state guidance and contact DCCED for clarification.

FAQ: Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership in Alaska

1. What if I never receive notice that my park is for sale?
   The owner is legally required to notify you in writing. If this does not happen, contact the Alaska Department of Commerce immediately to report the issue.
2. How much time do residents have to organize a purchase?
   Alaska law grants at least 90 days from the notice date, but acting as soon as possible improves your chances.
3. Do all tenants have to join the cooperative or purchase group?
   No, but the more residents who participate, the stronger your position. Participation is voluntary.
4. Can the park owner reject a resident offer?
   Yes, but they must genuinely consider any good-faith proposal from tenants and can’t discriminate against your group.
5. Where do I file a complaint if I believe the process was unfair?
   You can file complaints with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), which oversees consumer and housing issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Alaska law gives mobile home park residents a clear opportunity to buy their park if it’s being sold.
• Acting quickly, organizing with neighbors, and submitting a timely offer are essential.
• DCCED is your official resource for questions or complaints about the process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) – Consumer Complaints: File complaints or get mediation help
• Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act Booklet: Detailed explanation of tenant and landlord rights (especially see pages 27–29)
• Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03): Full text of the law governing mobile home parks
• Alaska Court System Self-Help Center – Housing: Legal help and forms for renters
• Alaska Division of Corporations: Cooperative Incorporation Forms: Set up a residents' association or cooperative

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1. Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03)
2. Alaska Department of Commerce: Landlord and Tenant Act Booklet (2024)
3. Alaska Division of Corporations - Cooperative Forms
4. DCCED – Consumer Complaints

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