Legal Steps to Sell a Manufactured Home in Arizona

Selling a manufactured or mobile home in Arizona comes with its own legal process, rights, and specific paperwork. Whether you own your home but rent the lot, or plan to sell while staying on rented land, understanding the steps can help you avoid delays, legal issues, and misunderstandings. This guide explains the essential Arizona laws, required forms, and your rights as both a renter and seller.

Understanding Ownership and Tenancy Laws in Arizona

Manufactured home sellers in Arizona must consider both the home's ownership and the lot rental agreement. Arizona’s landlord-tenant relationship for these circumstances is primarily governed by the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 33, Chapters 10 and 11—covering both the Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and general landlord-tenant rights.^[1] Additionally, the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) oversees manufactured housing licensing and transactions through its Manufactured Housing Division.^[2]

Key Legal Steps to Selling Your Manufactured Home in Arizona

Completing a manufactured home sale involves a few important legal requirements, especially if your home is located in a mobile home park.

1. Check Your Lease and Notify the Park Manager

• Read your lot rental agreement for any restrictions or requirements related to selling your home.
• Most parks require you to provide written notice to the park manager before listing or transferring ownership. This notice often must include the buyer’s information before the transfer.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

• Title / Ownership Documentation: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) issues a Certificate of Title (similar to vehicle titles). This is necessary for any sale or transfer. Learn more at the ADOT Manufactured Homes Title Transfer Page.^[3]
• Bill of Sale: While not always required by law, a bill of sale signed by buyer and seller protects both parties and is recommended.
• Notice to Park Management (if renting land): Arizona law (A.R.S. § 33-1452) requires you to notify the park of the sale and gives them the opportunity to meet the same offer (“right of first refusal”) in some cases. Use written notice—check your park’s requirements or ask for their preferred form.

3. Complete the Title Transfer

• Both seller and buyer must sign the Arizona Manufactured Home Title at an authorized ADOT title office or an MVD office.
• Pay any required fees and ensure all liens are released before transfer. For full instructions, read the ADOT Guide to Manufactured/Mobile Home Title Transfers (Form 48-2002).

4. Park Management’s Approval for the New Owner

• Arizona law lets park management approve or deny a buyer as a new tenant (for lot rental), but only on the same terms as other applicants. They cannot unreasonably restrict you from selling.
• If management denies a buyer for discriminatory reasons or without valid cause, you may challenge their decision through the ADOH Dispute Resolution Program.^[4]

5. Finalize the Sale and End Your Lease (If Necessary)

• Once the sale is complete and the park approves your buyer, notify the park in writing that you have sold the home and request to terminate your lot lease according to lease terms.
• Return any keys or passes, and settle outstanding utility or lot fees.

Required Official Forms for Arizona Manufactured Home Sales

Here are some forms and how they apply to renters selling a manufactured home in Arizona:

• Arizona Motor Vehicle Title Application (Form 96-0236): Used to transfer the title of a manufactured/mobile home. Complete this form with the buyer at an ADOT MVD office.
  See official instructions and the form at the ADOT Forms page.
• Dispute Resolution Request (Manufactured Housing): Use this if you have a conflict with your landlord or park management regarding the sale or any disputes that arise. Submit the request via the ADOH Dispute Resolution Program website.
• Notice of Intent to Sell Form: Some parks provide their own version for you to complete. If not, provide written notice including buyer information and the planned sale date as required under A.R.S. § 33-1452.

Example: If you are selling your home to another renter, you would provide a Notice of Intent to Sell to the park manager, complete a Bill of Sale with the buyer, and meet at the ADOT office to transfer the official title using the Arizona Motor Vehicle Title Application (Form 96-0236).

Your Rights and Protections as a Seller and Tenant

• The park cannot stop you from selling solely because you are a renter, but can require proper notice and approve the new occupant fairly.
• They must process your sale promptly per Arizona landlord-tenant law and cannot charge excessive transfer or application fees.
• If you face delays or believe the park is violating your rights, contact the state’s Manufactured Housing Division or file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Housing.

What Arizona Law Says—Legislation and Tribunal Oversight

• The main legislation is the Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. § 33-1401 et seq.).
• State disputes—such as complaints against the park—go through the Arizona Department of Housing Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program. Learn about submitting a dispute.
• The Arizona Department of Housing Manufactured Housing Division regulates licensing, installation, and sales of manufactured homes state-wide.

These agencies ensure that landlords, park owners, and renters comply with Arizona law.

FAQ: Selling a Manufactured Home in Arizona

1. Do I need permission from the park to sell my manufactured home?
   You usually need to notify the park and have your buyer approved for rental of the lot, but the park cannot unreasonably prevent a sale.
2. What forms are required to transfer ownership in Arizona?
   You must complete the Arizona Motor Vehicle Title Application (Form 96-0236) with the buyer at an ADOT office, along with a Bill of Sale for your records.
3. Can my landlord charge me extra fees for selling my home?
   Parks can charge reasonable application fees for processing the buyer’s tenancy, but these must not be excessive or discriminatory under Arizona law.
4. What do I do if the park delays or denies my buyer without good reason?
   Document all steps and file a dispute through the Arizona Department of Housing’s Dispute Resolution Program for help.
5. Is a bill of sale mandatory to sell a manufactured home?
   While not always legally required by the state, a bill of sale is highly recommended and may be required by your park as proof of sale.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Selling Your Manufactured Home

• Arizona law protects your right to sell, with proper notice and buyer approval required if you rent the lot.
• Official forms and title transfer occur through the ADOT and must be completed in person.
• State resources like the Arizona Department of Housing can help if your park delays or violates your rights.

By following Arizona law and providing all required documents, renters selling their manufactured home can complete the process smoothly and with confidence.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arizona Department of Housing: Main portal for manufactured home tenant and owner resources.
• Manufactured Housing Division: Licensing, consumer complaints, and sales oversight.
• Dispute Resolution Program: File a complaint or seek mediation for issues relating to manufactured homes or park management.
• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) – Manufactured Home Titles

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1. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 33 – Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Arizona Department of Housing, Manufactured Housing Division
3. Arizona Department of Transportation, Manufactured Homes Title Transfer
4. Arizona Department of Housing, Dispute Resolution Program

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