Resident Ownership Options for Arizona Mobile Home Parks

Many renters in Arizona's mobile home parks want more stability and control over their living conditions. One pathway is converting a mobile home park to resident ownership. This process allows tenants to purchase and collectively manage their park, often as a cooperative or nonprofit. Understanding your rights and the legal steps involved can help protect your housing security.

Understanding Resident Ownership in Arizona Mobile Home Parks

Arizona law supports the ability of mobile home park residents to buy the park where they live if the landlord decides to sell. This process has specific timelines, requirements, and protections under state law.

What Is Resident Ownership?

Resident ownership means tenants join together—often by forming a nonprofit or cooperative—to buy their mobile home park. This can provide:

• Greater say over rent and rule changes
• More stability (less risk of eviction for redevelopment)
• A path to building equity in their community

Arizona has legal requirements for park owners who wish to sell, intended to give tenants a fair chance.

Your Rights When a Mobile Home Park Is for Sale

The main Arizona law for resident rights in this situation is the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 33, Chapter 11: Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] Under this law, park owners must notify tenants if they plan to sell or redevelop the park.

• Notice of Sale or Redevelopment: Owners must provide written notice to each tenant at least 60 days before selling the park. This notice must include details of the sale and an opportunity for residents to purchase.
• First Opportunity to Purchase: Residents—through a designated homeowners' association or nonprofit—have the right to make an offer to buy the park before the owner sells to another party.

It’s important to act quickly after receiving notice, as the opportunity period is limited by law.

Key Steps to Converting to Resident Ownership

Arizona’s conversion process is outlined in state law and involves cooperation among residents. Here’s what typically happens:

• Residents receive the Notice of Intent to Sell from the park owner.
• Interested residents usually form a qualified homeowners’ association or nonprofit entity capable of making an offer.
• The association may need to submit an intent to purchase, followed by a formal offer, within the timelines specified by law.

Working together and seeking professional help (legal or financial) increases your chance of success.

Relevant Forms

• Notice of Intent to Sell the Park (No standardized form number): Issued by the park owner to all tenants and, where applicable, the tenants' association. This is the required trigger for the resident purchase process.
  Example: If you receive a letter titled "Notice of Intent to Sell Mobile Home Park," this is the official notification under the law.
  Read the statutory notice requirements in §33-1453.
• Affidavit of Delivery of Notice (No standard form): Park owners may need to prove tenants were notified, often using an affidavit. While residents don't typically file this themselves, reviewing delivery proof is important.
  Arizona Department of Housing – Manufactured Housing Division
• Application to Establish Homeowners Association or Nonprofit (IRS Form 1023 for federal tax exemption): Residents usually file this if forming a nonprofit to manage the park.
  Instructions for IRS Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption)

Arizona Tribunal Handling Tenancy Disputes

The Arizona Judicial Branch - Justice Courts handle landlord-tenant disputes, including issues arising from mobile home park sales and conversions. Renters can file actions or seek guidance here if the legal process isn't followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if my mobile home park is being sold in Arizona?
   Park owners must provide tenants with written notice, giving residents a chance to make an offer on the property before it is sold to another buyer.
2. Do I need to join a homeowners' association to participate?
   Typically, yes. Arizona law requires residents to form or join a recognized association or nonprofit to act as the buyer for the park.
3. How long do tenants have to respond to a sale notice?
   Residents usually have a short window—sometimes as little as 60 days—to submit a purchase offer. Review your notice for exact dates.
4. Where can I get help forming a tenants' association?
   Contact the Arizona Department of Housing – Manufactured Housing Division for guidance or resources specific to resident organizations.
5. Can the owner refuse to sell to residents?
   If residents make a legitimate offer and meet requirements, the owner must consider it, but is not forced to sell if another offer is clearly superior. Consult the law for full details.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Arizona law gives mobile home park tenants an opportunity to purchase their community when it's for sale.
• Moving quickly and working together increases your chances of a successful resident ownership conversion.
• Residents should become familiar with state laws, key forms, and official resources, and seek legal help when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arizona Department of Housing – Manufactured Housing Division: Offers information and guidance on mobile home park rights and sales.
• Arizona Judicial Branch – Justice Courts: File disputes or tenancy-related claims if your rights are violated.
• Arizona Secretary of State – Nonprofit Corporation Forms: Resources for setting up a resident association or nonprofit.
• Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: The main state law covering tenant protections and sale requirements.

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1. Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 33, Chapter 11
2. Notice requirements for sale or redevelopment – ARS §33-1453
3. Arizona Department of Housing, Manufactured Housing Division – official manufactured housing page

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