Resident Purchase Rights for Colorado Mobile Home Parks

If you are renting a mobile home or space in a Colorado mobile home park, you may have heard about the right to purchase your park if the owner decides to sell. This opportunity, created by Colorado law, gives residents a chance to secure affordable, stable housing by converting the park to community ownership. Understanding your rights and the legal process is important for making informed decisions if your park is listed for sale.

Resident Right of First Refusal: What It Means

Under Colorado’s Mobile Home Park Act, when a park owner intends to sell, they must give residents a chance to organize and make an offer to buy the community. This is called a Right of First Refusal. As a renter, this can protect your home and long-term housing costs.

• The park owner must notify all residents in writing when the park is for sale.
• Residents then have a set time period (at least 90 days) to form a group or cooperative and submit an offer to purchase.

Key Steps for Resident Ownership

If your community wants to pursue ownership, prepare to act quickly and work together. Here’s a brief summary of the general process:

• Form a residents' association, nonprofit, or cooperative (many use a Registered Association).
• Inform the park owner and Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) that you intend to make an offer (see forms below).
• Gather financing details and prepare your group’s offer within deadlines.
• Negotiate terms if the park owner responds positively.
• Close on the purchase and transition to resident control, if successful.

Residents are not required to buy, but having the option gives renters more control over their housing future.

Official Forms Needed for Park Purchase Efforts

• Resident Association Notice of Intent to Purchase (No official form number)
  When to Use: File this notice with both the park owner and DOLA when your association wants to exercise the purchase right.
  How to Use: After getting sale notice, download and complete the Resident Intent to Purchase Template. Mail it to all required parties within the statutory timeline.
• Documentation of Organization (Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws)
  When to Use: Residents must show they're properly organized (as a nonprofit, association, or cooperative) to qualify for purchase rights.
  How to Use: Register your group with the Colorado Secretary of State and submit the organizing documents alongside your intent to purchase.
  More info at: Colorado Secretary of State - Business Registration

These forms are essential for confirming your group’s eligibility to buy. Act quickly after receiving notice of sale to meet all deadlines.

Who Oversees Mobile Home Park Rights in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs Mobile Home Park Oversight Program is the main agency handling park sales, resident rights, and complaints. Residents can file complaints or seek guidance here.

Relevant Legislation

• Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-200.1 et seq.): Protects park residents' rights, defines notice requirements, and sets timelines for the right to purchase.

This law ensures a fair opportunity for residents to stabilize their community by purchasing the park themselves.

Action Steps: How to Pursue Resident Ownership

• Talk with neighbors and gauge interest in buying the park together.
• Form or join a resident association, nonprofit, or cooperative (most groups use this guidance).
• When you receive a sale notice, download and complete the Notice of Intent to Purchase form.
• Submit your notice to the park owner and DOLA within the required timeframe (90 days from notice of sale).
• Seek legal and financial assistance—DOLA's resources or local nonprofits can help prepare an offer.
• Communicate with the park owner about your intentions and work toward a purchase agreement if your offer is accepted.
• Complete the transaction and start managing the park as resident owners if successful.

Remember, resident purchase is a right but not an obligation. Participation is voluntary and usually requires collaboration and outside help.

FAQ: Converting a Mobile Home Park to Resident Ownership in Colorado

1. How much time do residents have to make an offer if the park is for sale?
   Residents must be given at least 90 days from the official notice of sale to organize and submit an offer to buy their mobile home park.
2. What if the resident offer matches the owner’s price but is not accepted?
   If residents submit a qualifying offer that matches the owner's terms, Colorado law requires the park owner to negotiate in good faith and give full consideration to the offer.
3. What documents are needed for a resident group to be eligible?
   Residents should provide proof of organization (like articles of incorporation or bylaws) and a completed Notice of Intent to Purchase to both the owner and DOLA.
4. Can one person or family buy the park for all residents?
   The Colorado statute requires a bona fide resident association, nonprofit, or cooperative representing park residents—not an individual—submit the offer.
5. Who helps resolve disputes over the purchase process?
   Disputes or complaints are handled by the Mobile Home Park Oversight Program at DOLA.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Colorado law empowers mobile home park renters with a chance to buy their park before outsiders do.
• Acting quickly, using official forms, and working with DOLA staff greatly improve your association’s chances of success.
• Stay informed and organized to protect your home and community long-term.

Review the Mobile Home Park Act and DOLA's guides regularly for updates and assistance opportunities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Mobile Home Park Oversight Program – DOLA: Provides complaint forms, education, and process assistance.
• Resident Right to Purchase Resource Page (DOLA): Includes sample notices, timelines, and organizing help.
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs: General housing help and mobile home information.
• Colorado Secretary of State: Register an association or nonprofit.

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1. Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-200.1 et seq.)
2. Mobile Home Park Oversight Program (Colorado DOLA)
3. Resident Intent to Purchase Template (DOLA)

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