How Connecticut Renters Can Convert a Mobile Home Park to Resident Ownership

If you rent a lot in a mobile home park in Connecticut and want a say over where you live, converting your park to resident ownership may be possible. Connecticut law gives renters an opportunity to purchase the park if the property owner decides to sell. This guide explains your rights, the official process, required forms, and where to find government help—all in plain language and focused on your needs.

What Is Resident Ownership and Why Consider It?

Resident ownership allows tenants to collectively buy the land beneath their homes, forming a cooperative or association. This provides greater control, more stable rent, and improved decision-making for everyone living in the park.

Connecticut Law: Tenant Opportunity to Purchase

Under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 412 - Mobile Manufactured Home Parks, specifically Section 21-70, mobile home park owners must give residents the chance to buy the park before selling it to another party.^[1]

How the Opportunity Works

• The owner must give all residents a written Notice of Intent to Sell before putting the park on the market.
• Residents have 120 days after receiving the notice to form an association or cooperative and make a bona fide offer to buy the park.
• The owner cannot sell to others during this 120-day window unless residents waive their rights in writing or do not make an offer.

This process aims to empower residents to take ownership before outside buyers step in.

Required Notice and Official Forms

There isn't a standardized statewide form for the Notice of Intent to Sell, but the State of Connecticut requires the notice to:

• Be in writing
• Be sent to each tenant individually or to a tenants’ association
• State the owner's intention to sell and the option for resident purchase

If you are part of a tenants’ association, you may respond with a Letter of Intent to Purchase. This is a simple written document stating your group’s interest in making an offer, sent within the 120-day period.

Practical Example

Suppose you and your neighbors get a notice in the mail titled “Notice of Intent to Sell” from the park owner. You hold a meeting, form an association, and send a written "Letter of Intent to Purchase" to the owner to keep your buying rights while you seek financing.

Find sample templates and detailed instructions on the Connecticut Department of Housing website.

Forming a Resident Group or Cooperative

To make a purchase, tenants must create either:

• A residents’ association (informal group)
• A legal cooperative corporation (advantageous for financing and long-term ownership)

Step-by-step details and legal filing forms are found at the Connecticut Secretary of the State – Forms for Business Registration page.

Action Steps: The Resident Purchase Process

This process involves several key steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of success.

• Review any Notice of Intent to Sell immediately upon receipt.
• Meet with fellow residents to discuss forming a group or cooperative.
• Send a Letter of Intent to Purchase to the park owner within 120 days if interested.
• Use the time to organize, research financing options, and make a formal offer.

Who Oversees Disputes?

Mobile home park residency disputes (including tenant purchase rights and termination issues) in Connecticut may involve the Connecticut Superior Court’s Housing Session for summary process (eviction) cases or disputes. There is no separate mobile homes tribunal; actions generally proceed in state courts.^[2]

Relevant Laws and Where to Read the Legislation

• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 412 – Mobile Manufactured Home Parks
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 831 – Landlord and Tenant Law

It's a good idea to read the exact wording in the legislation, especially Section 21-70 (tenant purchase rights) and Sections 47a-1 to 47a-20 (general landlord-tenant laws).

FAQ: Connecticut Mobile Home Resident Ownership

1. What does "Notice of Intent to Sell" mean for mobile home renters?
   It’s an official written notice the park owner must give all tenants before selling the park, allowing residents the opportunity to organize and attempt a purchase.
2. How long do residents have to make a purchase offer?
   Connecticut law gives you 120 days from receiving the written notice to form a group and make a good faith offer to purchase the park before it’s listed for sale to others.
3. What happens if residents do not make an offer?
   If no offer is made within 120 days, or the residents decline, the park owner can proceed to sell to other parties without waiting longer.
4. Who can I contact for help with forming a cooperative?
   Residents can ask the Connecticut Department of Housing or local legal aid organizations for guidance on forming a legal entity and accessing technical support for park purchase.
5. Is the mobile home park owner required to accept a residents' offer?
   No, but the owner must consider the offer in good faith. They cannot ignore it or sell elsewhere during the 120-day window if you submit one.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Connecticut law protects renters’ rights by requiring park owners to notify you before any sale and giving you 120 days to act.
• Success depends on quickly organizing with neighbors and responding in writing.
• Many resources, including official forms and government help, are available for renters interested in resident ownership.

Knowing your legal rights and acting early can help you secure more control over your housing situation and potentially create a stable, resident-owned community.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Housing – Information on mobile home parks, purchase assistance, and tenant programs.
• Connecticut Courts Housing Session – Questions on legal process or summary process (eviction) disputes.
• Connecticut Bar Association – Free Legal Help
• Secretary of the State – Cooperative Registration Forms

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1. Connecticut General Statutes § 21-70 – Resident Right to Purchase
2. Connecticut Superior Court – Housing Session

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