Legal Steps to Sell a Manufactured Home in Connecticut

Selling a manufactured home in Connecticut involves a few important legal steps, especially if your home is located in a mobile home park or leased land community. Whether you're upgrading, relocating, or handling a change in finances, understanding your rights and the required procedures can give you peace of mind during the process.

Understanding Manufactured Home Seller's Rights and Responsibilities

In Connecticut, the transfer of ownership of a manufactured home (sometimes called a mobile home) is governed by state law and may also involve additional steps if your home is in a mobile home park. The main legislation protecting sellers and buyers in these transactions is the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 412: Mobile Manufactured Home Parks^[1].

Key Legal Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home

If you're a renter or owner selling a manufactured home, here's a step-by-step overview of what you need to know:

• Check Park Rules: If your home is in a park, review the park’s rules for selling, as there may be specific requirements or restrictions.
• Ownership Documents: Ensure you have your Certificate of Title (or a Bill of Sale, if exempt), which proves ownership.
• Notifying the Park Owner: According to Connecticut law, if your manufactured home is in a park, you must notify the park owner of your intention to sell.
• Secure Potential Buyer Approval: Most parks will require that the new buyer applies and is approved as a resident before the transaction is finalized.
• Complete Required Forms: Proper forms must be completed and filed with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and, where appropriate, your local tax office.

Key Official Forms for Selling a Manufactured Home

• Application for Certificate of Title (Form H-4): Used when transferring the title.
  Example: If you’re selling your home to a new owner, both you and the buyer must fill out and submit this form at the DMV.
  Official Connecticut DMV Manufactured Home Registration Information
• Bill of Sale (Form H-31): Provides proof of purchase and terms between seller and buyer.
  Example: When closing the sale, have both parties complete and sign this bill of sale.
  Connecticut Bill of Sale (H-31)
• Transfer of Ownership Notification: Some municipalities require notification to help transfer tax records.
  Example: After selling, submit a copy of the signed Bill of Sale to your local tax assessor’s office.
  Connecticut DMV – Retiring a Registration

Park Resident Protections and Approval Process

If your manufactured home is located in a mobile home park, the park management cannot unreasonably refuse the sale, but they have the right to ensure that the buyer meets the park’s screening requirements. This is outlined in Section 21-70 of Chapter 412.^[1]

• Park owners must reply to a proposed buyer’s application within 15 days.
• If the buyer is refused, the park owner must provide the reason in writing.

What If There Is a Dispute?

If you run into a disagreement over your right to sell or transfer your home, you may appeal to the designated state agency. In Connecticut, disputes involving mobile and manufactured home parks are overseen by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Hearing Division.^[2]

Summary: Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home

• Check park policies and state law
• Gather title and required legal documents
• Inform park ownership (if applicable)
• Have the buyer apply for park residency
• Complete official transfer forms and file them with the DMV and tax assessor

FAQ: Selling a Manufactured Home in Connecticut

1. Do I need to notify my park owner if I sell my manufactured home?
   Yes. Connecticut law requires you to notify your park owner and ensure the buyer is approved by the park before you can finalize the sale.
2. Who handles disputes about park approval of buyers?
   The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Hearing Division can be contacted for mediation and resolution of park-related disputes.
3. What documents are required for the sale?
   You will need your Certificate of Title, a completed Bill of Sale, and any required notifications or applications for the DMV and local tax office.
4. Can the park owner refuse my buyer?
   Park owners may not refuse a qualified buyer unreasonably. They can require approval, but written reasons must be given for any refusal.
5. Which legislation protects mobile home sellers in Connecticut?
   Chapter 412: Mobile Manufactured Home Parks of the Connecticut General Statutes provides protections and outlines the legal process for selling.

Key Takeaways

• Notify your park owner and check park-specific rules before selling.
• Use official Connecticut DMV forms for legal transfer.
• Buyers must be approved by park management, and you have the right to challenge unreasonable refusals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles – For forms and title transfer questions
• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – To handle complaints or file disputes about mobile home park sales
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 412: Mobile Manufactured Home Parks – For the full legislation text
• Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAANH) – Local resources for renters and homeowners

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1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 412: Mobile Manufactured Home Parks
2. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Hearing Division

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