Do I need the community owner’s permission to sell my manufactured home in Delaware?

You do not need permission to sell, but your buyer must be approved by the manufactured home community before moving in.

Are there official forms required for selling a manufactured home in Delaware?

Yes. You must use the Delaware Manufactured Home Title Application (MV-202) via the DMV and follow community notice requirements.

Where do I file a complaint if there’s a dispute over my manufactured home sale?

You can contact the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit or Delaware Justice of the Peace Court for help.

Can the manufactured home community owner stop my sale?

They cannot stop the sale, but may deny residency to a buyer for valid reasons under Delaware law.

What Delaware laws protect renters selling manufactured homes?

25 Delaware Code Chapter 70 and Chapter 55 set out your rights for notices, approvals, and sales.

Delaware Manufactured Home Sale: Legal Steps for Renters

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Delaware published June 21, 2025

Selling your manufactured home in Delaware involves specific legal steps, especially if your home is located in a leased lot within a manufactured home community. Whether you are relocating or looking for a fresh start, knowing your rights and responsibilities can make the process much smoother. This article outlines the key requirements, provides links to official forms, and explains important terms in easy-to-understand language for Delaware renters.

Understanding Manufactured Home Sales in Delaware

If you own a manufactured home situated on rented land (such as a mobile home park), you have the right to sell your home, but there are rules you must follow. Delaware law protects both your rights as a seller and the community owner’s interests. Residents must give proper notice, use official forms, and respect community rules during the sale process.

Key Steps When Selling Your Manufactured Home

Notify the Community Owner: Under Delaware law, you must notify the landlord (community owner) in writing of your intention to sell your home. This allows the landlord to exercise their right of first offer if it applies.
Comply with Community Rules: Check your lease and the community's rules regarding sale, as some parks have requirements about signage, showing the home, or buyer qualifications.
Confirm Lot Rent: Make sure your lot rent is current. Outstanding rent or fees may need to be paid before the sale is finalized.
Buyer Approval: The new buyer often must apply to and be approved by the manufactured home community for tenancy. This step cannot be unreasonably denied, but credit and background checks are common.
Transfer Title: You’ll need to transfer the home’s title through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and complete all required forms.

Each of these steps helps protect you as a seller and ensures the buyer can legally reside in the home’s current location.

Official Forms for Delaware Manufactured Home Sales

Delaware Manufactured Home Title Application (MV-202):
When used: This is required to transfer ownership of a manufactured home after the sale. Both seller and buyer complete the form during the transaction.
Example: You’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price. Together, you fill out the Title Application Form MV-202 at the DMV office to officially transfer ownership.
Official link: Delaware DMV Manufactured Home Forms
Notice of Intent to Sell or Transfer Manufactured Home (No official form number):
When used: Written notification to the community owner required under Delaware law before finalizing the sale.
Example: You write a letter (or use any template required by the community) letting your community owner know you want to sell your home.
Reference: See 25 Delaware Code, Chapter 70: Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act for notice requirements.
Community Approval Form / Application for Residency (Varies by community):
When used: The buyer submits this to the community owner for residency approval.
Example: After buying your home, the new residents must apply for tenancy using the form provided by the park office.

Be sure to ask your community manager if there are any additional documents specific to your lease or park rules.

Where to Get Official Help

Delaware’s primary authority for manufactured home disputes is the Delaware Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Unit, which oversees mobile home community issues and mediates disputes. For legal questions or unresolved matters, you may also seek resolution through the Justice of the Peace Court, which handles landlord-tenant matters.

Relevant Delaware Manufactured Housing Laws

25 Delaware Code Chapter 70: Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act – key rules for notice, sale, and your rights as a seller.
25 Delaware Code Chapter 55: Landlord-Tenant Code – general tenant protections and processes.

These laws give you the right to sell your manufactured home and outline timelines for notices and approvals required by both tenants and landlords.

Tip: Always keep copies of all communication, notices, and receipts related to your sale. Written records help protect your rights if any issues arise.

FAQ: Selling a Manufactured Home in Delaware

Do I need the community owner’s permission to sell my manufactured home?
You do not need permission to sell the home itself, but your buyer must be approved as a new tenant in the park. The community owner can only deny residency for specific reasons such as incomplete application or credit concerns.
Can the community owner buy my home instead of letting me sell it?
Some Delaware communities may have a "right of first offer" clause, giving the owner a chance to buy your home before it is sold to someone else. Review your lease and Delaware’s Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act to see if this applies.
What happens if the buyer is not approved by the park?
If a buyer is rejected for valid reasons, you may need to find another buyer who meets the park’s criteria. The community owner must provide written reasons for denial.
Are there fees for transferring a manufactured home title in Delaware?
Yes. The Delaware DMV charges fees to transfer the manufactured home title. Check the current rates on the DMV fee page.
Where can I file a complaint if I have an issue with the sale process or community owner?
You can file a complaint with the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit or contact the Justice of the Peace Court for legal action.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Notify your community owner and complete required forms before selling your manufactured home in Delaware.
The buyer must be approved by your manufactured home community.
Follow Delaware law for notices, title transfers, and resident approvals to ensure a successful, legal sale.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Delaware Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Unit: State resource for manufactured home resident issues and complaints.
Delaware Justice of the Peace Court: Handles legal disputes about rental and manufactured home communities.
Delaware DMV – Manufactured Home Forms: Official forms for title transfers and home registration.
Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act: Know your rights and responsibilities.