Resident Ownership Conversion for Mobile Home Parks in Delaware

If you live in a Delaware mobile home park, you may have heard about converting your community from private ownership to a resident-owned cooperative. This process can help renters secure stable housing, prevent sudden park closures, and gain more control over park management. Delaware law offers a well-defined process for park residents interested in this option, designed to protect both renters and park owners.

Understanding Resident Ownership Conversion in Delaware

In Delaware, mobile home park residents have important rights if an owner decides to sell. The Delaware Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act provides residents with the opportunity to purchase the park before it is sold to another party.^[1]

How the Process Begins

• If the park owner plans to sell, they must notify home owners in writing and provide specific details about the sale.
• Residents or their association can then consider making an offer to buy the park.
• This process is often called a "right of first offer" or "opportunity to purchase."

Key Steps in a Delaware Resident Purchase

Here's a summary of what usually happens:

• The park owner must send a written notice of intent to sell to all homeowners and the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA).
• The residents form a homeowners' association or cooperative (if they haven't already).
• The association can express interest in buying by delivering a written offer within 30 days.
• If the park owner accepts, the residents can work toward arranging financing and finalizing the purchase.
• If the owner declines, they may sell to another party (but not on more favorable terms than previously offered to residents).

This process is structured to give residents a real and fair chance to purchase their community, but all deadlines and documentation must be strictly followed.

Official Forms and Practical Guidance

Several official forms are required by state agencies during this process. Here are the most important, with practical advice for renters:

• Notice of Intent to Sell (Form: DEMHRA 6001)
  Usage: The park owner must use this form to formally notify every homeowner and the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA) about their intention to sell. If you are a resident, you will receive this form by mail or posted notice in your community.
  View and Download the Notice of Intent to Sell form
• Resident Association Statement of Interest
  Usage: If your park's residents want to pursue ownership, your association (or if you form one) files this statement with the park owner and DEMHRA within the legal deadline. This lets the owner know you’re serious about making an offer.
  Learn about submitting a Statement of Interest
• Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority Applications and Notices
  Usage: Depending on your specific situation and the progress of negotiations, further DEMHRA forms may be required to track the status of a sale, financing, or dispute.
  See all official DEMHRA forms

What Is the Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority?

The Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA) is the state agency overseeing mobile home park sales, conversions, and resident protections. They provide official forms, guidance, and sometimes financial assistance to support stable manufactured housing.

Legal requirements governing these sales and conversions are found in the Delaware Code Title 25, Chapter 70—Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act.^[1]

Action Steps for Delaware Renters: Buying Your Mobile Home Park

If you and your neighbors want to explore conversion to resident ownership, follow these suggested steps:

• Stay alert for any official Notice of Intent to Sell from your park owner.
• Discuss with neighbors and, if none exists, form a residents’ association or cooperative—legal status is required to submit an offer.
• File the Statement of Interest with both the owner and DEMHRA – be sure to meet the 30-day deadline after receiving notice.
• Begin talking with housing agencies, attorneys, or nonprofits for support and financing options.
• If owner accepts your offer, move forward with due diligence, financing, and closing steps.

This is a big undertaking, but many Delaware renters have secured their homes by working together. Help is available from the state and advocacy programs.

FAQ: Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership in Delaware

1. What does "right of first offer" mean for Delaware mobile home park residents?
   It means residents get the first chance to purchase their park at the stated price before it is sold to someone else.
2. How long do residents have to respond to a sale notice?
   Residents or their association have 30 days from receiving the Notice of Intent to Sell to file a Statement of Interest with the owner and DEMHRA.
3. Is there financial help for Delaware renters trying to buy their park?
   Yes. DEMHRA offers support and sometimes relocation assistance. Residents may also seek help from local nonprofits or community lenders.
4. What if the park owner refuses the residents' offer?
   The owner may sell to another buyer, but not on more favorable terms than offered to residents, according to Delaware law.
5. Which agency oversees resident ownership and tenant rights in mobile home communities?
   The Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority (DEMHRA) handles these matters for renters statewide.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Delaware law gives mobile home park renters the legal right to try to buy their community before it is sold to outsiders.
• To secure this opportunity, renters (usually through an association) must act quickly and use official state forms.
• DEMHRA offers resources, forms, and sometimes financial support for renters going through the process.

Resident ownership is a complex but valuable path to housing security. Knowing your rights and acting quickly with help from state resources can make all the difference.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Delaware Manufactured Home Relocation Authority – Forms, assistance, and informational guides.
• Delaware Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Information
• State Housing Resources Guide – Contacts for local rental help and housing programs.
• For legal support, contact Delaware Volunteer Legal Services or speak with a local housing counselor.

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1. Delaware Code Title 25, Chapter 70 – Manufactured Home Owners and Community Owners Act

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