Legal Steps to Sell a Manufactured Home in DC

Selling a manufactured (mobile) home in the District of Columbia requires following specific legal steps to protect yourself and ensure a smooth transaction. Whether your home is in a mobile home park or on private land, knowing your rights and the correct procedures is essential. This guide explains the process for renters and homeowners, from notifying your landlord to transferring ownership, using plain language and links to official DC government resources.

Understanding Your Rights Before Selling

If you rent the land under your manufactured home (e.g., in a mobile home community), you may have special rights when selling. Under DC law, you must notify your landlord of your intent to sell and provide the potential buyer’s information. The landlord may have a limited right to purchase or approve the buyer, but must follow the law and avoid unnecessary delays.

Key DC Legislation Governing Manufactured Home Sales

• District of Columbia Manufactured Housing Act – Covers rules for mobile/manufactured homes and residents’ rights.
• Rental Housing Act of 1985 – General tenant and rental protections.

The official tribunal handling residential tenancies, including mobile home issues, is the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Landlord and Tenant Branch.^[1]

Major Legal Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home

• Check Your Lease: Review your site lease or rental agreement for any clauses about selling your home. Ensure you comply with notice requirements and restrictions.
• Notify Your Landlord: Provide a written notice of your intent to sell the home and your buyer’s information. Use a Notice of Intent to Sell Manufactured Home (no universal DC form; use a signed, dated written notice).
• Review Park Approval (if applicable): If your home is in a mobile home park, the park operator may review the buyer’s qualifications as a new tenant. They must provide any denial in writing and follow DC’s Manufactured Housing Act requirements.
• Confirm Title Ownership: Obtain (or check) your home’s Certificate of Title from the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The buyer and seller must complete a Title Transfer at the DMV.
• Complete Bill of Sale: Prepare a Bill of Sale documenting the purchase price, details of the buyer and seller, and description of the home.
• Transfer Title at the DMV: Visit the DC DMV office and submit the required forms:
  • Vehicle Title Application (Form DMV-CTA): Used by buyers to apply for a new title. The seller signs the old title. Present ID and Bill of Sale.
  • Pay any taxes or fees as stated by the DMV.
• Remove/Cancel Lease: Notify your landlord of the sale completion and work out lease termination or transfer for the buyer (if permitted).

Each of these steps must be completed for a legal, official sale and smooth transition for the buyer.

Common Official Forms for Manufactured Home Sales in DC

• Vehicle Title Application (DMV-CTA): Required for all manufactured home title transfers. The buyer fills this out at the DC DMV, attaching a signed Bill of Sale and previous Certificate of Title.
  Example: If you sell your manufactured home, the new owner must fill out the DMV-CTA at DC DMV – Title a Vehicle to be listed as the official owner.

Extra Protections for Tenants in Mobile Home Parks

DC law prohibits park owners from blocking sales without a valid reason. Buyers may be screened, but the process must be timely, and any denial explained. Read the current manufactured housing tenant rights to protect yourself.

Next Steps After Sale: Ending Your Rental Obligations

Once the home is sold and the title is transferred, ensure your rental agreement for the lot is either ended (if you are moving out) or transferred to the new owner (if the park allows). Request written confirmation of lease termination or transfer from the landlord to avoid future liability.

1. Do I need my landlord’s approval to sell my manufactured home in DC?
   Generally, you don’t need approval to sell the home itself. However, if the home stays on rented land, the landlord may screen your buyer for residency. They can’t unreasonably block your sale. Learn more about tenant protections.
2. Which forms do I need to transfer my manufactured home’s title in DC?
   You need your current Certificate of Title and a signed Vehicle Title Application (DMV-CTA). The buyer also needs a Bill of Sale.
3. What do I do if the park owner rejects my buyer?
   The park owner must give written reasons if they refuse to allow your buyer as a new tenant. If you feel the decision is unfair, submit a complaint to the DC Office of Administrative Hearings.
4. Are rent or lot fees affected by the sale?
   Rent or lot fees continue until your lease is ended or transferred to the buyer. Always confirm changes in writing with the landlord after sale.
5. How do I report unfair practices when selling my manufactured home?
   You can file a dispute through the DC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) or contact the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Selling Your Manufactured Home in DC

• Notify your landlord in writing before selling and transferring ownership.
• Use official forms from the DC DMV for title transfers, and present a Bill of Sale.
• Always keep copies and get written agreement on ending your lease or transferring it to the buyer.

Taking these steps will help protect your rights and ensure a legal, smooth sale process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters and Manufactured Home Owners

• DC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Landlord and Tenant Branch — For filing complaints or disputes about sales, tenancies, or landlord actions.
• DC Department of Motor Vehicles – Title a Vehicle — For Certificate of Title and transfer forms.
• DC Department of Housing and Community Development – Tenant Advocacy — Guidance on your rights as a manufactured housing resident or renter.

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1. See DC OAH Landlord and Tenant Branch for official tribunal and complaint procedures.
2. District of Columbia Manufactured Housing Act, see key provisions.
3. District of Columbia Rental Housing Act of 1985, current version.
4. For title transfer forms, visit DC DMV Title a Vehicle.

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