Idaho Manufactured Home Sale: Legal Steps for Renters

Selling a manufactured (mobile) home in Idaho involves specific legal steps and official documents—especially if you rent the land beneath your home. It's important to understand your obligations, from notifying the manufactured home park to transferring title correctly with the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This guide explains the required actions, forms, and laws—all in plain English for renters and manufactured homeowners across Idaho.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter Selling a Manufactured Home

In Idaho, manufactured homes often sit on leased land in a park or community. As the homeowner (but not landowner), you have unique rights and responsibilities when you decide to sell. Idaho law outlines protections for both sellers and park owners to ensure sales go smoothly and fairly.

Notify the Park Owner Before Selling

Before you sell a manufactured home that's on leased land, Idaho code requires written notification to your park owner or manager. Park management may have rights to approve buyers for tenancy in the park, but cannot unreasonably withhold consent.^[1]

• Review your current lease agreement and Idaho law for notice requirements (usually at least 30 days).
• Ask your park owner if they need a specific notification form or just a written letter of intent to sell.

Collect and Prepare Official Documents for the Sale

To legally transfer ownership, you'll need official documents. Every sale must include a transfer of the home's title through the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

• Manufactured Home Title Certificate: Proves ownership; must be signed and assigned to the buyer on sale.
• Bill of Sale (Form ITD 3738): Documents the purchase terms. Required when transferring title.
• Lien Release (if applicable): Any outstanding loans against the home must be satisfied and released.

Learn more and download the Bill of Sale (ITD Form 3738) directly from the Idaho Transportation Department.

Transfer Title with the Idaho DMV

After you and the buyer sign the Bill of Sale, you must transfer the manufactured home title through an Idaho DMV office. Bring the following:

• Signed title certificate
• Signed Bill of Sale (Form ITD 3738)
• Lien release (if there was a loan)
• Photo identification

The DMV will issue a new title in the buyer’s name, finalizing the legal transfer. See the Idaho DMV Manufactured Homes page for full details.

Review Park Rules and Buyer's Application

As a seller, you can introduce your buyer to the park manager. The buyer will usually need to apply to rent the lot if they plan to stay in the community. Park managers must process applications fairly and comply with Idaho’s mobile home park law.

• If the park rejects the buyer as a tenant, they must provide a written reason. You may then work with another buyer, or the home may have to be moved.
• Keep communication open to avoid misunderstandings.

Required Forms When Selling a Manufactured Home in Idaho

Below are the main forms you will need, along with links and simple explanations:

• Bill of Sale (ITD 3738):
  • When used: When you sell your manufactured home (even to a family member); required for DMV title transfer.
  • Download Bill of Sale (ITD Form 3738)
• Title Certificate:
  • When used: Needed for every manufactured home sale; must be signed by both seller and buyer.
  • Learn about title transfer requirements
• Lien Release (if applicable):
  • When used: If you have a loan on your home, you must submit original lien releases before DMV will transfer title.
  • Details on lien releases and forms

If you're unsure about forms or face a dispute, contact the state tribunal for residential landlord-tenant issues: the Idaho Court Assistance Office. They provide guidance on legal steps and forms for manufactured home sales.

Official Idaho Legislation on Manufactured Home Sales

Idaho’s key tenancy and park-owner laws are found in the Idaho Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act, especially Sections 55-2006 (Sale of mobile home) and 55-2007 (Reasonable rules for sale and rental).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need park approval before selling my manufactured home in Idaho?
   Yes, park management usually must approve your home’s buyer to become a tenant. They can’t unreasonably deny someone, but the buyer must meet lease rules and park requirements.^[1]
2. What if my buyer is not approved by the park?
   If the buyer is not approved, you may look for another buyer or move the home from the park. The park must give a written reason for any denial.
3. Do I need to pay off my loan before transferring the title?
   Yes—you must provide a lien release from your lender to the Idaho DMV before the title can legally be transferred.
4. Which board or office handles disputes about manufactured home sales in Idaho?
   The Idaho Court Assistance Office (through the Idaho Judiciary) assists renters and mobile home owners with forms, complaints, and legal actions.
5. Where can I get official sale and title forms for Idaho manufactured homes?
   All forms, including Bill of Sale and title transfer information, are available from the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Idaho Renters Selling a Manufactured Home

• Notify your park owner in writing before selling.
• Transfer ownership using the DMV’s Bill of Sale and title certificate forms.
• If your home has a loan, submit a lien release before title transfer.
• The Idaho Court Assistance Office helps with forms and legal support if issues arise.

Plan ahead and keep copies of all notifications, forms, and communications for your records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Idaho Court Assistance Office: Help with manufactured home sale disputes, eviction, and legal forms
• Idaho DMV Manufactured Home Titles & Forms: Download official Bill of Sale and title transfer documents
• Idaho Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act: Read the full text of Idaho’s key manufactured housing laws
• Idaho Legal Aid Services: Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters

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1. Idaho Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act (Idaho Code 55-2006, 2007)
2. Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles - Manufactured Home Title Transfer
3. Idaho Court Assistance Office – Landlord-Tenant and Manufactured Housing Forms

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