Do Idaho residents have the right of first refusal to buy their mobile home park?

No, Idaho does not require landlords to offer residents the first opportunity to purchase the park. However, landlords must give written notice of a pending sale, enabling residents to organize if they wish.

What happens to my lease if the park is sold?

Your current lease and park rules generally continue with the new owner, except as allowed by the lease or Idaho law.

Where can residents get legal advice about buying their park?

Contact the Idaho Housing and Finance Association or Idaho Legal Aid Services for support and guidance.

What official forms are used in this process?

Residents should receive a Notice of Change of Park Ownership from the landlord. Cooperatives or nonprofits must register with the Secretary of State.

Who oversees mobile home park issues in Idaho?

There is no specialized tribunal. Contact IHFA or local courts for dispute resolution.

Resident Ownership: Mobile Home Park Conversion in Idaho

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

If you’re living in a mobile home park in Idaho, you may have heard about the option for residents to buy their park and create a resident-owned community. This process can provide more security and a greater voice in park management. Here, we break down how this works, your rights, and what renters need to know in Idaho.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Conversion in Idaho

In Idaho, mobile home park residents sometimes have the chance to purchase the park when the landlord decides to sell. This process, known as conversion to resident ownership, enables residents to form a nonprofit cooperative or similar legal entity that buys and manages the park.

Your Rights During a Park Sale

Idaho law has some specific rules for owners selling a mobile home park. While Idaho doesn’t require landlords to offer the park to residents first ("right of first refusal"), park owners must usually give all residents proper written notice before a sale or transfer of the park takes place.^[1] The main goals are to:

Notify residents of any planned sale or change in ownership
Give residents a chance to organize if they want to make an offer
Ensure stable and fair housing for residents during transitions

Legal Requirements and Official Notices

When a park is being sold, Idaho landlords must follow notice requirements found in the Idaho Manufactured Home Residency Act (Idaho Code § 55-2001 – 55-2019). This includes:

Providing written notice of change of ownership at least 30 days before the sale
Informing residents of any changes in how rent or rules will be handled after the sale

How Residents Can Convert a Park to Resident Ownership

Converting a mobile home park to resident ownership typically involves these main steps:

Forming a resident association or cooperative
Organizing funding (sometimes through loans or grants, including U.S. Department of Agriculture programs)
Making a formal offer to purchase the park from the current owner
Completing the sale and establishing resident governance

While Idaho does not offer a specific pathway in law for "resident right of first refusal," residents are still encouraged to organize and communicate as early as possible if a sale is announced. Working together can increase your chance of successfully converting the park.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Notice of Change of Park Ownership (No number): Used by park owners to notify residents of a pending sale or change in ownership. Residents should read this notice carefully, attend any resident meetings, and ask questions about plans for the park.
Official guidance and sample forms are found on the Idaho Housing and Finance Association site. While no official state form is required for resident purchase, documentation is important if residents aim to organize.

If residents wish to organize an association, you may also need to file formal paperwork with the Idaho Secretary of State when creating a cooperative or nonprofit corporation for park purchase.

Where to Resolve Disputes or Ask for Help

For disputes related to mobile home park sales, resident rights, or park management in Idaho, residents can contact the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA). While Idaho does not have a specialized landlord-tenant tribunal, the IHFA and local legal aid can offer guidance.^[2]

Tip: If you and your neighbors are considering converting your park to resident ownership, start by talking to everyone, forming a resident group, and seeking advice from the IHFA or local legal services early on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resident-Run Mobile Home Parks in Idaho

Do Idaho residents have the right of first refusal to buy their mobile home park?
Currently, Idaho law does not require park owners to give residents the first opportunity to buy. However, owners must provide written notice of pending sales, giving residents valuable time to organize if they wish to make an offer themselves.
What happens to my lease if the park is sold?
Your current lease and park rules generally remain in effect after a sale, except as allowed by the terms of your agreement and state law. New owners must still comply with the Idaho Manufactured Home Residency Act.
Where do I find support or legal advice about forming a resident association?
The Idaho Housing and Finance Association and local Idaho Legal Aid offices can guide you through forming a resident group and exploring ownership options.
What official forms should residents expect to receive or send?
You should receive a Notice of Change of Park Ownership from the owner. If you organize as a cooperative or nonprofit, you’ll file appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State.
Who oversees mobile home park laws and disputes in Idaho?
There is no specialized tribunal, but disputes or questions may be addressed to the IHFA or through the court system as needed.

Key Takeaways for Idaho Mobile Home Park Residents

Idaho landlords must provide written notice before selling a mobile home park.
Residents do not have a guaranteed right to buy first, but can organize to purchase if they wish.
Support is available from government and local legal services for those wishing to convert their park to resident ownership.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA): State housing policy, rental support, and mobile home park resident information. Call 1-877-428-8844.
Idaho Legal Aid Services: Free or low-cost legal help for tenants, including in mobile home parks.
Idaho Manufactured Home Residency Act: Official legislation protecting mobile home park residents.
Idaho Secretary of State: File or search for a resident association or cooperative.

See the Idaho Manufactured Home Residency Act for current legal notice and park conversion requirements. (§55-2007, §55-2012)
Contact and complaints may be directed to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association or local Idaho Legal Aid Services offices.