Do Illinois mobile home renters have the right to buy their park?

Yes, Illinois law requires park owners to offer residents the right of first refusal before selling the entire park, giving residents a legal chance to purchase it first.

What is the time limit for residents to act when notified of a park sale?

Residents generally have 90 days from notification to match the proposed purchase offer and pursue financing.

Do I need an attorney to form a cooperative or not-for-profit association?

While not legally required, consulting an attorney or Illinois legal aid is strongly recommended to ensure all state filings and negotiations are correct.

Can I file a complaint if I think my rights are being violated?

Yes. You can contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or seek assistance from Illinois Legal Aid if you believe the park owner is not respecting your rights.

Where can I find the laws about mobile home parks in Illinois?

The Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act is the main legislation protecting renters in Illinois mobile home parks.

Illinois Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership Guide

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

For renters living in an Illinois mobile home park, the idea of converting the park to resident ownership brings both hope and complex questions. Illinois has specific rights and processes that can empower residents to buy and manage their own manufactured housing community. This guide breaks down the legal steps, forms, and state resources you need to know—so you feel equipped, not overwhelmed, as you consider resident ownership.

What Does Resident Ownership Mean?

Resident ownership is when the people who live in a mobile home park come together—often as a cooperative or nonprofit—to buy the land beneath their homes. Instead of renting the lot from a landlord, residents then become part-owners. This provides greater control, stability, and potential protection from rising rents or park closures.

Illinois Laws and Resident Rights for Park Conversion

In Illinois, rights for mobile home park residents are protected under the Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act. This law outlines your rights as a resident, including eviction protections, lease terms, and (crucially) a right of first refusal when a park owner decides to sell the mobile home park.^[1]

Right of First Refusal: What It Means for Residents

If a park owner wants to sell the entire mobile home park, they must first offer current residents (or their chosen association) the "right of first refusal."
This means residents have a specific time frame to organize and match the owner's proposed sale offer.
If residents can match the offer, the sale moves forward with the residents as buyers.

This is a unique legal opportunity to take collective action before the property is sold to new owners.

Key Steps When a Park Is Going Up for Sale

Park owner notifies residents in writing of intention to sell and the terms of the offer.
Residents may organize an association or cooperative to act on their behalf (this step is essential for collective legal action).
The resident group must notify the owner of their intent to match the offer within the legal time frame.
If proceeding, residents must line up financing and finalize the purchase.

Official Forms and Legal Process

While there is no single state-wide form specifically for “resident purchase” in Illinois, the Resident Association or Cooperative is typically required to:

File as a legal entity (such as a not-for-profit corporation) with the Illinois Secretary of State. The main form is Articles of Incorporation (Form NFP 102.10) for a not-for-profit. View and file Articles of Incorporation online.
Example: A group of residents in Springfield files this form to create the "Springfield Mobile Home Cooperative" before negotiating a park purchase.
Respond promptly to the park owner’s written offer, meeting all legal deadlines. Although the law does not name a specific “response form,” residents should reply in a signed, dated letter documenting their intent. Seeking legal guidance is strongly advised at this stage.
For dispute resolution or formal complaints, renters can file with the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which covers some manufactured housing issues and can offer guidance.

Who Handles Manufactured Housing Complaints?

Illinois does not have a specific tribunal only for rental housing, but the main bodies overseeing mobile home and manufactured housing issues are:

Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (for advocacy and complaints)
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Manufactured Home Programs
Civil courts for enforcement of tenant-landlord legal actions

Tip: Organizing quickly gives residents the best chance to exercise their purchase rights before the park is sold to someone else.

Action Steps for Residents Considering Park Ownership

Talk to your neighbors about forming a resident association or cooperative
Reach out to legal aid and Illinois housing agencies for guidance and resources
If you receive notice of a pending park sale, act promptly—typically you have 90 days to respond with your intent to purchase
File the required legal documents to formalize your group with the state
Seek help with financing options from agencies such as Illinois Housing Development Authority

Although it involves many steps, resident ownership gives tenants more say in their community’s future.

FAQ: Resident Ownership and Park Conversions in Illinois

Do Illinois mobile home renters have the right to buy their park?
Yes, Illinois law requires park owners to offer residents the right of first refusal before selling the entire park, giving residents a legal chance to purchase it first.
What is the time limit for residents to act when notified of a park sale?
Residents generally have 90 days from notification to match the proposed purchase offer and pursue financing.
Do I need an attorney to form a cooperative or not-for-profit association?
While not legally required, consulting an attorney or Illinois legal aid is strongly recommended to ensure all state filings and negotiations are correct.
Can I file a complaint if I think my rights are being violated?
Yes. You can contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or seek assistance from Illinois Legal Aid if you believe the park owner is not respecting your rights.
Where can I find the laws about mobile home parks in Illinois?
The Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act is the main legislation protecting renters in Illinois mobile home parks.

Conclusion: Main Takeaways

Illinois law gives mobile home park residents a right of first refusal during a park sale—timely organization is essential to act on this opportunity.
Filing the correct documents (like Articles of Incorporation) and seeking legal support ensures your resident group can act officially in the conversion process.
Trusted state agencies and legal resources can help guide you through each step.

Resident ownership offers security and a greater voice in your community. If your park is up for sale, get informed and seek support early.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act – Read your legal rights.
Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – State advocacy for manufactured housing residents.
Illinois Secretary of State Business Services – Cooperative and not-for-profit filings.
Illinois Housing Development Authority – Affordable housing and resident organization support.
Illinois Legal Aid Online – Free legal information and help for renters.