Legal Steps to Sell a Manufactured Home in Illinois

Selling a manufactured home in Illinois requires following certain legal steps and understanding your rights and responsibilities. Whether you own your home and rent the lot in a mobile home park, or you are considering a move, knowing the Illinois laws and proper procedures can help you avoid delays and protect both buyers and sellers. This guide covers the essentials, with resources for renters and homeowners.

Understanding Your Rights: Manufactured Home Sales in Illinois

In Illinois, selling a manufactured home (sometimes called a mobile home) is different from selling traditional real estate. Manufactured homes located in parks are often considered personal property, not real property, and are regulated by both state law and park-specific rules. Key legislation includes the Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act and, where applicable, the Mobile Home Park Act.^[1],[2]

Are You the Homeowner or a Renter?

• Homeowner renting the lot: You can sell your home but must keep paying lot rent until the sale is finalized and ownership officially transfers.
• Renter of both home and lot: The sale process does not apply unless you own the home or purchase it from the landlord or another party.

Legal Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home

Here are the main steps you'll need to follow, whether you are a current renter-owner or looking to help a family member through the process:

• Check your lot lease for sale restrictions or park approval requirements.
• Notify the park management per your lease (often written notice is required).
• Gather all required documents, including the Title and Bill of Sale.
• Complete the necessary state forms to transfer ownership.

Official Forms Needed in Illinois

• Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190): This is used to transfer the title of the home, as mobile homes are titled like vehicles in Illinois.
  Download the official VSD 190 form from the Illinois Secretary of State. Submit this form at your local Secretary of State facility.
  Example: If you find a buyer, both parties fill out the title, then the buyer takes Form VSD 190 and the existing title to the Secretary of State to complete the transfer.
• Tax Certification: You must provide proof that mobile home taxes are paid up to date. Contact your county treasurer for the appropriate tax form or receipt. Learn about mobile home tax requirements at the Illinois Department of Revenue.
  Example: Before closing the sale, obtain a tax clearance from your county treasurer, showing all taxes are paid.
• Bill of Sale: Illinois does not issue an official Bill of Sale form for manufactured homes, but a written document recording the sale—including price, VIN, and both parties' signatures—is strongly recommended. Some counties may offer templates.

Park Owner's Rights and Your Responsibilities

• The park owner may have the right to approve or deny the new buyer as a resident—but cannot unreasonably block the sale. This is regulated under the Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act.
• You must provide written notice of sale, usually as specified in your lot rental agreement.
• Continue paying lot rent until the home is removed or ownership is legally transferred.

After the Sale: Final Steps and Moving Out

Once the sale is completed and ownership is officially transferred, update all records and provide notice to the park. Be sure to:

• Cancel your lot lease in writing (as required in your contract).
• Settle any remaining lot rent or utility bills.
• Give proper notice to avoid deposit issues or legal disputes.

If the manufactured home remains in the park, the new owner and the park will create a new lot lease agreement.

What If There’s a Dispute?

If you face problems selling your mobile home, including disagreements with park management or issues with paperwork, you can seek assistance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Manufactured Home Program, or file a complaint with the Illinois Manufactured Home Program. For tenant-landlord concerns, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office is a key resource. Court-related disputes often fall under the local Circuit Court.^[3],[4]

FAQ: Selling a Manufactured Home in Illinois

1. Do I need park approval to sell my mobile home?
   Usually, yes. Most parks require written notice and have the right to approve or deny a buyer as a resident—this should be detailed in your lease. However, the park cannot unreasonably stop the sale.
2. What official form do I need to transfer title of a manufactured home?
   You need to complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) and provide it to the Illinois Secretary of State.
3. Must I pay off all taxes before selling the home?
   Yes. Illinois requires that all mobile home taxes are current before transferring ownership. Obtain a tax clearance from your county treasurer.
4. What happens to my lot lease after I sell the home?
   Once the sale closes and the title transfers, provide written notice to the park and settle any lease obligations. The buyer must apply for a new lot lease.
5. Which agency can help if a dispute arises during the sale?
   The Illinois Department of Public Health and your local Circuit Court can address formal disputes. For landlord-tenant issues, try the Attorney General’s Office.

Key Takeaways for Sellers

• Always use official state and county forms for title and tax requirements.
• Notify park management promptly and comply with lease rules.
• If unsure, seek help from state resources or legal aid before finalizing a sale.

Careful preparation will protect your rights and smooth the Illinois manufactured home sale process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act — Main state law on mobile home tenancies.
• Illinois Department of Revenue, Mobile Home Tax Info — Tax paperwork and contacts.
• Illinois Secretary of State, Mobile Home Titles — Forms and guides for title transfers.
• Illinois Manufactured Home Program — Complaints, regulations, and park standards.
• Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights

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1. [1] See Illinois Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act.
2. [2] See Mobile Home Park Act.
3. [3] Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190), Illinois Secretary of State.
4. [4] Illinois Department of Revenue, Mobile Home Tax Information.

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