How Iowa Renters Can Convert a Mobile Home Park to Resident Ownership

As a resident of a mobile home park in Iowa, you might be concerned about rent increases, park sales, or potential displacement. One way renters can gain security is by converting the park to resident ownership. In this article, we explain the steps, rights, and official resources Iowa renters need to organize, respond to a park sale, and pursue resident ownership, all using current state law.

What is Resident Ownership and Why Consider It?

Resident ownership occurs when people living in a mobile home community collectively purchase and manage their park. This arrangement offers more control over rules, rents, and maintenance, and can protect renters from sudden changes or redevelopment.

Iowa Law: Mobile Home Park Sale and Resident Purchase Rights

In Iowa, the law requires that, when a mobile home park is put up for sale, residents must be notified and given an opportunity to make an offer. This right is outlined in the Iowa Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562B)^[1].

Landlord's Sale Notice Requirements

• The park owner must provide written notice of a sale or intent to sell to the tenants of each occupied home and to any resident association.
• This notice must be given at least 60 days before a sale contract is signed, allowing time for residents to organize and respond.
• Residents or a qualified entity may make an offer to purchase the park during this window.

This process helps renters organize if they want to buy the park and manage it themselves.

How Residents Can Respond: Step-by-Step

• Once notified, residents can form a cooperative or association to act as the buyer group.
• Organize meetings, possibly with help from nonprofit housing providers or advocacy groups.
• Submit a written offer to the park owner within the notice period.
• If the park is sold to someone else, the owner must provide written proof that residents had an opportunity to buy.

Forming a legal entity such as a housing cooperative is key for serious offers. See Iowa Code 499A for cooperative law.

Key Official Forms for Iowa Renters in This Process

While there isn't a single statewide form for "resident purchase," several documents are commonly used during this process:

• Written Notice of Intent to Purchase:
  • What it is: A letter or document from residents stating their organized intent to purchase the park.
  • When to use: After receiving sale notice, submit this to notify the park owner of your interest, starting the negotiation process.
  • Example: "We, the Mobile Home Park Residents Association, hereby express our intent to purchase [Park Name]."
    There is no official state form; use a clear, dated letter and retain a copy.
• Iowa Secretary of State Cooperative Filing Forms (official cooperative forms).
  • What it is: Forms to create a legal cooperative under Iowa Code 499A.
  • When to use: Early in the process to form the entity that will buy and manage the park.
  • Practical example: Use "Articles of Incorporation – Cooperative Association" when first organizing; filing is required with the Secretary of State.
• Manufactured Home Community Rent Increase Disclosure Form – no specific form, but required notice
  • What it is: A written notice required for any future rent changes, important for new resident-owned parks.
  • When to use: After cooperative purchase, used for all official rent increase communications (per Iowa Code 562B.14).

Where to Get Official Help and File Documents

• The Iowa Legal Aid provides free legal information and may help organize or review documents.
• All cooperative filings go through the Iowa Secretary of State.

Iowa Tribunal for Mobile Home Park Disputes

If a dispute arises over notice, sale process, or tenancy rights, you may file a claim in the relevant Iowa District Court. For help, start with the Iowa Judicial Branch or reach out to Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

All Iowa landlord-tenant law – including manufactured housing rules – is governed by the Iowa Code Chapter 562B.^[1]

Summary: Main Steps for Iowa Renters Pursuing Resident Ownership

• Watch for official sale notice from the park owner.
• Organize a residents association or cooperative promptly.
• Submit a written offer within 60 days using your new association or cooperative structure.
• Retain all documents, and seek legal guidance from Iowa Legal Aid or a similar service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the time limit for Iowa park residents to submit a purchase offer?
   Residents generally have at least 60 days from the official sale notice to organize and make an offer to purchase the mobile home park.
2. Do Iowa renters need an attorney to buy their mobile home park?
   It's recommended but not legally required. Consulting organizations like Iowa Legal Aid or an attorney helps navigate cooperative formation and legal contracts.
3. What official body handles landlord-tenant disputes in Iowa?
   The Iowa District Court system handles lease, notice, and sale disputes for rented mobile home spaces. Learn more at the Iowa Judicial Branch site.
4. Can a resident-owned mobile home park raise rent?
   Yes, but the resident cooperative must give proper written notice of any increase per Iowa Code 562B.14, including details and advance warning.
5. Where do residents file to create a cooperative in Iowa?
   File cooperative articles and forms with the Iowa Secretary of State's office for legal recognition.

Key Takeaways

• Iowa renters must receive notice and are entitled to offer to buy their mobile home park if it's for sale.
• Forming a cooperative allows organized resident bids and offers more park control.
• Use official forms and seek legal guidance to protect rights throughout the process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Iowa Legal Aid – Manufactured Home Park Tenants Factsheet
• Iowa Secretary of State – Cooperative Forms and Filing
• Iowa Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Resources
• Iowa Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562B)
• Iowa Judicial Branch – Legal Forms and Tenant Dispute Guidance

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1. Iowa Code Chapter 562B – Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Iowa Secretary of State – Cooperative Association Filing Forms
3. Iowa Judicial Branch – Tenant Forms and Information
4. Iowa Attorney General – Landlord and Tenant Law

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