Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks in Kansas: A Guide for Renters

If you rent a lot in a Kansas mobile home park, you may have heard about residents coming together to buy their park and manage it themselves. Doing so can provide stability, control over lot rent, and a stronger say in community decisions. This guide explains what converting to resident ownership means in Kansas, how the process works, and what forms, laws, and resources may help you along the way.

What Is Resident Ownership of a Mobile Home Park?

Resident ownership means the people who live in a mobile home park work together—usually as a cooperative or homeowners association—to purchase the land beneath their homes. Instead of renting from a private owner, residents collectively own and manage the park.

Why Consider Resident Ownership?

• Residents can help stabilize lot rents, reducing surprise increases
• Greater control over park rules and maintenance
• Stronger protection against park closure or redevelopment

While the process is complex, the benefits are significant for long-term renters seeking security.

Resident Ownership Conversion in Kansas: Key Considerations

Kansas law offers specific guidance for mobile home park owners and renters. However, Kansas does not require park owners to give tenants the first opportunity to purchase when selling the park. That means resident ownership efforts rely mainly on organizing, negotiation, and financing. Review the Kansas Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for your rights and obligations.

How Residents Can Organize for Ownership

If you are interested in resident ownership, consider these typical steps:

• Form a resident committee: Gather interested tenants to share information and explore the idea
• Assess park owner's willingness: Reach out to see if the owner is open to selling—but note they are not required to sell to residents first
• Investigate legal structure: Residents usually form a cooperative or nonprofit homeowners association to act as the buyer
• Secure financing: Seek loans for the resident group—national programs and some nonprofits may help
• Negotiate and close: If negotiations succeed, the resident entity becomes the landlord and manages the park

Official Forms and Processes

In Kansas, much of the resident purchase process uses standard business formation and real estate documents. While there is no single statewide form for mobile home park conversions, certain forms are often required:

• Articles of Incorporation (Form CORP 51-01): Used to establish a nonprofit or cooperative with the Kansas Secretary of State. For example, residents must file this when forming their ownership group. Kansas Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofit Corporations
• Real Estate Purchase Contract: Used when making a formal offer to buy the park from the current owner. Your resident association would use this contract as part of the negotiation. These are typically drafted with the help of an attorney.
• Community Rules and Bylaws: Once formed, your co-op or association will need bylaws registered with the state. See how to register a business or cooperative in Kansas.

After forming a cooperative or nonprofit, residents can sign lease agreements with the new resident-owned entity. This transition usually means new rules, rights, and payment processes, managed entirely by the residents themselves.

The Official Tribunal for Tenancy Issues in Kansas

The Kansas District Court is the main venue handling landlord and tenant cases, including those relating to mobile home parks. Renters can access information on eviction, housing disputes, and tenant protections through the Kansas Judicial Branch website.

Relevant Legislation for Kansas Mobile Home Park Residents

The primary law covering mobile/manufactured home parks in Kansas is the Kansas Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This law details:

• Tenant and landlord rights in mobile home lots
• Notice periods for rent increases or park closure
• Procedures for eviction or lease nonrenewal

Always review these statutes or consult a qualified professional before signing any documents or starting a resident purchase effort.

FAQ: Kansas Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership

1. Are Kansas mobile home park owners required to offer residents the chance to buy?
   No. Kansas law does not give residents the "right of first refusal." Any offer to sell to residents is optional for the park owner.
2. What kind of organization do residents need to form to buy a park?
   Most groups form a nonprofit corporation or cooperative association using the Kansas Articles of Incorporation form to buy and manage the park collectively.
3. Where can renters get help with legal documents for resident ownership?
   The Kansas Legal Services or local housing counseling organizations can assist with document review and guidance.
4. Will lot rents change after a successful resident purchase?
   Residents set lot rents as collective owners. Rents may stabilize, but need to cover park expenses and loan payments.
5. How do residents protect themselves from unexpected park sales?
   Act early—organize tenants, keep open channels with the owner, and be ready with a plan if the park becomes available.

Key Takeaways for Kansas Renters

• Resident ownership of your mobile home park is not guaranteed by Kansas law, but organization and planning increase your odds.
• Use official state forms for forming an ownership group and consult with local legal resources.
• Stay informed on your rights by reviewing the Kansas Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and seeking expert guidance if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Judicial Branch – Renters and Landlords Information
• Kansas Legal Services—Tenant and co-op legal advice
• Kansas Secretary of State—Business Formation
• Kansas Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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1. Kansas Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-25,100 et seq.)
2. Kansas Articles of Incorporation Form CORP 51-01
3. Kansas District Courts – Landlord and Tenant Cases
4. Kansas Legal Services – Tenant Guidance

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