How Renters Can Pursue Resident Ownership of Their Mobile Home Park in Kentucky

For residents of mobile home parks in Kentucky, the possibility of converting their community to resident ownership can mean greater stability and control over rent, upkeep, and community rules. This process—sometimes called a resident buyout or transitioning to a cooperative—comes with unique steps, legal protections, and resources offered by Kentucky state law. Understanding these steps can help renters take action toward more secure housing.

What Does It Mean to Convert to Resident Ownership?

Converting a mobile home park to resident ownership typically refers to residents collectively purchasing the land where their homes are located. This is often done through a cooperative (coop) or similar nonprofit group formed by the residents.

• Residents organize to create a cooperative corporation or association.
• The association negotiates with the current owner to purchase the park.
• Once purchased, residents become members/shareholders of the association, gaining collective control.

This process brings long-term benefits but also involves legal, financial, and organizational steps. In Kentucky, renters' rights and responsibilities during a park sale or conversion are governed by KRS Chapter 219: Manufactured Home Communities^[1].

Legal Protections and Procedures in Kentucky

Notice of Sale Requirement

Under Kentucky law, if the owner of a manufactured home community intends to sell or change the use of the land, residents must receive advance written notice. This is a critical starting point for any possible conversion to resident ownership.

• Written Notice of Sale: Park owners must provide at least 60-days’ written notice to each affected resident before selling the property or changing its use.^[1]
• This period is intended to give residents the opportunity to organize and potentially make a purchase offer.

Form: Notice of Sale to Residents

• Form Name: Notice of Sale of Manufactured Home Community (No official form number)
• Usage: Delivered to each resident when the park is listed for sale or potential redevelopment.
• Renter Example: If your park owner posts a notice that the park is for sale, you should receive a written letter explaining your rights and the timeline.
• Sample statutory language and requirements

Organizing Resident Interest

After receiving the notice, Kentucky law encourages—but does not require—residents to form an association or cooperative. Resources can be found via the Kentucky Housing Corporation.

• Hold resident meetings to explain options and gauge interest.
• Create a steering committee to investigate purchase details and available financing.
• Consult with legal and financial advisors to create a legal entity (e.g., cooperative corporation).

Submitting an Offer

If residents wish to try to purchase the park, they must quickly organize and submit an offer to the current owner during the notice period.

• Draft a purchase offer via the cooperative or association.
• Negotiate in good faith—a landlord is not required to accept but must consider the offer.
• Work with lenders familiar with cooperative and manufactured housing financing.

Your Rights Under Kentucky Mobile Home Law

Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 219 ensures residents receive formal notice and have the right to remain on the property throughout the notice period. Additional renter protections include:

• Eviction notice must follow proper procedures—no sudden removal is allowed during this process.
• All rent or fees remain due during the conversion, so stay current on payments.
• Residents can remain until the end of any tenancy or notice periods, even if a sale occurs.

The Kentucky Court of Justice – Family Court hears housing and landlord-tenant issues, including eviction disputes related to mobile home parks.

Relevant Kentucky Legislation

• KRS Chapter 219 – Manufactured Home Communities Regulation
• KRS Chapter 383 – Kentucky Landlord/Tenant Act

Action Steps for Renters

The following summarized steps can help guide tenants considering a resident ownership conversion:

• Watch for formal written notice if your park is listed for sale or redevelopment.
• Attend or organize resident association meetings.
• Seek assistance from nonprofits or the Kentucky Housing Corporation for organizational help.
• Submit a resident offer during the 60-day statutory notice period if appropriate.
• Consult legal counsel or tenant advocacy groups for review of contracts and organizational documents.

FAQ: Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Kentucky

1. How much time do residents have to act if their park is for sale?
   Residents are entitled to at least 60 days’ written notice before the sale or change in use of a mobile home park. Use this period to organize and explore ownership options.
2. Are park owners required to sell to residents?
   No, Kentucky law requires notice and consideration of resident offers but does not mandate a sale to residents.
3. What should residents do if they don’t receive a sale notice?
   Contact the park owner in writing and, if you still do not receive a notice, reach out to the Kentucky Housing Corporation or seek legal aid.
4. Where can renters get official forms or notices?
   There is no single universal form; notices must follow statutory requirements set by KRS Chapter 219. Refer to language in Section 219.330.
5. Which Kentucky board or tribunal resolves mobile home tenancy disputes?
   Most cases are handled by the Kentucky Court of Justice – Family Court or local District Courts.

Key Takeaways for Kentucky Renters

• Residents in Kentucky mobile home parks must receive written notice before a park is sold or converted.
• You have the right to organize and make a purchase offer as a resident group during the notice window.
• Extra support is available from state agencies and legal aid if you need help navigating the process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kentucky Housing Corporation (state resource for affordable and manufactured housing)
• Kentucky Court of Justice – Family Court (housing dispute resolution)
• Kentucky Legal Aid (free legal assistance for renters)

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1. Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 219 – Manufactured Home Communities Regulation
2. Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 383 – Kentucky Landlord/Tenant Act

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