How Maine Mobile Home Renters Can Form a Resident-Owned Community

If you're renting a lot in a mobile home park in Maine and worry about rent hikes or eviction, you may have heard about converting your community to resident ownership. This process gives tenants the chance to buy their park collectively—transforming from renters to owners and gaining more control over your housing future.

Understanding Resident Ownership in Maine Mobile Home Parks

Resident ownership means that the people living in a mobile home park (also called a manufactured housing community) join together to purchase the land, operating as a single cooperative. This can stabilize rents, improve maintenance standards, and offer residents more voice in community decisions. Maine state law supports residents with legal rights and a defined process if a park owner decides to sell.

Why Consider Resident Ownership?

• Stability: Reduce risks of eviction due to park closure or redevelopment.
• Potentially lower or stable lot rents over time.
• Greater control over park rules and maintenance.

In Maine, when a park owner intends to sell, they must notify residents and offer them a chance to buy first—this is called a "right of first refusal."

Your Legal Rights If the Park Is For Sale

The Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, Section 9094 (Manufactured Housing Community Owner Sale—Right of First Refusal) gives mobile home park residents or an association:

• Written notice if the owner plans to sell the community.
• 120 days to make an offer to buy, starting when you receive written notification.
• The right to match a bona fide purchase offer from another party.

This provides time and opportunity to organize a purchase if you and your neighbors are interested.

Key Steps to Resident Ownership

• Receive formal written notice of the park’s intent to sell.
• Form a cooperative or resident association to act as the buyer.
• Respond with official intent and coordinate financing or assistance.
• Negotiate a purchase agreement with the current owner within the 120-day window.
• Complete the purchase transaction, with the cooperative taking over ownership and park management responsibilities.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies, such as MaineHousing, can offer guidance on financing and structuring your resident-owned community.

Important Forms and Requirements

• Park Owner's Written Notice of Intent to Sell (No standard number):
  Given by the park owner to each household and the State Manufactured Housing Board. It starts your 120-day response period. Example: If your community gets this letter, gather neighbors promptly to discuss options.
  Find details and statutory requirements at Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, §9094.
• Certificate of Organization – Cooperative Housing Corporation (Form MLLC-1):
  Used if residents choose to incorporate as a cooperative, submitted to the Maine Secretary of State. This makes the group a legal buyer. Example: After deciding to bid, residents file this form to operate as a single entity.
  Download at the Maine MLLC-1 Form page.

Where to Get Help

The Maine Manufactured Housing Board regulates mobile home communities, oversees disputes, and can provide information on your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do residents have to buy the park if it goes up for sale?
   No, purchasing the community is optional—but residents must act within the 120-day window if they want to pursue ownership.
2. What happens if we cannot buy the park?
   If you do not or cannot purchase, the owner may sell to another buyer under Maine law. You retain standard tenant protections, but the new owner may make changes.
3. Does everyone have to participate in the cooperative?
   No, not all residents are required to join, but usually, the more participation, the more likely your group can successfully purchase and manage the community.
4. Can I get help financing our purchase?
   Yes, organizations like MaineHousing and some nonprofits offer loans or advice for resident groups interested in becoming owners.
5. Where can I get advice or file complaints?
   Contact the Maine Manufactured Housing Board for support and complaint processes.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• If your Maine mobile home park is being sold, you have a legal right to organize and make an offer within 120 days.
• Form a cooperative or association to act as the buyer, and seek assistance from state resources like MaineHousing.
• File the proper forms promptly and get professional advice to successfully convert your park to resident ownership.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Manufactured Housing Board – For official complaints, regulations, and guidance
• MaineHousing Manufactured Housing Programs – Grants, technical assistance, and financing help
• Maine Secretary of State – Cooperative Corporations – Forms and info for starting a resident cooperative
• For legal aid, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Maine’s nonprofit provider of free civil legal help

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1. Maine Manufactured Housing Board: https://www.maine.gov/decd/business-development/mobile-home-parks
2. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 953: Manufactured Housing Law
3. MaineHousing Manufactured Housing Programs: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/housing-development/manufactured-housing
4. Cooperatives Formation, Maine Secretary of State: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/coops.html
5. Pine Tree Legal Assistance: https://www.ptla.org

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