Legal Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home in Maine

Selling a manufactured (mobile) home in Maine involves specific legal steps, especially if your home is located in a mobile home park. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps ensure a smooth and lawful transaction. This guide breaks down the process in simple terms, whether you own your home or are renting space in a mobile home park.

Understanding the Basics in Maine

Maine law recognizes manufactured homes as personal property unless they are permanently affixed to land that you own. If your home is in a mobile home park, both state laws and park rules apply when you want to sell. The primary legislation governing rental and sale matters is the Maine Manufactured Housing Act^[1] and relevant sections of the Maine Landlord-Tenant Act^[2].

Key Legal Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home

Here are the major legal requirements to sell your manufactured home in Maine, with a focus on homes in mobile home parks:

• Notify the Park Owner/Operator: You must notify the park owner in writing of your intention to sell. Most parks require this before you actively market your home.
• Obtain Park Approval for Buyer: If the buyer wants to keep the home in the same park, the park owner may have the right to approve the new resident. However, approval cannot be unreasonably withheld based on Maine law.
• Provide a Proper Bill of Sale: Complete a legal bill of sale, which serves as proof of the home's transfer.
• Transfer Title: Manufactured (mobile) homes in Maine are titled like vehicles. You must complete an official title transfer at the town/city office or Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
• Settle Outstanding Fees: Make sure all lot rent, utilities, and local taxes are current before you sell. Buyers are often advised to check for any unpaid fees or liens.

Required Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Intention to Sell (No formal state form)
  
  • How it's used: This is usually a written letter from you to the park owner stating your intent to sell. Include your home’s lot number and estimated timeline. Example: Jane writes to her park’s manager, notifying them she plans to sell her home in 60 days.
• Mobile Home Bill of Sale (Form MVT-32)
  Maine Mobile Home Bill of Sale (Form MVT-32)
  
  • How it's used: Both seller and buyer fill out this form during the sale. It documents the transfer and is required for title changes at the BMV.
    Example: After agreeing on the sale, Jane and Sam complete Form MVT-32 together before Sam applies for title in his name.
• Application for Certificate of Title (Form MVT-2)
  Maine Application for Certificate of Title (Form MVT-2)
  
  • How it's used: The buyer files this with the Maine BMV along with the bill of sale to have the home’s title transferred to their name.

Role of the Maine Manufactured Housing Board

The Maine Manufactured Housing Board oversees manufactured housing rules and can hear disputes if problems arise between sellers, buyers, or park owners.

What Renters, Buyers, and Sellers Should Know

• You may remain responsible for rent until the sale and formal transfer are complete.
• If the park owner denies the buyer residency, they must give a written reason. Discrimination is prohibited.
• If the home is being moved out of the park, permit requirements may apply. Check with the Maine BMV and local town office.

Where to Find Official Information

• The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles handles title and transfer forms for manufactured homes.
• General renter and park resident protections are in the Maine Manufactured Housing Act.

1. Do I need the park owner’s approval to sell my home?
   Yes, the park owner generally has the right to approve the buyer if they are going to remain in the park, but the owner cannot unreasonably refuse.
2. What forms do I need to sell my manufactured home in Maine?
   A completed Bill of Sale (Form MVT-32) and Application for Certificate of Title (Form MVT-2) are required for the title transfer.
3. What happens if there are outstanding lot rent or taxes?
   The park or local government could place a lien on your home if back rent or taxes are owed, so settle these before completing the sale.
4. Can my buyer move the home out of the park?
   Yes, but permits and legal requirements apply for transporting a manufactured home. Check with the Maine BMV and your local town office.
5. Who can help if there’s a dispute during my mobile home sale?
   The Maine Manufactured Housing Board can address unresolved issues involving mobile home park residents, owners, and sellers.

Key Takeaways When Selling Your Manufactured Home

• Always notify your park owner in writing before selling.
• Use official Maine forms for both the bill of sale and title transfer.
• Contact the Maine Manufactured Housing Board if disputes arise or for more information.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Manufactured Housing Board (questions, disputes, complaints)
• Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (title transfer questions, forms)
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free civil legal help for Maine renters and mobile home park residents
• Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library

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1. See Maine Manufactured Housing Act, 10 M.R.S. Chapter 957
2. See Maine Landlord-Tenant Act, 14 M.R.S. Chapter 710

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