Maryland Resident-Owned Mobile Home Park Conversion Guide

For Maryland renters living in mobile home parks, the idea of converting the park into resident ownership brings stability and collective power. Maryland law offers a pathway for residents to purchase their mobile home community if the owner decides to sell. Understanding your rights, the process, and key forms will help you protect your home and make informed choices.

Maryland's Mobile Home Park Conversion Process Explained

When a park owner intends to sell or redevelop a mobile home park, Maryland law provides residents with a unique opportunity—the right of first refusal. This means residents have the first chance to buy the park, either individually or through a resident association or cooperative, before the owner can sell to someone else.

Who Is Eligible?

• Residents of a mobile home park with at least 38 spaces
• A group of residents acting collectively
• An association or cooperative formed by residents

This right applies when the park owner receives a written offer from a third party to purchase the entire park for continued use as a mobile home park.

What Is the Timeline for Action?

• The park owner must provide written notice to residents about their intent to sell. This triggers the residents' rights.
• Residents typically have 30 days from receipt of notice to make a matching offer.
• If residents do not exercise their right, the owner can proceed with the sale to another buyer.

These timelines and rules aim to give residents a fair chance to arrange financing or form a cooperative.

The Official Board for Mobile Home Tenant Issues

In Maryland, the District Court of Maryland oversees most landlord-tenant matters, including mobile home tenant disputes. For legal questions or to resolve serious conflicts, you may need to file through the county branch of this court system. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers resources, policy guidance, and affordable housing support.

Key Forms: Name, Use, and Where to Find Them

• Notice of Intent to Sell or Transfer a Mobile Home Park
  Form Name: Notice of Sale of Mobile Home Park (No official form number)
  Use: This is used by park owners to notify all residents in writing about an intended sale or transfer, as required by Maryland law.
  Example: If your park owner wants to sell, you should receive this notice, triggering your right as a resident to act.
  Review notice requirements in Maryland's Mobile Home Parks Act.
• Resident Association or Cooperative Incorporation Documents
  Form Name: Articles of Incorporation, depending on cooperative structure
  Use: This is filed by residents who wish to form a legal association or cooperative to collectively purchase the park.
  Example: If your group wants to buy the park, you’d use these to become a recognized entity. Find information and relevant forms on the Maryland Business Express Portal.

Be sure to check with your local government or the Maryland DHCD for any additional required notices or supporting documents. Acting collectively can improve your chance of success in purchasing the park.

Important Maryland Laws Protecting Mobile Home Park Residents

The Maryland Mobile Home Parks Act (Md. Code, Real Property, Title 8A) spells out the rights and obligations for both residents and park owners during the sale or transfer process. It details:

• The notification process for park owners
• Timelines for resident associations to respond
• Protections against unfair eviction due to sale

This legislation ensures you are not surprised by a sudden sale and provides a legal pathway to resident ownership. If you are facing eviction as part of a proposed sale, review the section titled "Eviction Procedure" in Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8A-1703.

How Residents Can Start the Park Purchase Process

Getting organized is the first step. Here’s how Maryland renters can act when a park is for sale:

• Form a resident association or cooperative
• Gather necessary documents and by-laws
• Consult affordable housing advocates or legal aid for guidance
• Submit a written intent to purchase to the park owner within the legal deadline
• Arrange financing and engage in negotiations

Consult the DHCD Resident Assistance page for support programs and more detailed steps.

Remember, each step must be completed promptly to protect your rights and preserve your chance to purchase.

FAQ: Maryland Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership

1. What is the "right of first refusal" for Maryland mobile home park residents?
   Maryland law allows residents or their associations to match a third-party purchase offer if the park owner intends to sell, giving residents the first chance to buy.
2. How do I form a resident association or cooperative?
   Residents come together, draft by-laws, and file incorporation documents. The Maryland Business Express Portal helps with filings.
3. Do all residents need to join the association to buy the park?
   No, but collective participation increases your chances of negotiating financing and purchasing the park.
4. What if the owner sells the park without notifying residents?
   This may violate Maryland’s Mobile Home Parks Act. You can seek help from the District Court of Maryland or consult legal aid.
5. Can residents be evicted if the park is being sold?
   Generally, the law protects against unfair eviction during the sale process. Review your rights under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8A-1703.

Conclusion: What Maryland Renters Should Remember

• Maryland law gives mobile home park renters the first chance to buy before a sale
• Organizing with fellow residents strengthens your options
• Act fast and use the proper legal forms to protect your interests

For many, converting a mobile home park to resident ownership means long-term security. Take advantage of your rights and resources available in Maryland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): Housing policies, tenant resources, and financial assistance
• District Court of Maryland - Landlord Tenant Resources: How to file disputes and get legal guidance
• Maryland Attorney General's Office - Landlord Tenant Help: Complaint assistance and tenant advocacy
• Maryland Business Express: Incorporate a resident association or cooperative

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1. For legislation outlining the rights and obligations during sale, see: Maryland Mobile Home Parks Act (Real Property Article, Title 8A) (Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8A-201 et seq.)
2. Official Maryland courts tenant resources are at the District Court of Maryland Landlord Tenant Page
3. Filing and forming legal business/cooperative entities is managed by Maryland Business Express
4. For DHCD's resources, visit the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
5. See specifics on eviction procedures during a sale in Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8A-1703

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