How Michigan Renters Can Buy Their Mobile Home Park

If you rent a lot in a Michigan mobile home park, converting the park to resident ownership could give you more control over costs and the future of your community. Michigan law provides pathways for mobile home park residents to buy the park together, but the process can seem overwhelming. Here’s how it works and what renters need to know about their rights, key forms, and state protections under current law.

Understanding Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks

Resident ownership means the people who live in a mobile home community collectively purchase the park property, often forming a cooperative. This allows residents to manage the land, set rules, and stabilize lot rents. In Michigan, residents usually purchase together through a cooperative corporation established under Michigan’s Nonprofit Corporation Act.

Steps for Converting to Resident Ownership

The process of buying your mobile home park as residents has several important steps:

• Organize interested residents and form a committee.
• Contact the park owner to express interest in purchasing.
• Gather financial information about the park, such as the asking price and expenses.
• Form a cooperative or legal entity to manage the purchase.
• Secure financing (loans, grants, or outside assistance).
• Negotiate terms and conduct due diligence by hiring professionals (lawyer, appraiser, inspector).
• Complete official paperwork and accept ownership if the sale proceeds.

Michigan law does not require park owners to sell to residents, but residents do have the right to organize and pursue ownership without retaliation¹.

Key Michigan Forms & Practical Examples

1. Certificate of Incorporation for a Cooperative (Form CSCL/CD-500)

• When to Use: Residents use this form to create the legal cooperative entity that can purchase and own the park.
• How it Works: Submit the Certificate of Incorporation (Form CSCL/CD-500) to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
• Example: If your residents’ association decides to buy the park, you’ll file this form to become a recognized cooperative under Michigan law.

2. Written Notice from Residents to Park Owner

• When to Use: There is no standard state form, but residents often send a written letter expressing their intention to buy the park.
• How it Works: Send a letter with resident committee information, proof of organization, and a request for the terms of the sale, mailing it via certified mail for a record.
• Example: A residents’ committee sends a signed letter to the park owner, stating, “We wish to discuss purchasing [Park Name] and request sale details.”

3. Complaint for Retaliation (District Court Form DC 80)

• When to Use: If your right to organize or pursue purchase is met with retaliation (like sudden eviction notices), you can file a formal complaint.
• How it Works: Use the Complaint for Possession After Notice to Quit/Termination of Tenancy (Form DC 80) to challenge an illegal eviction in district court.
• Example: If you’re served with an eviction notice after beginning the purchase process, you can respond in court using this form.

Legal Protections for Michigan Mobile Home Residents

As a Michigan mobile home park renter, your rights are protected under the Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987). This law:

• Prohibits retaliation by the park owner for efforts to organize or purchase the park
• Requires owners to follow strict notice and eviction procedures
• Empowers renters to file complaints with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Disputes over eviction or rent may be heard in Michigan District Court, which handles landlord-tenant cases in the state.

FAQs: Converting to Resident Ownership in Michigan

1. Can the park owner refuse to sell to residents?
   Yes, Michigan law does not require park owners to sell to residents, but residents can still organize and make an offer.
2. Is there financial help for residents buying a mobile home park?
   Some non-profit organizations and the state may provide loans or grants. Contacting the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is a good first step.
3. Do renters risk eviction if they try to buy the park?
   No, retaliation for attempting resident ownership is not allowed under Michigan law. Park owners must follow legal eviction rules.
4. What happens if residents can’t buy the park?
   If a sale isn’t possible, residents continue renting under their existing leases and retain all normal tenant protections.
5. Where can I file a complaint if my rights are violated?
   Complaints about harassment or improper eviction can be filed with your local Michigan District Court or the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Resident ownership can give Michigan renters more stability and control but requires careful planning and organization.
• Residents have a right to organize and pursue buying their park without fear of retaliation.
• The law provides important protections and complaint processes through Michigan District Courts and state agencies.

Converting your mobile home park is complex, but there are official forms, legal rights, and state support systems to help you through every step.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Mobile Home Parks: For licensing, complaints, and regulation questions
• Michigan District Court: Where landlord-tenant disputes are heard
• Michigan State Housing Development Authority: Housing resources and renter assistance
• Michigan Legal Help: Free legal information and self-help tools for renters

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1. See Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987), especially MCL 125.2328: Tenant rights and retaliation.
2. Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act: Legal framework for forming cooperatives.
3. Michigan District Court Form DC 80: For defending retaliatory or improper evictions.

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