Legal Steps to Sell Your Mobile Home in Michigan

Selling a manufactured home in Michigan involves specific legal steps and paperwork, especially if your home is located in a rented mobile home park. Whether you own or rent the land, understanding the legal process helps you avoid delays and ensures your rights are protected. This guide explains the state’s manufactured housing sale process, forms, and important tenant protections, using plain language and official Michigan resources.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

In Michigan, tenants who own their manufactured home but rent the lot have special protections and responsibilities under state law. Being clear about these obligations helps you make the sale responsibly.

• You own the home: You have the right to sell, but if you rent the land (in a mobile home park), the park’s management may have rules or approval rights that affect the process.
• You rent both the home and the land: Check your lease—some agreements limit or set requirements on transferring or selling your right to occupy the home.

Legislation regulating these rights is found in the Michigan Mobile Home Commission Act.^[1]

Key Steps to Selling a Manufactured Home in Michigan

Here’s what you need to do if you want to sell your manufactured or mobile home in Michigan, especially if it’s located in a park:

1. Review Your Lease and Park Rules

• Check if the mobile home park has any rules about selling your home, such as requirements to notify management, obtain approval, or pay fees.
• Some parks have a right of first refusal, meaning they can choose to buy your home before you sell it to someone else.

2. Notify the Park (If Required)

If your home is in a park, Michigan law may require you to inform the park’s management in writing about your intent to sell. Ask the park manager for the correct procedure.

3. Prepare Your Title and Documents

• Your manufactured home should have a Michigan “Certificate of Title” issued by the Secretary of State. Learn more about Michigan manufactured home titles.
• Form: Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (Form TR-11L)
  Used to transfer ownership to the buyer. The buyer will complete this form to get a new title in their name. Download Form TR-11L here.
  Example: As the seller, you'll sign over your Certificate of Title to the buyer, who then files Form TR-11L at their local Secretary of State office.

4. Disclose All Known Issues

• While Michigan does not have a specific state form for mobile home disclosures, sellers are required to be honest about known conditions that may affect the buyer’s safety or use of the home.

5. Settle Outstanding Rent or Fees

If you are behind on lot rent or have outstanding fees owed to the mobile home park, these debts may be required to be paid before or during the sale. This step protects you and ensures the sale can proceed smoothly.

6. Complete the Sale and Transfer Title

• The buyer and seller must sign the Certificate of Title.
• The buyer files the signed title and Form TR-11L at their local Secretary of State branch office.
• Park management may require notice of the transfer—get written confirmation once completed.

Tip: Keep copies of all forms, bills, and communications with the park and buyer. This helps resolve any disputes about fees, deposits, or condition of the home during the sale process.

Tribunal/Board for Manufactured Housing Issues

If you and the park management can’t agree on sale terms or you face eviction pressure during the sale, you can contact the Michigan Mobile Home Commission. This board oversees park management compliance and tenant rights. For rental disputes, you may also need to contact your local district court for landlord-tenant matters.

Relevant Michigan Laws

• Michigan Mobile Home Commission Act
• Michigan Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act

FAQ: Michigan Mobile Home Sale Process

1. Do I need park approval to sell my mobile home in a Michigan mobile home park?
   Most parks require you to notify management and follow community rules for buyer approval. Check your lease or park handbook for specifics.
2. What paperwork is required when I sell my manufactured home?
   The Certificate of Title and the Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (Form TR-11L) are required. Both seller and buyer must sign them.
3. Can I sell my manufactured home if I owe rent or fees to the park?
   You may need to settle all outstanding debts with the park before completing the sale, or the new owner could inherit these debts.
4. Where do I file a complaint if the park is unfairly blocking my sale?
   Contact the Michigan Mobile Home Commission for help with mobile home park management issues.
5. Does the buyer need to move the home after purchase?
   Not necessarily; the buyer can apply to rent the same lot, but the park must approve them as a new tenant.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Always review your lease and park rules before listing your manufactured home for sale.
• Gather the correct forms and follow all notification requirements to avoid legal complications.
• Reach out to the Michigan Mobile Home Commission if you need help resolving a sale dispute.

Understanding your rights ensures a smoother, more secure selling process, whether you are moving within Michigan or buying a new home elsewhere.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Mobile Home Commission: Oversight for mobile home park disputes and consumer resources.
• Secretary of State—Manufactured/Mobile Home Title & Forms: Complete title transfer resources and location finder.
• Michigan Legal Help—Housing & Tenant Rights: Find self-help guides and legal aid for renters.

---

1. [1] Michigan Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987)
2. [2] Michigan Secretary of State — Manufactured/Mobile Home Titles
3. [3] Michigan Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act
4. [4] Michigan Mobile Home Commission — Tenant Complaints

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations