Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks in Minnesota: Your Rights

Thinking about securing your future in your mobile home community? In Minnesota, renters and mobile home owners have unique rights and opportunities when their park is being sold. Converting a mobile home park to resident ownership empowers tenants to control their living situation and protect against unexpected displacement. This guide explains the process, key legal protections, practical steps, and official resources to help you make informed choices as a renter or park resident.

Understanding Resident Ownership in Minnesota Mobile Home Parks

If your mobile home park owner decides to sell, Minnesota law gives residents a real chance to buy the park themselves. This process—called "resident ownership"—means residents form a cooperative or association to purchase and manage their community. This key right is protected under Minnesota Statutes Section 327C.095: Park Sales and Resident Rights.

Resident ownership can offer long-term stability, control over park management decisions, and the ability to keep rents fair.

What Happens When a Park Owner Plans to Sell?

• Notice Requirement: Park owners must give written notice to all residents at least 45 days before selling the park or accepting an offer.
• The notice must inform residents of their right to make an offer to buy the park.

This gives you and your fellow residents time to consider forming a homeowners' association or cooperative to purchase the park together.

Steps to Converting a Mobile Home Park to Resident Ownership

• Read and understand the written notice of sale from your park owner.
• Gather residents and discuss interest in purchasing the park.
• Form a nonprofit corporation, cooperative, or association to represent residents.
• Submit your written offer to the owner within the timeline provided (usually within 45 days of notice or before the owner accepts another offer).
• Negotiate and, if accepted, move forward with financing and closing on the sale.

Each step involves careful planning, collaboration, and attention to deadlines. The Minnesota Attorney General's Mobile and Manufactured Home Resources page explains the process in detail and provides support contacts.

Relevant Official Forms & Notices

• Park Sale Notice (No Official Form Number): The written notice that park owners must give residents when they plan to sell. Example: If your park owner decides to sell, you and all other residents should receive this notice by mail or hand delivery. For template language, see the statutory requirements.
• Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofit/Cooperative: Required for residents to form a legal entity to make a collective offer. File online or by mail with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This is needed when your resident group is ready to act together as a buyer.
• Resident Association Purchase Offer Letter (No Official Form): Drafted by your resident association to formally express the intent to purchase. Residents should review the requirements in Minnesota Statutes 327C.095, subd. 2.

Seeking advice from a housing counselor or nonprofit legal service can help with drafting these documents correctly.

Your Rights and Protections

Minnesota's Manufactured Home Park Lot Rentals Act outlines protections, including safeguards against retaliation or pressure from park owners during the sales process.

• Residents have the right to organize without interference.
• Owners who violate notice or process requirements may be subject to legal penalties.

Disputes about park sales or resident rights can be addressed with the help of state and local agencies. The main tribunal handling residential landlord-tenant disputes in Minnesota is the Minnesota District Court – Housing Court Division.

FAQ: Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks in Minnesota

1. What happens if my park is being sold but residents aren't notified?
   If the park owner does not provide written notice of intended sale to all residents, this may violate Minnesota law. Residents can report this oversight to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office or seek remedies in Housing Court.
2. How long do residents have to respond after receiving a notice of sale?
   Residents must generally respond with an intent to purchase before the owner accepts another offer, but not less than 45 days after the first notice is given.
3. Can all residents participate in a park cooperative or association?
   Yes, all residents have the right to join or form the cooperative, and participation is encouraged for better bargaining power and collective decision-making.
4. How can residents finance the purchase of the park?
   Funding often comes from loans, state resources, or nonprofit organizations. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s Manufactured Home Park Program provides assistance and information on financing options.
5. Where do I get help if our resident group needs legal support?
   Contact the Minnesota Attorney General's Office or reach out to a local legal aid agency specializing in housing rights.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Minnesota law gives mobile home park residents the right to buy their community when it's up for sale, with specific notice and offer requirements.
• Forming a resident association or cooperative is necessary for making a collective purchase offer.
• State agencies and nonprofit resources are available to guide residents through the process.

Staying aware of your rights and working together with neighbors can help protect your housing future.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Attorney General's Office – File a Housing Complaint (Supports mobile home residents with legal guidance and complaints)
• Minnesota Housing Court Forms & Info (For dispute resolution and enforcement of resident rights)
• Minnesota Housing Finance Agency: Manufactured Home Park Program (For financing, ownership info, and assistance)
• Minnesota Secretary of State: Start a Nonprofit Cooperative

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1. See Minnesota Statutes Section 327C.095 – Park Sales and Resident Rights
2. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Manufactured Home Park Program: MHFA Resident-Owned Community Info
3. Housing disputes: Minnesota District Court – Housing Court
4. Official forms and entity filing: Minnesota Secretary of State

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