How Missouri Mobile Home Renters Can Convert Parks to Resident Ownership

If you rent a mobile home lot in Missouri, you may have heard about the possibility of residents purchasing and owning the park themselves. Resident ownership can offer stability, protect against unexpected rent increases, and give you more say over community decisions. This guide explains your rights, the conversion process, and the official forms and resources you'll need—using clear, step-by-step advice based on Missouri law.

What Is Resident Ownership of a Mobile Home Park?

Resident ownership is when tenants form a cooperative or homeowner association to buy the mobile home park from its current owner. This gives renters more control over rules, maintenance, and costs. In Missouri, there are specific protections and opportunities for residents interested in this process, though requirements must be met along the way.

Missouri Law: Notification and First Opportunity to Purchase

Missouri law (see Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.072) grants mobile home park residents certain rights if the owner decides to sell the park:

• Written Notice: Park owners must provide written notice to each resident and any registered resident association when they plan to sell.
• First Right to Purchase: Residents or their associations typically have 60 days to make an offer to buy the park before the sale goes to an outside buyer.

Steps Residents Should Take After Receiving Notice

If you and your neighbors want to explore purchasing the park, here are the general steps:

• Form a Legal Entity: Most groups form a residents' association or cooperative to represent all interested tenants.
• Organize Interest: Hold meetings and collect support to see who will participate.
• Submit Intent in Writing: Confirm your group's intention to buy the park by writing to the owner within the 60-day window.
• Secure Financing: Begin searching for financial support, such as loans or grants.

Official Missouri Forms and Where to Find Them

• Notice of Sale (No Official Form Number)
  How it's used: The park owner gives this written notice to each tenant and resident association, sharing their intent to sell. Residents should keep a copy for their records.
  Official source: Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.072
• Articles of Incorporation (Form Corp 41, if forming a not-for-profit)
  How it's used: If residents form a cooperative or nonprofit association, they'll file this with the Secretary of State. A step for groups thinking about purchase.
  Download Corp 41 Articles of Incorporation
• Affidavit of Resident Association Notice (No Official Form Number)
  How it's used: If the owner is notified by a resident association, an affidavit or other written statement may be used to prove timely submission.
  See Missouri Law: § 441.072

Which Agency Handles Mobile Home Tenant Issues in Missouri?

Missouri does not have a single residential tenancy tribunal, but the Missouri Circuit Courts deal with landlord-tenant disputes, including those involving manufactured housing. For concerns regarding mobile home parks, you might also consult the Missouri Attorney General's Office Landlord-Tenant Resources.

Legal Protections and Limitations

The main law for manufactured housing renters is Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.072. Be aware that:

• This law only applies when the park owner chooses to sell.
• If you receive an eviction or non-renewal notice, regular Missouri landlord-tenant rules apply.
• Resident purchase does not guarantee rent levels or prevent all park sales, but it can offer added security for renters willing to organize.

Before taking any action, consider consulting a lawyer, especially when starting a legal entity or significant financial transaction.

FAQ: Resident Mobile Home Park Ownership in Missouri

1. What is the first thing residents should do if their park is for sale?
   Gather other interested renters and consider forming a residents' association. Time is critical, so act within the first few days of receiving notice.
2. Do residents have to buy the entire park?
   Yes, under Missouri law, residents can only purchase the whole park—not individual lots—by forming a group or association.
3. Can rent be increased during the sale process?
   Rent may only be increased according to lease terms and with proper notice. Check your lease and local laws to verify requirements.
4. Does every renter need to join the resident group?
   No, not every renter must join, but a strong majority makes funding and governance much easier.
5. What happens if residents can't raise the money to buy?
   If financing can't be secured within the 60-day window, the owner may sell the park to a third party.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

• Missouri law gives renters a chance to organize and make an offer when their mobile home park is listed for sale.
• Watch for written sale notices and respond quickly by contacting neighbors and considering a legal entity.
• Resident ownership offers long-term benefits, but requires group effort, planning, and sometimes legal help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Circuit Courts – Landlord-tenant dispute resolution
• Missouri Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
• Missouri Secretary of State: Entity Formation
• Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.072: Resident Right to Purchase

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.072 (Right of first refusal for resident associations)
2. Missouri Circuit Courts – Landlord/Tenant Dispute Resolution
3. Missouri Attorney General – Landlord/Tenant Guide
4. Missouri Secretary of State – Corporation Forms

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