Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Montana: Your Rights

If you rent a lot in a mobile home park in Montana, you have important rights if your park is being sold or converted. Montana law gives residents a unique chance to collectively buy their community, protecting your home and stabilizing your rent. This article explains the process, key legislation, and practical steps to pursue resident ownership in Montana.

Understanding Resident Ownership in Montana Mobile Home Parks

Montana has laws that help mobile home park residents collectively purchase their parks when landlords decide to sell. This process is called "resident ownership" and can improve long-term security and give renters more control.

What Triggers Resident Purchase Rights?

If the owner of your mobile home park plans to sell, state law (Montana Code Annotated § 70-33-1010) requires they notify all tenants before closing a deal. This gives you an opportunity to organize and make a competitive offer.

• The landlord must provide written notice to all tenants and the Montana Department of Commerce at least 15 days before accepting an offer.
• During this window, residents—as a group or through a legal association—can match or beat the offer and purchase the park themselves.

Who Oversees Mobile Home Tenancy in Montana?

Mobile home tenancies are governed by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's Building Codes Bureau and fall under the Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act. Rent disputes or issues typically go to local courts, but renters can also seek information from the Montana Housing Division.

Step-by-Step: How to Convert Your Mobile Home Park to Resident Ownership

Here are the main steps tenants usually follow:

• Step 1: Receive Notice — You, as a renter, must receive a written notice if your park owner intends to sell.
• Step 2: Form a Resident Association — Tenants organize, usually by creating a nonprofit or cooperative association to represent all interested residents.
• Step 3: Notify the Owner of Your Interest — You must respond (in writing) within 15 days, stating your intent to consider a purchase. Use the "Notice of Intent by Resident Association" form (see below).
• Step 4: Submit an Offer — The resident association has 60 days to prepare and present a competitive purchase offer to the owner.
• Step 5: Secure Financing — Residents work with lenders (sometimes with state help) to obtain funding.
• Step 6: Finalize the Sale — If the owner accepts and financing is successful, the park is transferred to resident ownership.

Key Official Forms Used in the Process

• Notice of Sale of Mobile Home Park: When park owners plan to sell, they must use the Notice of Sale of Mobile Home Park (Form MH-100) to notify tenants.
  Example: You receive this form by mail or hand delivery; it marks the beginning of your opportunity period. Download the official MH-100 form here.
• Notice of Intent by Resident Association: Tenants must respond with a formal "Notice of Intent to Purchase"—often called Form MH-101.
  Example: The resident association completes MH-101 and delivers it to the owner within 15 days of receiving the sale notice. Download the MH-101 form here.

Properly using these forms is critical for maintaining your legal rights.

Your Rights and Protections Under Montana Law

Montana’s laws are designed to give renters a fair chance to buy their community and prevent sudden displacement. The process is enforced by the terms of the Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act and its requirements for notices and timing.

• Landlords must follow notice timelines strictly—failure can invalidate a sale or trigger tenant remedies.
• Retaliation for pursuing your ownership rights is prohibited by law.

If you have concerns, contact the Montana Department of Commerce's Housing Division for help or to report violations.

FAQ: Montana Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership

1. What if I miss the 15-day notice deadline?
   If tenants do not act within 15 days of receiving the sale notice, the park owner may proceed with the sale to another buyer. Immediate tenant organization is crucial.
2. Can individual renters buy just their own lot?
   No, Montana’s law is for collective resident purchases. All interested tenants must act through an association or cooperative; individual lot sales are not covered.
3. What happens to my rental agreement if the residents buy the park?
   Your rental agreement continues under the new resident ownership, but terms may change in future; your resident association will set park policies moving forward.
4. Are there financial resources for low-income residents?
   Yes. Programs like the Montana Housing Division’s "Montana Board of Housing" can provide guidance and may have financing opportunities for prospective resident associations.
5. Who can I talk to for legal help about resident ownership?
   Contact the Montana Legal Services Association or the Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division for free or low-cost advice.

Key Takeaways

• Montana law gives mobile home park renters a chance to buy their park if it's for sale.
• Timely notice and action are required—pay close attention to deadlines.
• Organize with your neighbors, use the official forms, and seek help from state or legal resources if needed.

Converting a mobile home park to resident ownership is a structured process that can give renters more security and control over their homes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Montana Department of Commerce – Housing Division: Official guidance, forms, and support.
• Montana Legal Services Association: Free and low-cost legal help for renters.
• Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act: Complete legislation text.
• Notice of Sale of Mobile Home Park (MH-100 form)
• Notice of Intent to Purchase (MH-101 form)

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1. Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act (Title 70, Chapter 33, MCA)
2. Montana Department of Commerce — Housing Division
3. Official MH-100 Notice of Sale Form
4. Official MH-101 Notice of Intent to Purchase Form
5. Montana Legal Services Association: Mobile Home Rights

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