How Nebraska Renters Can Buy Their Mobile Home Park

If you rent a lot in a Nebraska mobile home park, you might worry about rent hikes, changing park ownership, or even the park closing. One empowering solution is converting your mobile home park to resident ownership. This process gives you and your neighbors control of your community, improves housing stability, and can protect you from sudden evictions. Here's what Nebraska renters need to know about this opportunity.

What Is Resident Ownership of a Mobile Home Park?

Resident ownership occurs when tenants join together—often as a cooperative or association—to buy the land under their homes from a park owner. This transition means renters collectively become owners, setting their own community rules, stabilizing rents, and managing property conditions together.

Laws That Protect Mobile Home Park Residents in Nebraska

Nebraska has specific protections for mobile home park tenants under the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act.¹ These laws set out rules for rent increases, evictions, maintenance, and park conversion, providing a legal foundation for residents interested in collective ownership.

How Does Park Conversion Work in Nebraska?

If a park owner wants to sell, Nebraska law requires certain steps to give residents a chance to purchase the park:

• The owner must give written notice to each tenant about the intent to sell.²
• Residents (often through an association or cooperative) have the opportunity to organize and make an offer to purchase the park.
• If residents match a bona fide purchase offer from someone else, the owner must sell to the residents.

This notice and right-to-purchase process is outlined in Nebraska Revised Statute Section 76-1475.

Form: Notice of Intent to Sell

• Form Name: Notice of Intent to Sell Mobile Home Park
• How It's Used: The park owner uses this form to notify tenants when putting the property up for sale. This notice triggers the residents' right to make a purchase offer.
• Nebraska Department of Labor—Official Forms

For renters, receiving this notice is your window to begin the resident ownership process. Organize with neighbors and consider contacting legal aid or a nonprofit with experience in park conversions.

How to Start the Resident Ownership Process

Here are some steps Nebraska renters can follow if you're interested in converting your mobile home park to resident ownership:

• Get the Notice of Intent to Sell from your park owner.
• Hold a meeting with your fellow tenants to discuss forming an association or cooperative.
• Seek guidance from a nonprofit or legal services provider experienced in park purchases.
• Work together to gather funding or financing for your purchase offer.
• Submit your matching offer according to Nebraska law.
• Negotiate sale terms with the owner if your offer is accepted.

Which Nebraska Agency Handles Disputes?

Issues involving mobile home parks, including conversion and tenant rights, are handled by the Nebraska County Court system.³ You can file legal actions—such as injunctions or disputes about the right to purchase—in the court of your county.

Key Nebraska Tenant Laws

• Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act

The above legislation outlines your rights regarding maintenance, rent increases, and owner responsibilities.

FAQ for Nebraska Mobile Home Park Renters

1. What does "right of first refusal" mean for mobile home park tenants?
   It means tenants have the first opportunity to purchase the park by matching another buyer’s offer after the landlord decides to sell.
2. What happens if tenants cannot match the park purchase offer?
   If residents do not or cannot match the offer, the owner is free to sell to another buyer.
3. Are there protections against eviction during the sale process?
   Yes, Nebraska law prohibits retaliatory eviction for tenants organizing to purchase their park as long as they comply with rental terms.⁴
4. Where do I file a complaint if I think my right to purchase was ignored?
   You can file in your local Nebraska County Court, which handles such tenancy disputes.
5. Do I need to move my home if the park is sold?
   Not necessarily. If residents buy the park, you stay. If a new owner takes over, they must comply with tenancy laws regarding notice and eviction.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Mobile Home Park Renters

• Nebraska renters have legal rights to collectively buy their mobile home parks when owners intend to sell.
• Act quickly after receiving a Notice of Intent to Sell—this is your window to organize and make a matching offer.
• County Courts are your resource for resolving disputes and enforcing your tenant rights in the conversion process.

Understanding your legal protections and acting promptly can empower your community to secure long-term housing stability through resident ownership.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska County Courts – Find Your Local Court (tribunal for tenancy disputes)
• Nebraska Judicial Branch: Landlord-Tenant Dispute Self-Help
• Legal Aid of Nebraska – Tenant Help
• Full Nebraska Tenant and Landlord Legislation
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Housing

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1. See Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act & Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Refer to Nebraska Revised Statute Section 76-1475: Sale of mobile home park; notice requirements
3. The tribunal for tenancy disputes is the Nebraska County Court
4. Nebraska Revised Statute 76-1439 prohibits retaliatory eviction against tenants exercising rights provided by law

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