Legal Steps to Sell a Manufactured Home in New Hampshire

Selling your manufactured home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re living in a mobile home park or paying lot rent. In New Hampshire, there are specific legal steps and official requirements to protect both sellers and buyers. This guide explains the process clearly, shares key forms, and points you toward official resources, so you feel confident as you begin this big transition.

Understanding the Basics of Selling Your Manufactured Home

When you want to sell your manufactured (mobile) home in New Hampshire, your rights and responsibilities are covered by both state law and any community (park) rules where your home is located. The home itself is typically considered personal property, while the land it sits on may be rented from a park owner. Knowing how these factors interact is important for a smooth sale process.

Key Legal Considerations

• You need to transfer the title (much like a car title) through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• If your home is located in a manufactured housing park, you are required to notify the park owner or management of your intent to sell and follow any park-specific sale procedures.
• Your sale needs to comply with state rules, including giving the park owner first right of refusal and making sure the buyer is approved if they wish to remain in the park.
• You’ll need a Bill of Sale and application forms for title transfer.

Understanding these basics protects your interests and can prevent future disputes.

Step-by-Step: The Legal Process to Sell Your Manufactured Home

• Notify the park owner: New Hampshire law requires written notice to your park owner if your home is inside a manufactured housing park. This often includes notifying them about details of the sale and the buyer. The park has the right to approve or deny the buyer’s tenancy. This step is required under the New Hampshire RSA Chapter 205-A (Manufactured Housing Parks).
• Offer ‘first refusal’: The park owner generally has the “right of first refusal.” This means they may choose to buy the home themselves on the same terms you are offering to an outside buyer.
• Complete the sale documentation: You need to prepare a Bill of Sale (no official state form number, but standard for vehicle or manufactured home sales), a title for the home, and the Application for Certificate of Title (Form TDMV 23A).
• Transfer the title at the DMV: Both the seller and the buyer must go together to a DMV office to transfer the manufactured home’s title.
• Settle outstanding lot rent and park obligations: Before finalizing the sale, ensure all rent or fees owed to the park are up to date.

Each step helps confirm a legal, problem-free sale and protects your rights during the transition.

Official Forms You’ll Need

• Application for Certificate of Title (Form TDMV 23A)
  Used to transfer ownership of the manufactured home through the DMV. Both seller and buyer must complete this form and submit it with the sale. Download here from the NH DMV.
• Bill of Sale
  A written record of the transaction. The Bill of Sale provides proof that ownership has changed hands. There is no specific NH state form; you may use a simple written agreement including the parties’ names, description of the manufactured home, sale price, date, and signatures. Example: If you sell your home for $30,000, both you and the buyer sign a Bill of Sale listing those details.
• Community Approval Forms (if required by your park)
  Some manufactured housing parks require their own form for buyer approval before the sale, as part of the tenancy review. Check with your park management for their process.

It’s important to keep a copy of all forms and notices for your records.

State and Tribunal Oversight

If a dispute occurs during the home sale or regarding park rules, you can seek help or file a complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau or the New Hampshire Circuit Court (District Division). These bodies handle residential tenancy and manufactured housing disputes.

All rules regarding park tenancies and sales are found in the New Hampshire RSA Chapter 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks. The law includes detailed tenant rights, sale procedures, and notice requirements for sellers.

FAQ: Selling Your Manufactured Home in NH

1. Do I have to notify the park owner before selling my manufactured home?
   Yes. If your home is in a manufactured housing park, you must provide written notice to the park owner before you sell.
2. Does the park owner have to approve my buyer?
   Usually, yes. The park owner can review (and must reasonably consider) buyers for tenancy in the community. Approval cannot be denied for unfair or discriminatory reasons.
3. What forms are required to transfer ownership?
   You will need a Bill of Sale and the Application for Certificate of Title (Form TDMV 23A).
4. Where do I file a complaint if my sale is unfairly blocked?
   You may contact the NH Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau or your local Circuit Court (District Division).
5. What law covers manufactured home sales in New Hampshire?
   The main law is RSA 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks. This covers tenancy, sales, and park procedures.

Key Takeaways for Selling Your Manufactured Home

• Always provide written notice to your park owner before selling.
• Make sure all forms (Bill of Sale and Application for Certificate of Title) are properly completed.
• The park owner can review buyer applications but must act reasonably under the law.
• Keep records of all communications and contact state agencies if you need help.

Selling your manufactured home in New Hampshire involves both official steps and clear communication. Use the available legal protections to ensure a smooth experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles: Manufactured Housing — For title transfers, forms, and regulations.
• NH Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau — For complaints about unfair sales or park practices.
• New Hampshire Circuit Court (District Division) — Handles tenancy disputes and appeals related to manufactured housing.
• RSA 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks — Full legal text of state law covering manufactured housing rights and sales.
• Contact your local legal aid provider for free advice on tenants’ and sellers’ rights in manufactured housing parks.

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1. See New Hampshire RSA Chapter 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks.
2. Title transfer process and forms: NH Division of Motor Vehicles - Manufactured Housing.
3. Consumer complaints: NH DOJ Consumer Protection.
4. District court jurisdiction: NH Circuit Court (District Division).

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