Resident Ownership: Mobile Home Park Conversion in New Hampshire

If you're renting a lot in a mobile home park in New Hampshire, you may have heard about the possibility of converting your park to resident ownership. This process allows tenants to work together to buy the park from the current owner, giving you more control over rent, maintenance, and the future of your community. Understanding your legal rights and the necessary steps can empower you and your neighbors. This article explains how the conversion works in New Hampshire and provides resources, official forms, and helpful advice along the way.

Understanding Resident Ownership in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, mobile home park residents have a unique opportunity thanks to the state’s laws that give tenants the right of first refusal to purchase their park when it’s offered for sale. Resident ownership means that tenants form a cooperative or similar legal entity to collectively buy and manage the park. This can lead to more stability, better maintenance, and protection from unexpected rent increases.

The Legal Framework

The key law is New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks. This legislation outlines your rights, including procedures if the property owner decides to sell the park or change its use.

Your Rights When a Park Goes Up for Sale

If the owner decides to sell or transfer a mobile home park, New Hampshire law requires them to:

• Notify tenants officially, usually in writing, of the intent to sell.
• Give the tenants' association or cooperative the chance to make a reasonable offer to buy the park (the “right of first refusal”).
• Provide tenants a reasonable period (typically 60 days) to submit an offer.^[1]

Residents interested in owning the park must organize quickly and communicate clearly. This process can protect your community and your home.

Key Steps to Converting to Resident Ownership

• Receive official written notice about the sale.
• Form a resident cooperative or association.
• Use your right of first refusal to make an offer.
• Secure financing—many local organizations and the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund can assist.
• Finalize the purchase if the offer is accepted.

Legal advice or guidance from state agencies can make these steps easier to navigate.

Official Forms and Notices You Might Receive or Use

• Right of First Refusal Notice (Form: RSA 205-A:21)
  Use: Park owners must provide this written notice to residents when outlining their intent to sell. It gives tenants the official window to make an offer.
  Example: If you receive this notice, gather your neighbors and consider forming a cooperative immediately.
  Read the official statute governing this notice
• Resident's Purchase Offer (No standard form number)
  Use: The tenants’ group submits a written offer, meeting the requirements of the notice. Legal templates may be available from local NH legal aid or state agencies.
  Example: Drafted and signed by the cooperative’s board or designated group.
• Complaint Form (Board of Manufactured Housing)
  Use: If you believe the park owner has not followed the law (for example, failing to give proper notice), you can file a complaint with the New Hampshire Board of Manufactured Housing.
  Example: Fill in the details about the violation, attach documents, and submit to the Board.
  Download the Official Complaint Form (PDF)

Submit forms promptly and keep copies for your records.

How Appeals and Tenancy Disputes Are Handled

New Hampshire's Board of Manufactured Housing oversees disputes in manufactured housing communities. If there are disagreements about the sale process, notice, or other rights, tenants can file a formal complaint with the Board using the official forms above. The Board can mediate or make decisions based on state law.

Summary of the Conversion Process

The transition from tenant to owner takes effort, but the results can be rewarding. Organize early, use state resources, and know your deadlines.

1. Receive a sale notice.
2. Form a cooperative (or association).
3. Submit a credible offer (right of first refusal).
4. Secure financing and complete purchase.
5. Seek help from agencies or file complaints as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the "right of first refusal" in New Hampshire mobile home parks?
   The right of first refusal gives park residents the legal right to make the first offer when the owner decides to sell the park. This helps tenants take control of their community and potentially become owners themselves.
2. What should I do after getting a right of first refusal notice?
   Gather other residents, seek legal advice, and consider quickly forming a cooperative to make a purchase offer within the required timeframe.
3. How do I file a complaint if my park owner does not give proper notice?
   Use the Board of Manufactured Housing complaint form to formally submit your claim.
4. Do I need a lawyer to form a cooperative?
   While not required, legal advice is strongly recommended for cooperative formation, contract drafting, and negotiating the purchase.
5. What legislation protects my rights as a mobile home park resident?
   Your rights are outlined in RSA Chapter 205-A: Manufactured Housing Parks.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• New Hampshire residents have a legal right to buy their park when the owner decides to sell.
• Act quickly by forming a cooperative and submitting your offer within the deadline.
• Use official forms, know your rights, and reach out to state agencies for support.

By staying organized and informed, tenants can successfully convert their mobile home park to resident ownership, building stronger, more stable communities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Board of Manufactured Housing: Handles complaints and disputes related to mobile home parks.
• NH Department of Justice Tenancy Resources: Official tenant protections and legal information.
• NH Community Loan Fund: Support and loans for co-ops purchasing their parks.
• NH Lawyer Referral Service: Find legal help for mobile home residents.

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1. See RSA 205-A:21: Sale of Manufactured Housing Park; Notice to Residents; Right of First Refusal.
2. Find all relevant regulations in the NH Manufactured Housing Parks Law (RSA 205-A).
3. Official complaint process and forms: Board of Manufactured Housing.

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