Legal Steps to Sell a Manufactured Home in New Mexico

Selling a manufactured home in New Mexico involves several legal steps, especially if your home is located in a mobile home park or on leased land. Whether you're moving, upgrading, or simply changing your living situation, understanding New Mexico's laws protects your rights and helps your sale go smoothly.

Understanding Manufactured Home Sales in New Mexico

In New Mexico, manufactured homes are sometimes called mobile homes. If you own the home but rent the land (such as a space in a mobile home park), state law provides certain protections and requirements for both sellers and buyers. Key state rules are found in the Manufactured Housing Act and the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act.^[1][2]

Key Legal Steps to Selling Your Manufactured Home

Here’s an overview of the main requirements when selling your manufactured home in New Mexico:

• Obtain and Review Title: The home must be properly titled with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). You will need the current title to transfer ownership.
• Notify the Mobile Home Park: If your home is located in a park, you must inform park management of your intent to sell and follow any park-specific rules.
• Complete a Bill of Sale: This document proves the sale and is required for title transfer. Use the official New Mexico Bill of Sale for Manufactured Home (MVD Form 10009).
• Transfer the Title: Both buyer and seller must complete sections on the title and submit it to the MVD for ownership transfer.
• Resolve Outstanding Taxes: Any unpaid property taxes must be settled before the sale is finalized.
• Check for Additional Requirements: If the home will be moved, a Certificate of Moving or Transport Permit from the MVD is needed.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

• Manufactured Home Title Application (MVD 10003):
  Used when the buyer retitles the home.
  Example: After selling your home, the buyer completes this at the MVD with supporting documents.
  Official Application Form
• Bill of Sale for Motor Vehicle/Boat/Manufactured Home (MVD Form 10009):
  Required to document the sale transaction.
  Example: You and the buyer both sign this at the time of sale.
  Official Bill of Sale Form
• Transport Permit (Certificate for Movement, MVD 10851):
  Required if the home must be moved from its current location.
  Example: The buyer applies for this before relocating the home.
  Official Certificate for Movement Form

Important Considerations for Sellers Renting a Lot

If you rent the land beneath your manufactured home, you have added protections under New Mexico law:

• The park owner cannot arbitrarily block your sale, but they may require the new owner to pass standard park screening or sign a new lease.
• You must give written notice to the park of your intent to move or sell, usually at least 30 days in advance. Check your current lease for any extra notice rules.
• If the park denies the buyer tenancy for an unlawful reason, you may have a right to file a complaint.

Filing Complaints or Handling Disputes

If you believe your rights as a seller or tenant in a manufactured home park are being violated, you can bring your case to the New Mexico Magistrate Court, which is the main tribunal for housing and tenancy disputes in New Mexico. The court handles complaints related to the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act and Manufactured Housing Act.^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need the park owner's permission to sell my home?
   No, but you must notify the park and the new buyer may need to be approved as a tenant under standard rules.
2. What if I have unpaid taxes on my manufactured home?
   Outstanding taxes must be paid before the title can be transferred to a new owner.
3. Which official forms are required to sell my manufactured home?
   You need the Bill of Sale (MVD 10009) and must transfer the title at the MVD. If moving, a transport permit is also required.
4. Can the park owner reject my buyer?
   Only if the buyer fails to meet the park’s standard tenant criteria; rejections must follow the law.
5. How are disputes over a sale or eviction resolved?
   Disputes are handled by the New Mexico Magistrate Court, which deals with landlord-tenant matters.

Key Takeaways for Sellers

• Follow New Mexico’s Manufactured Housing Act procedures for a legal sale.
• Use official forms to document the transaction and transfer the title.
• Always notify your park management and check if the buyer must be approved as a new tenant.

Selling your manufactured home on leased land is straightforward when you know your legal steps and communicate clearly with all parties involved. Take time to gather the right forms, settle any taxes, and follow proper procedure to avoid disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division – Manufactured Homes: Guidance on titling, sale, and forms
• New Mexico Housing Search: State housing support
• New Mexico Magistrate Court: File a complaint or tenant-landlord dispute
• New Mexico State Law Library – Landlord & Tenant Law: Guides and sample forms
• New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (full text)

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1. New Mexico Manufactured Housing Act – NMSA 1978, Chapter 60, Article 14
2. Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act – NMSA 1978, Chapter 47, Article 8
3. New Mexico Magistrate Court – Housing Dispute Information

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