Legal Steps to Sell Your Manufactured Home in New York

Selling a manufactured (mobile) home in New York comes with important legal requirements. Whether you rent the land in a mobile home park or own your lot, knowing the right steps helps protect your rights and avoid complications. This guide will help New York renters and mobile home owners navigate the selling process with confidence, pointing to official forms, government resources, and current tenant legislation.

Understanding Manufactured Home Sales in New York

In New York, if your manufactured home sits in a rental community (mobile home park), you typically own your home but lease the land it sits on. Selling your manufactured home involves both state law and rules set by the landlord or park owner. It's vital to follow all legal steps to smoothly transfer ownership and safeguard your housing rights.

Key Legal Requirements Before You Sell

• Check Your Lease: Review your lot lease or rental agreement for any terms about selling your home. Some parks may have first refusal rights or require written notice.
• Give Proper Notice: New York law requires you to notify the park owner in writing before transferring ownership of the home. Generally, 30 days' notice is typical, but your lease may specify otherwise.
• Ensure Lot Rent Is Current: Clear any outstanding rents or fees. Park owners can require you to pay all due amounts before allowing the sale to proceed.
• Disclosure of Home Condition: Accurately represent the condition of your manufactured home to any potential buyer. This includes structural integrity, appliances, and title status.

Failing to meet these requirements can delay or impact your ability to sell.

Official Forms Involved in Selling Your Home

When selling a manufactured home (sometimes called a "mobile home") in New York, several official documents may be required:

• Manufactured Home Title
  • Name/Number: MV-272.1, Application for Title (for Manufactured Homes after 1995)
  • When Used: If your home was manufactured in 1995 or later and never titled, you or your buyer must file this form to obtain a certificate of title. This helps prove ownership and is used in transferring to the new buyer.
  • Application for Title (MV-272.1) official form
• Bill of Sale
  • Name/Number: Generic; no official state form (sample available at many county clerk offices)
  • When Used: Used at time of sale to document the transfer of the home from seller to buyer—including serial number, year, make, and all parties' signatures. Helpful as legal proof for both buyer and seller; often required for title transfer.
  • Bill of Sale Template (MV-912)
• Notice of Intent to Sell/Transfer
  • Name/Number: No statewide form—check with your mobile home park
  • When Used: Must be completed to notify the park owner in writing of your intent to sell/transfership. Required before the sale.
  • New York State Homes & Community Renewal: Mobile and Manufactured Home Parks

Your transaction might also need additional documentation. For homes manufactured before July 1995, titles are not always required, but check with the New York DMV manufactured home guidelines.

Step-by-Step: Selling Your Manufactured Home

Each sale is unique, but most sellers will follow this general process:

• Review your current lease and park rules for sale terms and notice requirements.
• Notify the park owner in writing of your intent to sell. Include buyer information, if known.
• Arrange a sale, then complete a Bill of Sale and (if applicable), sign over the title to the buyer.
• Ensure all rent and fees are paid up-to-date to avoid disruptions.
• If the buyer intends to keep the home on the lot, they may need landlord approval or to meet park requirements. The park can't unreasonably reject a qualified buyer (see tenant rights under New York law).
• File necessary forms with the DMV and/or county clerk to finalize ownership transfer.

It's wise to keep signed copies of all documents. Seek park management confirmation that your notice has been received.

Understanding Your Tenant Rights During Sale

New York protects mobile/manufactured homeowners from unfair denial by park owners. Park owners must not reject a proposed buyer due to discriminatory reasons or unreasonably withhold consent when buyers meet standard financial and community requirements.

Tenant rights in this area are found in the New York Real Property Law § 233 (Mobile Home Tenant Protection Act), often called the "Mobile Homeowners Bill of Rights." This law outlines park owner and tenant duties, including selling, rent increases, and evictions.

Tip: If you feel your park owner is unfairly blocking your sale, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR).

Where to Get More Information or File Complaints

• New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Manufactured Home Park Resources
• Tribunal for housing issues: New York City Housing Court (for city disputes), or Mobile Home/Tenant and Landlord Proceedings
• See state-wide tenant guides: NYS Tenant Protections

FAQ: Selling a Manufactured Home in New York

1. Do I need the park owner's approval to sell my manufactured home?
   Usually, the park owner can't prevent you from selling, but the buyer may need to meet park requirements and obtain approval to rent the lot. Park owners must not unreasonably withhold consent.
2. How do I get a title for my manufactured home in New York?
   If your home was built after 1995 and doesn't have a title, apply using the MV-272.1 form through the DMV. Older homes may not require a title, but check local rules.
3. Can the park raise my rent or evict me for selling my home?
   No, state law forbids retaliation for selling. Your rights are protected under the Mobile Home Tenant Protection Act.
4. Does the buyer have to move the home after purchase?
   No, but if they wish to leave the home in the park, they must meet park residency rules and be approved by management, following reasonable standards.
5. What should I do if the park owner is blocking my sale?
   Contact HCR for help, and consider filing a complaint if you believe the park owner is violating your rights under New York law.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Sellers

• Always give written notice to your park owner and review your lease before starting a sale.
• Use official forms—like the Bill of Sale and title application—at every transfer.
• Know your rights under New York law and seek help if you face unfair treatment.

Preparation and knowledge of New York's manufactured home laws help ensure a smooth transaction and protect you from disputes during the selling process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New York State HCR Manufactured Home Park Information – Learn your rights and park obligations
• New York City Housing Court – For legal disputes about lot rental and home sales
• Contact NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal – File complaints or ask about mobile home legal protections
• New York DMV Manufactured Home Information – Title and registration rules

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1. New York Real Property Law § 233 (Mobile Homeowners Bill of Rights)
2. New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR MH Park Owners)
3. New York Department of Motor Vehicles (Manufactured Home Registration & Title Rules)
4. NYS Tenant Protections
5. NYC Housing Court

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