Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in North Dakota

In North Dakota, renters living in mobile home parks may have the opportunity to convert their community into one owned by a resident association or cooperative. Understanding how this process works can help residents secure their long-term housing and have a greater say in park management. This guide outlines your rights, the steps involved, relevant forms, and where to get help.

What Is Resident Ownership and Why Consider It?

Resident ownership means the renters or homeowners in a mobile home park collectively purchase and operate the park, usually as a cooperative. This can stabilize rent, improve park management, and protect residents from unexpected sales or closure.

North Dakota Law on Mobile Home Park Conversions

North Dakota allows mobile home park residents to organize and potentially buy their park if the owner decides to sell. While there isn’t a specific "right-of-first-refusal" law in North Dakota (unlike some other states), forming a resident association can help in negotiating with park owners and seeking financing. The state’s rental regulations are found in the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47‑16.1 – Mobile Home Parks1.

Benefits of Resident Ownership

  • Control over rent increases and park rules
  • Investment in the future and stability for families
  • Greater input on maintenance and improvements

Steps to Convert a Mobile Home Park to Resident Ownership

Converting a park to resident ownership involves careful organization and several key actions. Here's a general outline for renters considering this path:

  • Organize Residents: Start conversations with neighbors about interest in forming a resident cooperative or association.
  • Form a Legal Entity: Create a nonprofit cooperative or association to represent the residents. This may require bylaws and member agreements. For resources, see the North Dakota Secretary of State's entity forms and guides2.
  • Notify the Park Owner: Express your group’s serious interest in buying the park if it is for sale. There is no standardized form, but written communication is best.
  • Seek Financing: Research funding options through banks, the USDA Rural Development program, or the North Dakota HUD office.
  • Negotiate and Purchase: Work with legal counsel to negotiate terms of sale. The contract will need signatures from the association and the park owner.

Successful purchases often depend on early planning, clear communication, and community participation.

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Key Forms and Where to Find Them

  • Articles of Incorporation for Cooperatives (Form SFN 13070): Used to officially form a resident-owned cooperative. Find instructions and the form at the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Business Forms page.
    Example: Residents in a park decide to buy their community. They draft and file this form to legally form a cooperative that can own and manage the property.
  • Bylaws (No official state form): Bylaws set up the rules for how your cooperative operates. You'll usually draft these with the help of an attorney or a template, and attach them to your Articles of Incorporation.

The Role of North Dakota's Tenant-Landlord Authority

Residential tenancy matters, including mobile home park issues, are overseen by North Dakota’s Office of Attorney General - Landlord & Tenant Rights3. This office provides information and guidance about mobile home park laws and disputes, but does not adjudicate cases. Legal disputes may be brought before the North Dakota District Courts4.

Action Steps for Residents

If you are considering converting your mobile home park to resident ownership, follow these basic steps:

  • Talk with fellow residents and gauge interest
  • Form a legal entity using state forms and draft bylaws
  • Reach out to legal services and advocacy organizations for help
  • Contact the park owner with written interest
  • Secure financing and negotiate purchase terms

Working with legal and financial counsel is strongly recommended for any group purchase effort.

Tip: If you encounter resistance from the owner, document all communications and seek help from the Office of Attorney General or a legal aid service.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my mobile home park be converted to resident ownership in North Dakota?
    Yes, but there is no statutory right requiring the owner to sell to residents first. If the owner agrees to sell, residents can organize to purchase their park collectively.
  2. Is there an official application form to start the conversion?
    No single application exists—residents must form a legal cooperative, often starting with the Articles of Incorporation (Form SFN 13070) through the Secretary of State.
  3. Who can help if the landlord opposes the sale?
    Contact the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office or local legal aid for guidance and support.
  4. What tenancy law governs mobile home parks in North Dakota?
    North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16.1 provides rules for mobile home parks, including evictions, notices, and renter rights.
  5. Where are disputes or lawsuits about mobile home parks handled?
    Disputes can be filed in the North Dakota District Court, which is the appropriate tribunal for landlord-tenant matters.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

  • Resident ownership is possible in North Dakota, but relies on voluntary sale by the park owner and coordinated resident action
  • No formal right-of-first-refusal exists in state law—timely organization is crucial
  • Legal forms such as Articles of Incorporation must be filed for resident ownership

With organization and proper support, renters in North Dakota can explore resident ownership to create more stable, empowered communities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16.1 – Mobile Home Parks
  2. Secretary of State: Cooperative and Corporation Forms
  3. Office of Attorney General – Landlord & Tenant Rights
  4. North Dakota District Courts
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.