Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Ohio: Your Rights

Are you a resident of a mobile home park in Ohio wondering about your rights if your park is being sold, or if you want to help your community gain ownership? Converting a mobile home park to resident ownership gives you and your neighbors more control over rents, improvements, and stability. This article breaks down the process, your rights, relevant Ohio laws, and actionable steps—so you can make informed decisions.

Understanding Resident Ownership in Ohio

Resident ownership means the people who live in a mobile home park join together—often through a cooperative or association—to buy and manage the land underneath their homes. In Ohio, laws give residents specific rights to organize and, in some cases, to have notice or a first opportunity when a park is up for sale.

What Triggers a Park Conversion Opportunity?

• The park owner decides to sell, lease, close, or change the use of the property.
• Residents form a homeowners' association or cooperative to act together as buyers.

Ohio law provides protections and notice requirements to ensure residents are informed and can respond quickly if their park is sold or converted.^[1]

Your Legal Protections and Notification Rights

When a park owner intends to sell or close a mobile home park, the landlord must provide written notice to each tenant and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. The notice should clearly state the owner's intent and timing.

• Notice must be provided at least 180 days before closing or changing use.
• Residents can use this time to explore purchasing the park collectively.
• Tenants may receive information about relocation services or financial aid through state agencies.

Key Ohio Forms and How to Use Them

Residents may access or submit several forms during the conversion process. Here are the most important:

• Notice of Park Sale/Closure (No official number)
  When Used: Provided by the park owner to each tenant and the Ohio Department of Commerce.
  Renter Example: If you receive this, it's your official alert and timeline to organize with your neighbors.
  Download official closure packet and notice forms
• Ohio Business Registration: Cooperative or HOA Formation (Form 530A)
  When Used: Residents file this to form a legal group to buy/manage the park.
  Renter Example: Your association uses this form to officially create a homeowners' association or cooperative recognized by law.
  See official Ohio business forms

Relevant State Agencies and Where to Get Help

• Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing: Handles park closure and sale notice compliance.
• Ohio Attorney General: Tenant Resources

Residential Tenancy Legislation in Ohio

Your rights and the park owner’s obligations are covered by the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4781 - Manufactured Home Parks and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3733. These establish notification procedures, closure rules, and remedies if your rights are not followed.^[2]

For most tenancy issues—including eviction and rent increases—the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC 5321) applies.^[3]

Action Steps: How to Start the Resident Ownership Process

Here's a brief guide for renters interested in converting their mobile home park to resident ownership:

• Gather your neighbors and form an association or cooperative (file with the state).
• Seek legal and financial advice—resources are available from nonprofit housing agencies and state offices.
• Monitor for official sale or closure notices from your park owner.
• When you get a notice, inform your association and consider submitting a formal offer to buy the park.
• Use state contacts and resources for assistance (see below).

FAQ: Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership in Ohio

1. What notice must my park owner give if they sell or close the park?
   Ohio law requires at least 180 days written notice to all tenants and the Division of Real Estate before a sale or closure.
2. Can my neighbors and I form a group to buy our park?
   Yes. Residents can legally form a homeowners' association or cooperative to collectively offer to purchase the park.
3. Does Ohio offer any financial help for residents who want to buy their park?
   While the state does not provide direct loans, there are state and nonprofit resources that offer guidance and may help you access outside financing.
4. Who can I contact to report problems or unfair notice about a park sale/closure?
   Contact the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
5. What rights protect me during a mobile home park sale or closure?
   Residents are protected by the Ohio Revised Code (Chapters 4781, 3733, and 5321), which require proper notification and certain legal remedies if procedures are not followed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Ohio state law gives residents clear notification rights if a park is being sold or closed.
• You have the option to organize with your neighbors and make an offer to buy your park, giving your community more security and stability.
• Forms and legal resources are available; seeking early legal and nonprofit guidance is your best strategy.

Staying informed, organized, and proactive ensures you make the most of your rights as a mobile home park resident in Ohio.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing — for questions or to file a complaint
• Ohio Attorney General - Tenant Law Resources
• Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Chapter 5321)
• Ohio Housing Finance Agency — homebuyer and ownership support programs

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1. See Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4781 - Manufactured Home Parks.
2. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3733 - Rules for park operations, sale, and closure.
3. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 - Landlord-Tenant Act.

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