How much time do residents have to respond to a sale notice?

Residents commonly have up to 90 days after receiving a written sale notice to declare their intent to purchase and make a matching offer.

Can an individual renter buy the park alone?

No. Rhode Island law requires residents to form an association or cooperative for collective park purchase; individual purchases are not covered.

What if residents can’t match the sale terms?

If residents cannot provide a qualifying offer in the required time, the owner may complete the sale to an outside party.

Which agency handles mobile home park resident complaints in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) oversees mobile and manufactured housing matters, including resident complaints and guidance.

Does buying the park stop all future rent increases?

Resident ownership helps prevent surprise rent hikes, though state law regulates rent separately and may still allow fair, transparent increases.

Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Rhode Island

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Rhode Island published June 21, 2025

If you’re renting a lot in a Rhode Island mobile home park, there may come a time when you and your neighbors want more control over your homes and your community’s future. One way to do this is by converting your mobile home park to resident ownership—an option supported by Rhode Island state law. This guide explains how the process works, the legal protections involved, and practical steps for residents interested in taking ownership.

What Is Resident Ownership of a Mobile Home Park?

Resident ownership allows tenants of a mobile home park to buy the land collectively, often by forming a cooperative or homeowners’ association. The benefits include more control over rules, protection from unexpected rent increases, and securing your housing investment for the long term.

Legal Protections and Process in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law gives mobile home park residents a unique opportunity when park owners decide to sell their property. Under Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 31-44, "Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act", park owners must notify residents and give them an opportunity to purchase the park under certain conditions.^[1]

Key Steps in Resident Purchase Option

Notice of Intent to Sell: The park owner must deliver written notice to each tenant and the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) whenever the park is offered for sale.
Resident Response Period: Residents, usually through a tenants’ association or cooperative, have up to 90 days to come up with a purchase offer that meets the owner’s requirements (such as price and terms).
Matching Offers: If residents match the owner’s terms, they have priority to buy the park over outside buyers, as outlined in Section 31-44-3.2 of the Act.
Negotiating and Financing: Residents may seek loans, partner with nonprofit housing organizations, or access government programs to help fund the purchase.

This process provides time for residents to meet, form an association, and explore financing options. However, acting quickly after receiving notice is crucial.

Required Forms and Where to Find Them

Notice of Intent to Purchase (No form number):
- When used: The tenants’ association or residents cooperative must submit a formal written notice indicating their intent to purchase the mobile home park within the allowed time after receiving the owner’s sale notice.
- How to use: Draft a notice letter (signed by the residents’ group representatives) and deliver it to both the park owner and the Department of Business Regulation.
- Department of Business Regulation – Mobile Home Parks Forms and Information
Residents Association Formation Documents (No standard state form):
- When used: Residents must form a legal entity (such as a cooperative or nonprofit corporation) to collectively purchase and own the park.
- How to use: File incorporation papers or cooperative association documents with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Seek legal advice or nonprofit housing partners for assistance.
- Rhode Island Secretary of State - Business Entity Forms

Tip: For official support, contact the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), the government agency overseeing manufactured housing.

Which Tribunal or Board Handles Disputes?

Issues related to resident rights, including the conversion process, are overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Mobile and Manufactured Homes section. They provide guidance, enforce the Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act, and may help resolve disputes between residents and park owners.

Action Steps for Residents Considering Purchase

When you receive a Notice of Intent to Sell, hold a meeting with fellow residents as soon as possible.
Contact the Department of Business Regulation for information on requirements and timelines.
Form a residents’ association or cooperative to act as the buyer.
Submit a formal Notice of Intent to Purchase to both the park owner and the Department of Business Regulation.
Research financing options, which may include bank loans, partnerships with nonprofits, or government support programs.

Moving quickly improves your chances, and seeking expert advice can help you navigate legal requirements.

Resident ownership gives you a real say in your community’s future. Being informed and organized is your best asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do residents have to respond to a sale notice?
Residents typically have up to 90 days from the date of written notice to express intent to purchase and submit a matching offer.
Can an individual renter buy the park alone?
No. The law is designed for collective ownership, so residents usually need to form a legal association or cooperative to purchase the park together.
What happens if residents can’t match an outside offer?
If residents cannot provide a qualifying offer or meet the required terms within the timeframe, the park owner may sell to another buyer.
Who enforces mobile home park resident rights in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation oversees mobile and manufactured housing rights and can provide support or information.
Does this process protect residents from sudden rent hikes?
While resident ownership helps prevent unpredictable rent increases, rent controls or increases prior to purchase are regulated separately under state law.

Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Park Residents

Rhode Island law provides renters a right of first refusal when a mobile home park is up for sale.
Act quickly—organize with neighbors, contact the DBR, and form a legal association if you want to purchase your park.
Official forms and support are available from state agencies; using the right process increases your chances of a successful conversion.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation – Mobile and Manufactured Homes: Information, legal rights, forms, and contact details for help with mobile home park issues.
Rhode Island Secretary of State – Business Entity Forms: For residents forming a cooperative or association.
RIHousing: Mobile Homeowner Programs: Housing resources and assistance for manufactured home residents.

See Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 31-44 – Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act
For official DBR guidance, visit Department of Business Regulation: Mobile and Manufactured Homes
Business and association formation: Rhode Island Secretary of State – Business Entity Forms