Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks in South Dakota: Your Rights Explained

If you rent a lot in a South Dakota mobile home park, you may wonder what options exist to protect your home and community. One promising path is resident ownership—when tenants purchase the park and run it themselves. This article explains what it means to convert a mobile home park to resident ownership in South Dakota, the rights and processes involved, and how you can take action with confidence.

Understanding Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks

Resident ownership means the tenants or residents of a mobile home park band together to purchase the land beneath their homes, usually forming a cooperative or a homeowners association. This can help renters gain more control over rent, upgrades, and their living environment.

  • Provides security against sudden sale or redevelopment
  • Protects residents from sharp rent increases
  • Gives a voice in park rules, management, and maintenance priorities

South Dakota law allows mobile home park residents to organize and buy their community if the owner decides to sell, often giving them a first opportunity in the sale process.

The Process: How Resident Ownership Can Happen in South Dakota

While South Dakota does not currently mandate a formal “right of first refusal” for mobile home park residents, certain steps can improve your community’s chances if the park goes up for sale.

  • Form a resident association or cooperative as a legal entity
  • Notify the park owner of your interest to purchase if a sale is announced
  • Work with local housing agencies or nonprofits for technical and financial assistance
  • Secure financing and prepare a fair offer
  • Negotiate a sales agreement with the owner

Organizing early is key. Some local authorities, like city governments, may offer assistance or direct you to helpful programs. Review South Dakota Codified Laws on Mobile and Manufactured Homes for more background.

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Key Legal Protections and Contacts

South Dakota law provides basic protections for manufactured home park residents under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Mobile home tenancies have additional rights outlined in SDCL Chapter 43-32, including requirements for notice of park rules and termination of tenancy. You may need to work with the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Division of Labor and Management, which addresses housing-related disputes if negotiations between residents and the park owner break down.

Relevant Forms for Mobile Home Park Residents

  • South Dakota Mobile Home Park Notice of Intent to Purchase (no standard form number): Use a written letter to officially notify the park owner of your group's intention to purchase the park. This might be required after the owner provides sale notice.
    Practical example: A resident association sends this notice within days of hearing about a proposed sale. Download sample templates or get assistance from the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation.
  • Articles of Incorporation for Cooperative Association (Secretary of State Form): Needed to create a legal entity for the residents’ group before purchasing property.
    Practical example: Residents file this form with the Secretary of State before making a group offer. Access business formation forms here.

Action Steps for Renters: Getting Started

Converting your mobile home park to resident ownership in South Dakota involves planning and group effort. Here's a brief guide to get you started:

  • Organize residents and discuss interest in purchase
  • Contact the park owner to express your interest
  • Consult with the Department of Labor & Regulation and local legal aid for technical, legal, and financial advice
  • Draft incorporation documents to establish your resident-owned entity
  • Respond quickly if the owner announces plans to sell
If your mobile home park is for sale, acting together and reaching out for expert help early can maximize your chances of success.

Residents may also want to consult the full text of South Dakota's landlord-tenant statutes for additional protections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can residents legally buy their mobile home park in South Dakota?
    Yes. While there’s no guaranteed right, residents can organize and make a formal offer. Creating a cooperative and giving written notice of interest is essential.
  2. Do residents have first refusal rights if the park is being sold?
    South Dakota does not specifically mandate a "right of first refusal," but proactive resident associations often succeed in negotiations with owners willing to sell to tenants.
  3. What government office handles mobile home park disputes in South Dakota?
    The Department of Labor & Regulation, Division of Labor and Management manages landlord-tenant and manufactured housing issues.
  4. Are there sample forms to help residents organize?
    Yes. Articles of Incorporation are available from the Secretary of State website.
  5. Will owning the park stop rent increases immediately?
    No, but as owners, residents set lot rents collectively and can make financial decisions that benefit the community as a whole.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for South Dakota Renters

  • Resident ownership empowers mobile home park renters and brings stability
  • Early organization, legal incorporation, and clear written notice are crucial steps
  • Reach out to state agencies for guidance on rights, forms, and process

By understanding your options and acting together, you can take charge of your community’s future.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32: Landlord and Tenant
  2. South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Division of Labor and Management
  3. Secretary of State: Business & Cooperative Forms
  4. U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development: South Dakota Renting
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.