Texas Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership: Your Rights & Steps

If you live in a Texas mobile home park, you might have heard about the idea of residents joining together to buy the park and run it as a cooperative. This can offer greater control over your housing and more stability. But how does the process work, and what rights and protections do Texas renters have during a park sale?

Understanding Resident Ownership in Texas Mobile Home Parks

Resident ownership means the people living in the park collectively purchase the property. In Texas, mobile home park owners may choose to sell the land. State law gives residents the opportunity to organize and make an offer to buy the park before it's sold to someone else. This process is designed to give renters a fair chance to secure their housing future.

What Are Your Rights When a Park Is for Sale?

Under Texas Property Code Chapter 94, which governs manufactured home tenancies, park owners must follow specific rules before selling:

• Notice Requirement: The park owner must provide written notice to each tenant if they intend to sell the park.
• Opportunity to Purchase: Residents, often through a homeowners’ association or cooperative, can make an offer to purchase the park.
• You have 60 days after receiving notice to submit a good faith offer to buy the park.
• If a resident group makes a qualified offer, the owner must negotiate in good faith and give priority to the residents’ group over other buyers during this window.

These rules are designed to help renters form resident-owned communities and avoid sudden displacement.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Notice of Intent to Sell a Manufactured Home Community (Form Not Numbered)
  When used: The park owner completes this form to inform tenants that the park is for sale. You should receive this notice before any sale process starts.
  Example: If your manager posts or mails you this notice, it's your signal to organize fellow residents if you want to pursue ownership.
  See sample TDHCA guidance and forms
• Petition to Form Homeowners’ Association (No official state form)
  When used: Residents may create a legal entity, such as a homeowners’ association (HOA), to submit a collective offer.
  Example: After getting the sale notice, your group meets and files formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State.
  Learn about forming Texas associations
• Offer to Purchase Letter (Prepared by Residents’ Association)
  When used: Used by your residents’ group to submit your intent and terms to buy the park.
  Example: After organizing, you send a signed letter to the park owner within 60 days.

Texas Residential Tenancies Tribunal

If you have a dispute, eviction notice, or need to legally challenge an action by the park owner, contact the Texas Justice Court. Justice Courts handle landlord-tenant disputes, including issues related to manufactured housing.

Step-by-Step: How to Pursue Resident Ownership

The process can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible with planning and cooperation. Here’s a breakdown:

• Step 1: Receive Written Notice — Park owner gives residents official notice before selling.
• Step 2: Organize Residents — Gather interested renters and form a legal group (like an HOA or cooperative).
• Step 3: Consult with Legal and Housing Advocates — Seek advice from groups like Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or local housing agencies.
• Step 4: Submit Your Offer in Writing — Send the owner your purchase offer within 60 days. Include your proposed terms and proof of financial capacity.
• Step 5: Negotiate the Sale — Owner must negotiate in good faith and cannot sell to another buyer before your offer is considered.

This process is your opportunity to control your housing stability and costs.

Key Legal Protections for Texas Mobile Home Park Renters

• Right to Notice and Opportunity to Purchase: Landlords must provide written notice and an exclusive window to buy before selling.
• Eviction Protections: Landlords must still follow all legal eviction procedures under Texas Property Code Chapter 94, even during a sale.
• Tenant Protections: Park owners cannot raise rent or change rules in retaliation for residents trying to organize.

If you feel your rights are violated, contact legal assistance immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is resident ownership of a mobile home park?
   Resident ownership means the tenants collectively purchase and run the park, usually through a co-op or homeowners’ association, giving renters long-term housing security.
2. How do I know if my park is being sold in Texas?
   The park owner must provide written notice to each tenant before selling the property. Watch for official letters or posted notices.
3. How long do residents have to make an offer to buy the park?
   Texas law requires landlords to give residents at least 60 days after notice to make a purchase offer.
4. Where can I get help forming a co-op or homeowners’ association?
   Contact the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division or a local legal aid office for step-by-step support.
5. Does my park owner have to sell to residents?
   No; the owner must give you the chance and negotiate in good faith but is not required to accept the offer if terms aren’t suitable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division — Official forms, laws, and renter help.
• Texas Justice Court — Handles landlord-tenant disputes and eviction cases.
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Free legal aid for renters (income-eligible).
• Texas Property Code Chapter 94: Manufactured Home Tenancies

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1. Texas Property Code Chapter 94: Manufactured Home Tenancies
2. TDHCA Guidance: Mobile Home Park Resident Buyouts
3. Texas Justice Court – Landlord-Tenant Matters
4. Texas Secretary of State: Corporation & Association Forms

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