How Vermont Renters Can Buy Their Mobile Home Park

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Vermont published June 21, 2025 Flag of Vermont

For many residents of mobile home parks in Vermont, the possibility of resident ownership can bring stability, affordability, and long-term security. Understand the process, your legal rights, and how to take action to convert a Vermont mobile home park to resident ownership.

Understanding Resident Purchases of Mobile Home Parks in Vermont

Vermont law gives resident groups the opportunity to buy their mobile home park if the park owner decides to sell. This process is designed to help protect renters from displacement and provide a pathway to community ownership. The State of Vermont has clear procedures, legal timelines, and resources to support renters in these situations.

Your Legal Rights Under Vermont Law

According to Vermont’s Mobile Home Parks statute (10 V.S.A. Chapter 153), park owners must notify residents if they plan to sell or close the park. Residents are given a fair opportunity to organize and make a purchase offer for the park.

  • If a park owner intends to sell, they must provide written notice to all homeowners in the park and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
  • Residents typically have 45 days from receiving the notice to form a resident association and indicate their intent to make an offer.
  • The park owner must negotiate in good faith with the resident group or association and cannot sell to a third party until the resident process is complete.
  • If multiple resident groups express interest, they may be required to merge or agree on representation.

This law helps ensure residents’ voices are heard when there are plans to sell a mobile home park.

Key Steps in the Park Conversion Process

The process may feel overwhelming, but Vermont offers clear steps and supports. Here’s a simplified breakdown to help renters know what’s involved.

1. Notice of Intent to Sell

The park owner must give all homeowners a written Notice of Intent to Sell. This triggers the resident rights period.

  • Form: "Notice of Intent to Sell – Mobile Home Park" (required per 10 V.S.A. § 6242)
  • Use: The park owner uses this form to officially inform residents and DHCD about the decision to sell.
  • Source: Notice of Intent to Sell (PDF)
If you receive a "Notice of Intent to Sell", it’s important to talk with your neighbors quickly and consider organizing or contacting a Vermont affordable housing nonprofit for assistance.

2. Resident Association Forms and Planning

  • Residents may need to form a legal association, such as a cooperative or non-profit homeowners’ group.
  • You may need organizational documents. A common filing is the "Articles of Association" with the Vermont Secretary of State.
  • Vermont Secretary of State’s Corporations Division provides official forms and instructions.

3. Notice of Intent to Negotiate

  • Form: "Notice of Intent to Negotiate"
  • Use: This is completed and sent by the resident group to the park owner and DHCD within 45 days of the initial sale notice, signaling their intent to enter negotiations.
  • Source: Notice of Intent to Negotiate (PDF)
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4. Negotiation and Purchase Offer

The resident association has up to 120 days to negotiate in good faith and make an offer to buy the park. During this time:

  • Residents often work with nonprofits, legal aid, or affordable housing organizations for planning, fundraising, and guidance.
  • The negotiation process is governed by state law.
  • If the offer is accepted, residents move forward with financing and transition to ownership.
After receiving notice, Vermont law gives residents a defined period to organize, act, and potentially protect their homes through community ownership.

The Vermont Tribunal for Tenant-Landlord Matters

The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) manages mobile home park sales, conversions, and compliance. For formal disputes, Vermont’s courts—specifically the Superior Court Civil Division—handle statutory enforcement and tenant petitions.

Relevant Vermont Tenancy Legislation

These laws protect Vermont renters’ rights when major park changes are proposed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Vermont

  1. What should I do if I receive a Notice of Intent to Sell?
    Act promptly: gather your neighbors, review the notice, and consider forming a resident association to take advantage of your purchase rights.
  2. Can a park owner sell to someone else before giving residents a chance?
    No. By law, Vermont owners must provide the Notice of Intent to Sell and wait for the resident process to play out before making a sale to third parties.
  3. How much time do we have to organize and respond?
    Residents have 45 days to respond to the sale notice and form a group for negotiations, and 120 days in total for the negotiation and offer stage.
  4. Where do I find official forms for this process?
    Most forms—like Notice of Intent to Sell and Notice of Intent to Negotiate—are available from the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development website.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont law gives mobile home park residents a fair chance to buy their park before outside sale.
  • Timely action, organization, and knowledge of your rights are crucial.
  • Official forms and resident resources are available from Vermont’s government to support you in this process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Vermont Statutes – Title 10, Chapter 153: Mobile Home Parks
  2. Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development – Mobile Home Parks
  3. Vermont Statutes – Title 9, Chapter 137: Residential Rental Agreements
  4. Vermont Superior Court – Civil Division
  5. Vermont Secretary of State – Register a Business or Nonprofit

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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.

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