Vermont Manufactured Home Sale: Legal Steps & Renter Rights

Selling a manufactured home in Vermont requires careful attention to state laws, park rules, and official procedures to protect both sellers and renters. Whether you own a mobile home but rent the lot, or are an occupant preparing to move, it's important to understand how the process works and what your rights are under Vermont law.

Understanding Manufactured Home Sales in Vermont

In Vermont, selling a manufactured or mobile home is legally different from selling a traditional house. Many sellers rent the land beneath their home from a mobile home park owner, creating unique rights and obligations. The main legislation governing these transactions is the Vermont Mobile Home Park Lot Rental Rules and the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act^[1][2].

Legal Steps for Selling Your Manufactured Home

Before listing your manufactured home for sale, follow these key legal steps. This ensures your rights are protected and you comply with Vermont state law.

1. Review Your Lease and Park Rules

• Check your lot lease for any terms about selling your home.
• Many parks have rules about buyer approval or requirements for the home to meet certain conditions before transfer.

2. Notify the Park Owner

• Vermont law (10 V.S.A. § 6247) requires you to give the park owner written notice at least 60 days before selling the home or transferring ownership.
• The park owner may have a “right of first refusal,” meaning they can choose to buy the home under the same terms you offer an outside buyer.

3. Provide Notice of Sale to the Park Owner

• Complete the Notice of Intent to Sell a Mobile Home form available from the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development ^[3].
• Submit the notice to your park owner and keep a copy for your records.

4. Ensure Buyer Park Approval

• Buyers must apply for tenancy if they want to keep the home in the park. Approval cannot be unreasonably withheld by the owner.
• If the buyer is denied, they may contest the decision under Vermont park rules.

5. Complete Required Title and Tax Forms

• For homes manufactured after 1989, transfer of title must be filed at your local DMV. Use the Vermont Mobile Home Uniform Bill of Sale (Form VT-005). Official information can be found at the Vermont DMV Mobile Home Registration page.^[4]
• Pay any outstanding property tax on the home before transfer. Obtain a Property Tax Clearance Certificate from your town office, if required.

6. Update or Settle Utilities

• Arrange for final readings and payment of all utilities (electricity, water, sewage) before closing the sale.

Official Forms for Vermont Manufactured Home Sales

• Notice of Intent to Sell a Mobile Home – No designated form number. Use when informing your park owner about your intention to sell. Download from the Department of Housing and Community Development and submit at least 60 days before sale.^[3]
• Vermont Mobile Home Uniform Bill of Sale (Form VT-005) – Used to officially transfer ownership with the DMV. Complete this at closing and provide a copy to the buyer. More info at the Vermont DMV site.^[4]
• Property Tax Clearance Certificate – Obtain from your town office if required; shows your property taxes are paid in full before transferring title.

Completing these forms as directed is vital to avoid delays or legal problems during or after the sale.

Where to Turn for Disputes of Tenancy or Sale

The Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division is the official body handling residential tenancy and mobile home sale disputes.^[5]

Relevant Vermont Legislation

• Vermont Mobile Home Park Law (10 V.S.A. Chapter 153)
• Residential Rental Agreements (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)

Review these laws for full details on your rights when selling, including notice requirements and protections against unfair treatment.

FAQ: Selling a Manufactured Home in Vermont

1. Do I need park owner approval to sell my manufactured home?
   You must give written notice to the park owner at least 60 days before selling, and buyers may need approval to rent the lot. The park owner can’t unreasonably refuse a qualified buyer.
2. What forms are required to legally transfer my mobile home in Vermont?
   You need a Notice of Intent to Sell for the park owner, a Mobile Home Uniform Bill of Sale with the DMV, and sometimes a Property Tax Clearance Certificate from your town office.
3. Can my park owner prevent me from selling my home?
   Typically, no. However, they have a right of first refusal and can reject a buyer only for legitimate reasons, like unsuitable credit or criminal background, not arbitrarily.
4. What if I am behind on lot rent or property taxes?
   Outstanding rent or taxes must usually be settled before a transfer of ownership. Unpaid bills can delay or prevent the sale.
5. Where do I go if I have a legal dispute about the sale?
   Disputes are handled by the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division, which oversees mobile home and rental disagreements.

Key Takeaways When Selling a Manufactured Home

• Always provide proper notice (at least 60 days) to your park owner before selling.
• Ensure all Vermont state-required forms are completed and taxes or rent are paid.
• If disagreements arise, Vermont law protects your rights with access to the Superior Court.

Following these guidelines makes your Vermont manufactured home sale smoother and safer for both you and the buyer.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development: Mobile Home Parks
• Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division – Handles legal disputes involving rental or manufactured home issues
• Vermont Legal Aid – Mobile Home Project for free or low-cost legal support
• Contact your city or town clerk for help with tax clearance or local forms

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1. Vermont Mobile Home Park Law (10 V.S.A. Chapter 153): statute text
2. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137): full text
3. Notice requirements and forms: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development
4. Manufactured home sale and transfer steps: Vermont DMV guidance
5. Tribunal information: Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division

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