Selling a Manufactured Home in Virginia: Legal Steps for Renters

Selling your manufactured home in Virginia involves some unique legal steps, especially if your home is located within a mobile home park and you rent the land beneath it. Understanding state laws and required forms helps protect your rights whether you’re transferring ownership, moving out, or seeking a fair sale process.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

In Virginia, selling a manufactured (mobile) home means transferring ownership of the home itself—not the land, unless you own it. If you rent the lot your home sits on, the process is guided by both general property sale laws and special manufactured housing rules under the Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (VMHLRA)¹.

Key Considerations Before You Sell

• Lot Lease Status: Your right to sell the home does not transfer your land lease automatically to the new owner.
• Tenant’s Rights: Virginia law protects your right to sell your manufactured home on-site, but your lease may require notifying the park owner and following certain procedures.
• Title Transfer: You must transfer the home’s title to the buyer through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you’re considering selling, review your lease agreement and know your obligations regarding lot rent and notice to the park management.

The Step-by-Step Legal Process

Successfully selling your manufactured home requires several legal steps and practical actions:

• Notify the park owner or manager (usually in writing) according to your lease terms
• Obtain the official title documents from the DMV
• Complete a Bill of Sale and the required DMV forms for transferring ownership
• Help the buyer apply for a lot lease (if they wish to keep the home on-site)
• Inform any secured creditors (lienholders) if money is owed on the home

Required Official Forms

• Manufactured Home Title Application (DMV Form VSA 17A): Used when applying for a new or transferred title for a manufactured home in Virginia. Both seller and buyer must sign, and the form is filed with the Virginia DMV’s Manufactured Homes Section. Example: When you’ve found a buyer and are ready to transfer ownership, submit this form with all required signatures. Download Form VSA 17A (official PDF).
• Bill of Sale: While Virginia does not have a state-provided Bill of Sale form for manufactured homes, it’s strongly recommended to create one to record the sale details, purchase price, and both parties’ contact info. Example: When you exchange payment, complete a Bill of Sale to provide proof the home is sold. See sample language on the DMV title transfer FAQ.
• Notice to Park Owner/Manager: Some park leases require a written notification or approval before you sell. Check your rental agreement for any park-specific forms or requirements. Example: If your lease says you must notify the manager 30 days before a sale, draft and deliver a simple written notice that includes buyer contact info, as described in your lease.

It’s important to read your lease closely or ask the park management if any special forms or park rules apply before proceeding.

Lot Lease and Buyer Requirements

If your buyer wants to keep the manufactured home in its current location, they must apply for a new lot lease with the mobile home park. The park owner has the right to screen and approve or deny new tenants, provided the process is fair and not discriminatory under Virginia’s fair housing laws.

• The buyer should contact the park directly to begin the application
• If denied, the park must provide written reasons unless the law specifies otherwise
• You are still responsible for rent until your lease ends or is officially transferred

How the Law Protects You

The VMHLRA ensures you can sell your manufactured home on-site, and sets out your obligations to the landlord and buyer. Virginia’s housing dispute cases are handled by the General District Court in your locality, and tenants can use this court to resolve disputes over sale terms, eviction, or lease rights².

Relevant Legislation

• Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (VMHLRA)
• Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Referencing these statutes gives you legal backing if questions arise.

Common Pitfalls and Practical Tips

• Do not transfer the home until payment clears and title transfer is complete
• Ensure all taxes and fees are paid, including the annual personal property tax
• Keep copies of all correspondence, forms, and receipts for your records

These steps can help prevent after-sale disputes or misunderstandings with park management or the buyer.

FAQ: Manufactured Home Sales in Virginia

1. Do I need park management’s permission to sell my home?
   Usually, you do not need permission to sell, but you may need to provide written notice or follow specific lease terms. Always check your lease agreement for requirements.
2. Can my buyer stay in the home after purchase?
   The new owner must apply and be approved for a lot lease by the park’s management. If approved, they can keep the home in place.
3. What if I owe money (a lien) on my home?
   You must pay off the lien or arrange for it to be paid at closing so you can transfer a clear title through the DMV.
4. Where can I resolve disputes over the sale or park issues?
   Disputes are handled by your local General District Court. You can also seek help from your local legal aid office.
5. Is there a waiting period or special inspection for selling?
   Virginia does not require a state inspection for manufactured home sales, but your park may have its own requirements—ask in advance.

Key Takeaways

• Review your lease and notify the park management if required
• Use official DMV forms and get a Bill of Sale for clear proof of sale
• Coordinate with the buyer on the lot lease for a smooth transfer

Ensuring you follow these legal steps protects your rights and helps your move go smoothly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Virginia DMV Manufactured Homes Resources – Forms, title guidance, and sale process
• VMHLRA Official Text – Your key tenant protections
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development – Renter support and complaint contacts
• Legal Aid – Virginia Mobile Home Advice
• Find Your Local General District Court

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1. Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (VMHLRA)
2. Virginia General District Courts for Tenancy Disputes

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