Wisconsin Manufactured Home Sale: Legal Steps & Renter Rights

Selling a manufactured home in Wisconsin comes with unique legal requirements. If you rent a spot in a mobile home park, knowing the right steps helps you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights. This guide explains the legal process, required forms, and protections under Wisconsin law for renters selling their manufactured homes.

Selling a Manufactured Home in Wisconsin: What Renters Need to Know

In Wisconsin, manufactured homes located in mobile home parks must be bought and sold according to specific state regulations. Whether you own the home and rent the lot, or are transferring a lease to a new owner, being informed ensures smooth transactions and safeguards everyone involved.

Do You Need Approval from the Park Owner?

If you plan to sell your manufactured home, Wisconsin law requires mobile home park owners to allow the sale and transfer of occupancy, as long as the buyer meets the park's reasonable rules and standards.

• Before selling, notify the park management in writing about your intent to sell and provide buyer details.
• The park owner can conduct a background check on the prospective new occupant, but cannot unreasonably prevent the sale (see Wis. Stat. § 710.15).

Required Forms for Selling Your Manufactured Home

• Title Transfer (Manufactured Home Certificate of Title Form MV1)
  This form is needed to legally transfer ownership of a manufactured home in Wisconsin. Fill it out and submit it to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
  When it's used: Any time you sell, gift, or otherwise transfer ownership of a manufactured home. For example, if you sell your home to a new buyer, complete the MV1 form and both parties sign it. The buyer then submits it to WisDOT with payment for taxes and fees.
  Get the MV1 Form (PDF)
• Mobile Home Notice of Sale/Transfer (Form MV2928)
  This form officially notifies the state of the sale and is used to update records.
  When it's used: After the sale, the seller completes this form and submits it to WisDOT. For example, after selling your manufactured home, you give the buyer the signed MV1 and also submit the MV2928.
  Get the MV2928 Form (PDF)

Transferring the Lot Lease

If your manufactured home stays in the same park, the lot lease typically can transfer to the new owner, pending park approval. Park owners can require an application and set reasonable standards, but they cannot impose new rules only on buyers.

Notice Requirements and Timelines

• Notify the park operator in writing of your intent to sell.
• Provide the name and contact information of your buyer (if available).
• The park owner must act promptly; unreasonable delays can be challenged by the seller under Wisconsin Law.

If you believe approval is being unfairly withheld, you can seek help through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which oversees landlord-tenant disputes in the state.

Renter Advice: Always keep copies of all forms submitted and communications with park management. Good records protect your rights in any dispute.

Key Wisconsin Legislation and Where to Get Help

• Wis. Stat. § 710.15 – Regulation of Mobile Home Parks
• Wisconsin Statute Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant Law

The main official agency for tenant-landlord matters in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which provides information and handles complaints regarding manufactured housing and tenant rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need park approval to sell my manufactured home in Wisconsin?
   Yes, if your home is located in a mobile home park, you must notify the park and the new buyer must meet park requirements before finalizing the sale.
2. What forms are needed to transfer ownership of a manufactured home?
   You need the Manufactured Home Certificate of Title (MV1 form) and the Notice of Sale/Transfer (MV2928 form), both available from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
3. Can the park owner deny my sale for any reason?
   No, the park can only deny the new occupant for legitimate, documented reasons such as non-compliance with park rules. They cannot deny the sale based on discrimination or arbitrary standards.
4. Who do I contact if I have a dispute about my sale?
   Contact the Wisconsin DATCP for guidance. They can help mediate and explain your legal options if you believe your rights have been violated.
5. Is there a fee for transferring the title of a manufactured home?
   Yes, there are state fees and taxes for processing the title transfer. Check the latest amounts on the WisDOT Manufactured Home Title Transfer page.

Conclusion: Legal Steps Every Seller Should Remember

• Notify your park owner in writing before selling your manufactured home.
• Complete state forms (MV1 and MV2928) to transfer the title and report the sale.
• If the park owner unreasonably restricts your sale, you have the right to dispute it.

Staying organized and understanding your responsibilities ensures a smooth transaction for you and your buyer.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin DATCP Mobile Home/RV Park Tenant Rights
• File a Tenant Complaint with DATCP
• WisDOT Manufactured Home Title Resources
• General legal questions: Wisconsin Courts Self-Help Resources

---

1. Wisconsin Statutes Sec. 710.15 – Mobile Home Parks Regulation
2. Wisconsin Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
3. Wisconsin DOT – Manufactured Home Title Transfers
4. DATCP – Mobile Home Tenant Resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations