Resident Ownership of Mobile Home Parks in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, residents of mobile home parks may have the option to purchase the park and operate it as a cooperative, giving them more control and stability over their homes. Understanding your tenant rights, the conversion process, and available resources is crucial if you’re considering this path to resident ownership.

What Resident Ownership Means in Wisconsin

Resident ownership of a mobile home park means the park’s residents band together—often as a cooperative or association—to purchase and manage the facility themselves. This process offers tenants increased security and influence over rules, park improvements, and rent levels.

Legal Protections for Mobile Home Residents

The main law governing mobile home park tenants in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 710, Subchapter II—Mobile Home Parks Regulation^[1]. It sets out protections for renters, including rights during a park sale or conversion.

• Park owners who decide to sell or convert the park must notify all homeowners promptly.
• Residents may receive priority or the first option to purchase the park, depending on the terms.

The Conversion Process: How It Works

Converting a mobile home park to resident ownership in Wisconsin involves multiple steps. A key moment is when the owner notifies residents of their intent to sell.

Step 1: Notice of Intent to Sell or Convert

Under Wisconsin law, park owners intending to sell or convert the property are required to provide a written notice of this intent to residents. This means renters will have an early opportunity to organize and consider purchasing the park themselves.

Step 2: Organize Residents

After notification, residents usually form a cooperative or association. This legal entity can make an offer to purchase the park, secure financing, or negotiate terms.

Step 3: Make an Offer

The association or cooperative works to secure funding, often through loans or grants, and submit an offer for the park. The park owner is not always required to accept, but residents should act quickly.

Relevant Forms and Where to Find Them

• Notice of Intent to Sell (no specific state form): Park owners create a written notice. Residents should ensure they receive and retain this documentation.
• Formation Documents for Cooperatives (Form: Articles of Incorporation): To organize, residents file Articles of Incorporation for Cooperatives with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. This establishes the cooperative's legal status.
• Loan or Grant Applications: Check with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) for affordable housing loans or programs residents can use for park purchase.

These forms are used at different stages: after residents agree to pursue ownership, file legal documents for a cooperative, and apply for funding.

State Tribunal and Dispute Resolution

For disputes between mobile home park residents and management, contact the Wisconsin Department of Administration's Landlord-Tenant Resource Center, which can help connect residents to complaint processes, official forms, and mediation resources.

Resident Rights and Legal Resources

Wisconsin mobile home park tenants have special rights during park sales or conversions:

• The right to written notice before a sale or change of use
• The right to organize for cooperative ownership
• The right to fair eviction and relocation protections under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 (Landlord and Tenant)^[2]

Summary: Understanding your rights and preparing with the correct documentation can help tenants protect their homes through a park conversion.

Common Questions About Resident Ownership in Wisconsin

1. Do renters have the first right to purchase their mobile home park in Wisconsin?
   Residents must receive notice before a park sale, and while the law favors involving residents, there is no absolute "first right" to purchase—but prompt action often makes it possible.
2. What is a cooperative, and why form one?
   A cooperative is a legal organization jointly owned by residents that can own and manage the park, giving tenants a collective voice and shared control over decisions.
3. How can tenants fund a resident purchase?
   Tenants can combine personal resources, cooperative loans, and grants from organizations like WHEDA or federal agencies to finance a purchase.
4. What steps should residents take after receiving a notice of sale?
   Immediately organize meetings with fellow residents, consult with legal aid, form a cooperative, and research funding and offer options.
5. Can the park owner refuse to sell to residents?
   Yes, owners can refuse, but resident offers are often seriously considered, especially if organized quickly and demonstrate secure financing.

Key Takeaways

• Resident ownership offers stability and control for mobile home park tenants.
• Wisconsin law provides notice and organization rights during park conversion or sale.
• Early action and use of official resources are critical for a successful transition.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Resource Center — Official state guidance, complaint forms, and contacts
• Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) — Information on cooperative housing loans
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection – Landlord/Tenant — Complaint resources, tenant protections, and mediation services
• For free or low-cost legal help, contact Legal Action of Wisconsin

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 710.15 – Regulation of Mobile Home Parks
2. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant

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