Bill > LD1145

This bill aims to protect residents living in mobile home parks by strengthening their rights when a park is being sold. The legislation requires mobile home park owners to provide written notice to both individual mobile home owners and the Maine State Housing Authority before selling the park, with specific details about the sale terms. The bill introduces a first option to purchase for a group of mobile home owners or their association, allowing them 60 days to make a competing offer if at least 51% of park residents support the purchase. The owners must negotiate in good faith and cannot unreasonably refuse or delay the sale to residents. The bill also allows these resident groups to assign their purchase rights to the local municipality, housing authority, or a nonprofit organization, ensuring the park can continue operating as a mobile home community. Additionally, the legislation includes protections such as not requiring a nonrefundable deposit and allowing reasonable financing contingencies. If the resident group fails to secure financing or close the sale within 90 days, the park owner is released from further obligations, and the process must restart if new sale terms are proposed.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1145&snum=132