Legislation allows residents to match a purchase offer on the park if the owner plans to sell the property

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives voted 37-26 to pass legislation that establishes protections for mobile home residents who do not own the land beneath their homes. The legislation would allow residents to have the opportunity to purchase the property where they live, before it is sold to a third-party, who may repurpose the land and leave them without a place to live.

House Bill 426 would require owners of mobile home parks to notify residents of plans to sell the park, and gives residents priority in purchasing the property if they can meet the price and equivalent terms of the third-party offer.

"New Mexico is already in the midst of a housing crisis and mobile home residents are especially vulnerable because their land can be sold right out from under them. We are making sure New Mexicans get a fair shot at coming together to purchase that property themselves," sponsor Rep. Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque).

HB 426 also requires that the state's Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) be notified along with residents when the owner intends to accept a third-party to purchase the land.

Residents may have the first opportunity to purchase the park if more than half of the residents express intent to buy, are able to secure adequate financing, and are able to close on the purchase within a reasonable window of time.

"The sale of a mobile home park often means that residents are forced to find a new place to live and leave behind the homes they've invested in for many years," said sponsor Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque). "House Bill 426 offers residents the opportunity to maintain their established homes and communities."

Currently, there are 380 mobile home communities in New Mexico, making up 17% of the state's housing inventory.

HB 426 now moves to the Senate. The bill is also sponsored by Reps. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces), Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), and Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Antonio Maestas (D-Albuquerque).

This session, House Democrats are pushing forward a slate of legislation to make life better and more affordable for New Mexicans, including efforts to improve access to housing.

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.