As housing prices continue to rise across the United States and affordable options become harder to come by, mobile home communities are offering a lifeline to low- and middle-income families. Among the most empowering models within this segment is the resident-owned mobile home community—also known as a mobile home co-op or a resident-owned community (ROC). These unique housing arrangements allow residents to take collective ownership of the land their homes sit on, fostering a sense of autonomy, security, and shared responsibility.

For many, this model is a pathway to housing stability and community empowerment. Let's take a closer look at how resident-owned communities work, what makes them different, and why they represent a promising future for affordable housing.

What Is a Resident-Owned Mobile Home Community?

A resident-owned community is a mobile home park where the residents have collectively purchased the land and formed a cooperative (or similar legal entity) to manage and operate it. Instead of paying rent to a private landlord or investment company, residents pay fees to the cooperative, which in turn covers expenses like land mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.

Each household typically buys a membership share in the cooperative, which gives them voting rights and a say in how the community is run. Decision-making is democratic, with elected board members managing the park’s operations in accordance with the cooperative’s bylaws and governance structure.

This model transforms residents from tenants into stakeholders, providing a level of control and stability that is often lacking in traditional mobile home parks owned by private companies.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Security of Tenure

Perhaps the most significant advantage of a resident-owned community is the security it provides. In privately-owned parks, residents can face rent hikes, neglected maintenance, or even eviction if the land is sold for redevelopment. In contrast, ROCs offer long-term stability because the land is collectively owned by the residents themselves.

This security allows families to plan for the future, invest in home improvements, and build equity without the looming threat of displacement.

2. Affordable Living

Since ROCs are not operated for profit, monthly fees are generally set based on actual expenses rather than market-driven rents. The cooperative can prioritize affordability, keeping costs manageable for residents. Any surplus funds are reinvested into the community, used for repairs, beautification, or reserve funds.

In many cases, switching from a privately-owned park to a resident-owned model results in only a modest increase in monthly expenses (or sometimes none at all), while delivering significant long-term benefits.

3. Democratic Governance

Resident-owned communities operate under a democratic system. Every member household has a voice in major decisions such as setting fees, approving budgets, and hiring vendors. A board of directors—elected from within the community—oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures the park runs smoothly.

This structure encourages community participation, mutual accountability, and transparency. Residents are more likely to feel invested in their neighborhood and work together to maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

4. Improved Quality of Life

When residents have a say in how their community is maintained, the overall quality of life often improves. Maintenance issues are addressed more promptly, shared spaces are better cared for, and community standards are upheld by people who actually live in the neighborhood.

Moreover, knowing your neighbors are co-owners creates a sense of pride, solidarity, and mutual respect that strengthens the social fabric of the community.

5. Asset Building

While manufactured homes depreciate in value over time, ownership in a stable and well-maintained community can help preserve or even enhance a home’s resale value. More importantly, residents gain equity through their share in the co-op and by avoiding the financial instability associated with renting land from a landlord.

How the Transition Works

The transition to resident ownership typically begins when a mobile home park goes up for sale. In some states, laws require park owners to notify residents and give them the first opportunity to purchase the land. At that point, residents may choose to form a cooperative and work with a nonprofit or financing agency to secure a loan.

Organizations like ROC USA and regional housing trusts often assist with legal structuring, business planning, and financing. Once the cooperative owns the land, it begins managing the property, setting rules, and making decisions as a unified community.

Though the process requires dedication and collaboration, it often results in a more secure and dignified living environment for all involved.

Challenges to Consider

While the benefits are compelling, resident-owned communities are not without challenges. Forming a co-op requires organizing residents, educating them on cooperative principles, and navigating the complexities of property ownership. Securing financing can be difficult, especially in lower-income communities with limited access to credit.

Additionally, managing a community is a significant responsibility. Board members must be willing to put in time and effort to handle budgets, contracts, legal compliance, and long-term planning. However, with proper support and training, many ROCs thrive and serve as models of success.

A Growing Movement

Nationwide, the number of resident-owned mobile home communities is steadily increasing. What started as a small grassroots effort has grown into a powerful movement for housing justice and community resilience. States and municipalities are beginning to recognize the value of supporting these transitions and are exploring policy tools to facilitate more of them.

As housing costs continue to climb and more mobile home parks are sold to corporate owners, the resident-ownership model offers a powerful alternative—one that places control back into the hands of the people who live there.

Conclusion

Resident-owned mobile home communities represent more than just a shift in property management—they are a reimagining of what affordable housing can be. By empowering residents to own and govern the land beneath their homes, ROCs offer stability, autonomy, and a sense of pride that is rarely found in traditional rental models.

As cities and towns look for sustainable solutions to the housing crisis, encouraging and supporting resident-owned communities should be high on the list. They are a testament to what is possible when neighbors unite—not only to protect their homes but to create something lasting, equitable, and rooted in community values.