27 V.S.A. § ___ § 1351
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this subchapter: (1) “Association” means all of the site owners acting as a group in accordance with the bylaws and declaration. (2) “Convert,” “conversion,” or “converted” means a change in character of a manufactured home park from a rental to a common interest ownership basis. A condominium or similar arrangement shall be deemed to be such a change in character of ownership. However, “conversion” does not include the creation of a cooperative housing corporation, pursuant to 11 V.S.A. chapter 14. (3) “Dealer” means a person in the business of selling sites for his or her own account. (4) “Declarant” means any person who offers for transfer the ownership interest in a manufactured home park to a condominium or similar arrangement. (5) “Commissioner” means the commissioner of the department of housing and community affairs. (6) “Election period” means the six-month period that begins with the declarant’s submission of notice of intent to convert a manufactured home park under section 1353 of this subchapter. (7) “Leaseholder” means a person who has a leasehold interest derived from the declarant or any site purchaser in a site in a manufactured home park to be converted pursuant to this subchapter. (8) “Manufactured home park” means a manufactured home park as defined under 10 V.S.A. § 6201(2). (9) “Nonpurchasing leaseholder” means a leaseholder who has elected not to purchase a site in a manufactured home park to be converted pursuant to this subchapter. (10) “Purchasing leaseholder” means a leaseholder who has elected to purchase a site in a manufactured home park to be converted pursuant to this subchapter. (11) “Site” means the spatial location occupied or to be occupied by a manufactured home, including all utilities and amenities appurtenant to the location such as piping, wiring, plants, platforms or supports, lights, walls, and all other improvements but not including the land on which the site is located. (12) “Site purchaser” means the purchaser of a site from a declarant under this subchapter. A site purchaser may be a purchasing leaseholder or other purchaser of the site. (13) “Tenant” means a person who has a present possessory interest derived from the leaseholder in a site in a manufactured home park to be converted pursuant to this subchapter; any person who leases a manufactured home located on the site from the declarant shall be considered a tenant. (Added 1993, No. 97, § 1.)
Section 1351 of 27 V.S.A. ch. 15 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Vermont's manufactured home park conversion subchapter. It defines key terms — such as 'conversion,' 'declarant,' 'leaseholder,' 'site,' and 'tenant' — that govern how a manufactured home park may shift from a rental arrangement to a common interest ownership structure like a condominium. Notably, the creation of a cooperative housing corporation is explicitly excluded from the definition of 'conversion.' These definitions set the interpretive framework for all rights, obligations, and procedures described elsewhere in the subchapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Park owners and declarants operating under 27 V.S.A. ch. 15 § 1351 should be aware that the defined terms in this section carry precise legal meanings that apply throughout the conversion process. For example, the 'election period' — the six-month window triggered by a notice of intent to convert under section 1353 — is a term of art that shapes the timeline of a compliant conversion. Operators generally ensure that their communications, notices, and governing documents use these terms consistently with the statutory definitions to avoid ambiguity in the conversion process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 27 V.S.A. ch. 15 § 1351, residents of a manufactured home park facing conversion have defined legal identities — such as 'leaseholder,' 'nonpurchasing leaseholder,' or 'tenant' — that determine which rights and protections apply to them throughout the conversion process. Understanding which category applies to a given resident's situation can affect their options during the six-month election period and beyond. Residents who are uncertain about their status under these definitions may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Vermont manufactured home park law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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