What must a New Hampshire park disclose to a buyer before they sign?

All terms, in writing. Under RSA 205-A:2, VII, a park must 'disclose to each prospective tenant, in writing and a reasonable time prior to ... any rental agreement, all terms and conditions of the tenancy, including rental, utility, entrance and service charges,' and under RSA 205-A:2, XI must give each applicant 'a written copy of the rules.' RSA 205-A:6, I requires full written disclosure of all charges. This is general information, not advice about a specific purchase — consider consulting a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.

What deposit and application fee can a New Hampshire park charge a buyer?

A deposit of no more than one month's rent (RSA 205-A:7), and a non-refundable application-processing fee that does not exceed $125 'unless the park owner provides the applicant with an itemized breakdown' (RSA 205-A:2, II(e)).

Buying a mobile home in New Hampshire

Q: Can a New Hampshire park reject a buyer who wants to keep the home in the park?

Only reasonably, within 14 days. Under RSA 205-A:2, II, buyer approval 'may not be unreasonably withheld,' the park must give written approval or the reason for refusal 'within 14 calendar days of receipt of the prospective buyer's completed application,' and may require no more than 3 references.

New Hampshire's RSA Chapter 205-A gives a buyer strong disclosure, a fair and time-limited approval process, and capped deposits and fees. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone buying should consider consulting a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.

What the statute says

Disclosure comes first. RSA 205-A:2, VII requires the park to "disclose to each prospective tenant, in writing and a reasonable time prior to ... any rental agreement, all terms and conditions of the tenancy, including rental, utility, entrance and service charges," and RSA 205-A:6, I requires the park to "fully disclose in writing all terms and conditions of the tenancy including rental, utility and service charges, prior to entering into a rental agreement." RSA 205-A:2, XI requires each applicant to get "a written copy of the rules," which must carry an "IMPORTANT NOTICE REQUIRED BY LAW."

Buyer approval is governed by RSA 205-A:2, II: approval "may not be unreasonably withheld," the park must give written approval or the reason for refusal "within 14 calendar days of receipt of the prospective buyer's completed application," and may require no more than "3 references." The deposit is capped at one month's rent (RSA 205-A:7), and a non-refundable application-processing fee may not exceed $125 unless itemized (RSA 205-A:2, II(e)).

How it works in general

Before a New Hampshire buyer signs, the park must disclose all terms — rent, utility, entrance, and service charges — in writing, and give a written copy of the park rules. A buyer who will keep the home in the park applies to be approved as a tenant; the park can't unreasonably refuse, must decide within 14 days, and can't demand more than three references. The deposit can't exceed one month's rent, and the application-processing fee is capped at $125 unless itemized. Reviewing the written terms, the rules, and the home's condition and tax status are the key steps.

Common scenarios

General examples New Hampshire buyers commonly encounter:

A buyer is asked to sign without seeing the terms. The park must disclose all terms and the rules in writing first (RSA 205-A:2, VII, XI; 205-A:6).
A park delays the buyer's approval. It must approve or give reasons within 14 days and can't unreasonably refuse (RSA 205-A:2, II).
A park asks for a big deposit or application fee. The deposit is capped at one month and the application fee at $125 unless itemized (RSA 205-A:7; 205-A:2, II(e)).

Other authorities that may apply

Chapter 205-A governs disclosure, buyer approval, the deposit, and the application fee; the home's construction follows the federal HUD code, and a code-built home is presumed safe (RSA 205-A:2, III). The home is generally taxed as real estate (RSA 72:7-a; see the New Hampshire title and taxes guide), and federal lending rules and the Fair Housing Act can apply. The written terms, rules, and bill of sale are the core documents to review.