HUD Manufactured Housing Standards in Colorado Explained

If you rent or live in a manufactured (mobile) home community in Colorado, understanding HUD standards is key to protecting your rights. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national standards for manufactured homes’ construction and safety, while Colorado agencies ensure these standards are met. This guide helps you recognize what these standards offer you, how Colorado enforces them, and what steps to take if you face issues with your home’s safety or quality.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards—formalized in the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards—require all manufactured homes made after June 15, 1976 to meet specific safety and quality guidelines. These standards, also known as the HUD Code, apply nationwide and cover:

• Construction quality (materials, durability, and workmanship)
• Fire safety and exit requirements
• Plumbing, electrical, and heating standards
• Energy conservation features

Colorado requires that all manufactured homes sold, installed, or rented in the state comply with these HUD rules. Manufactured homes produced before 1976 may not meet current safety requirements, which can affect certain protections and eligibility for repairs.

Colorado Agencies and Enforcement of HUD Standards

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is the main state agency overseeing manufactured housing and enforcing HUD standards. Within DOLA, the Division of Housing (DOH) ensures that homes, landlords, and park owners comply with both HUD and Colorado laws.

Meanwhile, renter-landlord disputes in manufactured housing communities can be handled by the Colorado Manufactured Home Park Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program.

Key Rights and Safety Protections Under HUD and Colorado Law

• Minimum Habitability: Your manufactured home must be safe, structurally sound, and have proper utilities (heat, water, electricity).
• Installation and Setup: HUD rules require manufacturers and installers to set up homes according to precise safety guidelines. Colorado requires installers to be licensed and homes inspected after installation.
• Landlord Maintenance Obligations: Park owners are responsible for maintaining common areas, utilities, and ensuring your home is not exposed to unreasonable risks.
• Home Inspections: If you suspect your home does not meet safety standards, you can request a state inspection.

Both state and federal HUD resources provide more on your rights and protections.

Relevant Forms for Colorado Renters in Manufactured Housing

• Colorado Manufactured Home Complaint Form
  When to use: If your manufactured home community isn’t addressing major safety, maintenance, or eviction issues, you can report the problem to the Colorado Division of Housing.
  Example: You notice faulty wiring or unsafe steps that haven’t been fixed after notifying the park owner.
  Link: Colorado Manufactured Home Park Complaint Form (DOLA)
• HUD Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program Complaint
  When to use: If you have unresolved installation issues with a new HUD-labeled manufactured home within one year of installation.
  Example: You notice roof leaks or malfunctioning systems soon after moving in.
  Link: HUD DRP Complaint Form

Filing the correct form helps you start an official process for repairs or dispute resolution. Replies may take several weeks, so keep copies of your submissions and communications.

How to File a Manufactured Home Complaint in Colorado

• Gather documentation (photos, repair requests, leases, correspondence)
• Fill out the Colorado Manufactured Home Park Complaint Form
• Submit the form by email, mail, or online as specified.
• Follow up with the Division of Housing for investigation updates.

Understanding Installation and Relocation Rules

Any new installation or relocation of a manufactured home in Colorado must meet HUD and DOH installation standards. Installers must be licensed, and state inspection is required before occupancy. These safeguards keep homes safe for renters and families.

What Laws Govern Manufactured Housing Tenancies in Colorado?

Renters’ rights in manufactured home parks are protected by the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act and the Mobile Home Park Act Oversight Program. These laws outline the responsibilities of park owners and renters, rules for maintenance, rent increases, and processes for dispute resolution. The Manufactured Home Park Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program (DREP) is the official body that investigates and enforces these rights in Colorado.

If you experience unresolved issues, you can contact DREP or file a complaint form as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my manufactured home isn’t safe or has electrical or plumbing problems?
   If you’ve notified your landlord and the problem continues, gather evidence (photos, written communication), then submit a Manufactured Home Park Complaint Form to Colorado DOLA.
2. Are landlords responsible for making sure my manufactured home meets HUD standards?
   Yes. Landlords must provide and maintain safe, HUD-compliant homes and common spaces as part of their legal duties under state and federal law.
3. Where do I report a landlord or park owner who doesn’t fix urgent safety hazards?
   Report to the Manufactured Home Park Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program using the complaint process.
4. Can I request a state inspection of my manufactured home in Colorado?
   Yes. You may request an inspection by contacting the Division of Housing if you suspect your home is unsafe or not up to code.
5. Do older (pre-1976) manufactured homes qualify for the same standards?
   No. Homes built before June 15, 1976 may not meet current HUD standards and may be ineligible for some protections or upgrades.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• All manufactured homes installed or rented in Colorado must meet HUD and Colorado safety standards.
• The Colorado Division of Housing enforces these standards, and renters can file complaints if their rights are violated.
• Make use of official forms and complaint channels if safety or maintenance issues are not resolved by your landlord.

Understanding these protections can help you stay safe and assert your rights as a Colorado manufactured housing renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Division of Housing (DOH): General info, complaint forms, and tenant support
• Manufactured Home Park Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program: State-run help for landlord-tenant conflicts in manufactured housing
• Colorado Housing Connects: Information, referrals, and tenant resources
• HUD Manufactured Housing Program FAQs: National standards and protections explained
• Colorado Mobile Home Park Act: Full legislation protecting Colorado mobile home renters

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1. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)
2. Colorado Department of Local Affairs
3. Colorado Division of Housing
4. Colorado Manufactured Home Park Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program
5. Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (HB19-1309)
6. Mobile Home Park Act Oversight Program (HB20-1196)

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