Georgia HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing: What Renters Need to Know

Renting a manufactured or mobile home in Georgia comes with specific rights and protections under federal and state law. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets minimum national safety, construction, and quality standards for manufactured housing. As a renter in Georgia, understanding these HUD standards ensures the mobile home you rent is safe, livable, and meets legal requirements.

Understanding HUD Codes for Manufactured Homes

HUD standards apply to all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These federal requirements specify how homes must be constructed, including:

• Fire safety features (smoke detectors, egress windows)
• Electrical and plumbing safety
• Structural strength and wind resistance
• HVAC system standards
• Proper installation procedures

Georgia law requires all new and relocated manufactured homes meet HUD codes, enforced by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Always look for the red HUD certification label (HUD tag) near the exterior of the home. This tag certifies the home meets national safety standards.

Key Georgia Rules for Manufactured Home Rentals

In Georgia, both federal HUD standards and state landlord-tenant laws apply to renters in mobile home parks or on private land. You have the right to:

• Live in a home with working heating, plumbing, and electricity
• Request repairs for unsafe living conditions
• Receive reasonable notice before rent increases or evictions
• Access park rules in writing, if living in a mobile home park

The main law for tenants in Georgia is the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7).¹ Georgia uses general landlord-tenant rules for manufactured housing unless otherwise stated by local ordinances.

Who Enforces Manufactured Housing Rules?

HUD monitors national building standards, but in Georgia, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner – Manufactured Housing Division inspects and regulates these homes. For housing disputes, renters typically resolve issues in local courts, such as Georgia Magistrate Court.²

Common Official Forms for Georgia Manufactured Home Renters

Certain forms may apply if you need to report unsafe conditions or respond to landlord actions:

• Tenant Complaint Form (Georgia Office of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner)
  When to use: If you believe the manufactured home does not comply with HUD standards, or a dealer/installer failed in their duties.
  How to use: Submit this form if a safety concern (like faulty electrical wiring or lack of smoke detectors) is ignored by the landlord. For example, after informing your landlord about unsafe conditions and not receiving a fix, fill out the complaint form for investigation.
  Download Tenant Complaint Form
• Dispossessory (Eviction) Affidavit (Magistrate Court form)
  When to use: If you receive an eviction notice and wish to answer or contest it.
  How to use: Respond promptly within 7 days after being served. This form allows you to state your defense or explanation to the court.
  Find Dispossessory/Eviction Forms

Always keep copies of all correspondence and forms submitted for your records.

Your Rights to Repairs and Maintenance

Every landlord in Georgia must offer safe living conditions (“warranty of habitability”). If a required repair (for example, fixing broken heat or resolving water leaks) is ignored:

• Report the issue in writing to your landlord
• Allow a reasonable time for repairs
• If unresolved, file a complaint with the state using the official form above

If you live in a mobile home park, also review your park rules and lease for additional protections or requirements.

Enforcement and Where to File Complaints

Complaints about substandard manufactured homes or installation issues should be filed with the Manufactured Housing Division. Rent, eviction, or lease disputes are usually settled in the Georgia Magistrate Court.

Steps to File a Safety or Quality Complaint in Georgia

If you feel your manufactured home does not meet HUD or Georgia standards, you have a clear path to report issues for investigation:

• Contact your landlord first, in writing
• If not fixed, complete the Tenant Complaint Form
• Mail the form and supporting evidence (photos, communications) to the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Manufactured Housing Division
• Await follow-up from the state regarding your complaint

FAQ: Georgia Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Standards

1. What is a HUD tag and why is it important?
   The HUD tag is a red metal label attached to all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. It certifies the home meets national safety standards. As a renter, make sure your home has this tag near the exterior before moving in.
2. Who do I contact if my landlord won't fix unsafe conditions?
   If your written repair requests are ignored, submit a Tenant Complaint Form to the Georgia Manufactured Housing Division. This starts a formal investigation into possible safety violations.
3. Are mobile home park residents covered by Georgia tenant laws?
   Yes. Georgia's landlord-tenant laws apply to manufactured home renters, including those in mobile home communities. Some parks may also have additional written rules or leases.
4. What official forms are most important for mobile home renters?
   The Tenant Complaint Form (for safety/building code issues) and the Dispossessory/Eviction Forms (for responding to eviction) are most commonly used by renters.
5. How do I verify if a manufactured home meets current HUD standards?
   Check for the HUD tag on the exterior and ask the landlord for the home's certification documents. The Georgia Manufactured Housing Division can also assist with verification.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Manufactured Home Renters

• All manufactured homes must have a HUD tag and meet safety standards
• Georgia law protects your right to safe, livable housing and fair eviction procedures
• Use official forms to file complaints or respond to legal actions

Stay informed and document all communications with your landlord to protect your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Office of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner – Manufactured Housing Division: Main office for safety, installation, and builder complaints
• Georgia Magistrate Court: Landlord-Tenant Resources: Forms and court help for rent or eviction disputes
• HUD Georgia Resources: National guidance for manufactured housing standards and tenant rights
• For local assistance, contact your city or county housing office or Georgia Legal Services

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1. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act, O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7
2. Georgia Magistrate Court - Landlord-Tenant Resource Portal

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