HUD Compliance for Manufactured Housing: Iowa Renters’ Guide

If you rent a mobile or manufactured home in Iowa, it’s important to understand the rules and protections in place for your safety and comfort. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national standards for manufactured housing, while Iowa enforces these rules to protect renters like you. Knowing your rights and the maintenance standards required by law can help you handle concerns about repairs, safety, and living conditions.

Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing

Manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) built after June 15, 1976, must meet the federal rules set out in the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (official HUD summary). These rules require things like safe electrical wiring, durable plumbing, strong construction, and proper ventilation. Iowa enforces these standards through its state agencies, ensuring that any manufactured home offered for rent is safe and up to code.

Key HUD Requirements in Iowa

• Safety: Smoke detectors, proper wiring, and safe exits must be provided.
• Structural integrity: Your manufactured home must be free from leaks, loose parts, or unsafe flooring.
• Heating, plumbing, and electricity: All systems must function properly and meet state safety codes.
• Certification label: Every HUD-approved manufactured home must display a red certification label (HUD tag) on the exterior. Homes without this tag may not meet basic safety standards.

Iowa’s state code requires all landlords to keep rental units, including mobile homes, in fit and habitable condition (Iowa Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law, Chapter 562B).

What These Standards Mean for Iowa Renters

For renters, HUD standards mean that your landlord must:

• Provide a manufactured home that’s safe and complies with federal and state rules
• Fix and maintain systems like heat, water, locks, and basic structure
• Follow rules for legal entry, notice, and privacy
• Offer a written rental agreement outlining your rights and obligations

If you notice issues—such as exposed wiring, broken plumbing, no heat, or missing HUD tags—ask your landlord to repair them in writing. If they do not respond, you have the right to report the problems to state authorities or seek further help.

Key Forms Iowa Manufactured Home Renters Might Need

• Iowa Landlord Complaint Form: If your landlord refuses to make required repairs or is not following HUD or state standards, you can file a complaint. Use the Iowa Consumer Complaint Form from the Office of the Iowa Attorney General. Example: If your rental home has leaking pipes and your landlord ignores your written requests for repair, this complaint form helps you start an investigation.
• Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Notice to Remedy or Quit: While Iowa does not provide a single official template, tenants may use a notice letter (citing Iowa Code 562B.25) to inform landlords of issues and request repairs within a set time frame. This is a key step before making formal complaints or withholding rent. Instructions for doing this and templates can be found via the Iowa Legislature, Section 562B.25 and via Iowa Legal Aid: Your Rights in Mobile Home Parks.

Where to Turn for Dispute Resolution

If you can’t resolve an issue directly with your landlord, you may seek help through:

• Iowa District Court: Handles eviction proceedings and disputes involving rental agreements.
• Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Takes complaints against landlords and investigates housing practice violations.

The main legislation for manufactured home renters in Iowa is the Iowa Code Chapter 562B (Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)¹.

FAQ: Manufactured and Mobile Home Renting in Iowa

1. What is a HUD tag, and why does it matter?
   A HUD tag is a federally issued red label that proves a manufactured home meets safety standards. Without it, a home may not be legal for rent or sale.
2. Who enforces manufactured housing safety in Iowa?
   The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing and local authorities enforce safety codes, while HUD sets the national construction standards.
3. Can my landlord rent out a manufactured home without a HUD tag?
   No, all manufactured homes built after 1976 must have a HUD tag to be rented legally in Iowa.
4. What should I do if my manufactured home has safety issues my landlord won't fix?
   First, send a written repair request. If there’s no response, file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General or seek help from the local court.
5. Is there official recourse if I am threatened with eviction over repairs?
   If you are being threatened with eviction in retaliation for requesting repairs or exercising your rights, Iowa law protects you (see Iowa Code 562B.32 – Retaliatory Conduct). You may seek legal aid or file a complaint with state agencies.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Iowa Manufactured Home Renters

• HUD standards protect your safety and require landlords to follow strict rules on repairs, utilities, and structure.
• Iowa Code Chapter 562B gives you specific rights as a mobile/manufactured home renter, including ways to address unfit conditions.
• If your landlord does not comply, put everything in writing and use official complaint forms or court processes if necessary.

Knowing your rights and where to turn can help you resolve most issues quickly and confidently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Office of the Iowa Attorney General: File a Complaint – For tenant complaints about unaddressed repairs or housing safety.
• Iowa Legal Aid – Free legal advice and representation for qualifying renters, especially in eviction, retaliation, and habitability disputes.
• Iowa District Court – For housing disputes or eviction actions.
• Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing – Handles safety codes and manufactured home standards enforcement.

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1. Iowa Code Chapter 562B – Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
2. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards
3. Iowa Legislature – Official statutes and housing regulations
4. Iowa Legal Aid: Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights
5. Iowa Attorney General: File a Complaint

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