Do HUD standards apply to all mobile homes in Kentucky?

HUD standards apply to manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, but not to site-built or pre-1976 mobile homes.

Who do I contact if my mobile home is unsafe or defective?

Submit a complaint to the Kentucky Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction using the official consumer complaint form.

Does Kentucky have special protections for renters in mobile home parks?

Some counties have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which provides extra protections for mobile home renters.

Where can I get help with lease or eviction problems?

Contact LawHelpKY for free legal information or get help through your local court.

Is my landlord responsible for repairs to my manufactured home?

Landlords are responsible for park common areas and, depending on your lease, may be responsible for major repairs to the home itself.

Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing in Kentucky

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Kentucky published June 21, 2025

If you rent a mobile home or live in a manufactured housing community in Kentucky, it's important to know how HUD standards affect your rights, your safety, and your home’s condition. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets federal standards to make sure manufactured homes are safe, livable, and durable. Kentucky enforces these standards and has additional renter protections under state law. This guide explains what renters should know, how to resolve issues, and where to get help.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards are a set of federal rules that all new manufactured homes must meet before they can be sold or rented in the U.S., including Kentucky. These standards address construction, design, energy efficiency, fire safety, and overall durability. HUD-certified homes have a data plate and a red label (certification label) permanently attached to the exterior.

Safety and construction: Walls, floors, roofs, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems must meet strict codes.
Fire protection: Smoke alarms, escape windows, and flame-resistant materials are required.
Energy efficiency: Insulation and ventilation must meet minimum performance for comfort and lower utility bills.

Homes built after June 15, 1976, must comply with these rules. Kentucky’s Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction works with HUD to monitor compliance and respond to complaints about defective manufactured homes. More info is available at the HUD Manufactured Housing Program.

Kentucky Rules for Renters in Manufactured Home Parks

In Kentucky, both federal HUD standards and state rules protect renters in mobile home communities. The Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 381 (Landlord-Tenant Act) applies to manufactured home communities in some counties and includes the following rights:

Renters have the right to a home and premises that meet health and safety codes.
Landlords must maintain roads, utilities, and common areas in habitable condition.
Reasonable notice (usually 48 hours) is required for non-emergency entry.
Written agreements must clearly state rent, utility charges, and park rules.

Not all Kentucky counties have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). Check with your county or the Kentucky Housing Corporation for local tenant protections.

Common Issues: What Can Renters Do?

If you face problems such as a defective home, unsafe conditions, or landlord neglect, here’s what you can do:

Document the issue with photos and written records.
Contact your landlord or park manager in writing and request repairs.
If the issue is related to the home’s construction or safety features (like leaking roofs or faulty wiring in a newer home), it may be covered by HUD standards.
For unresolved issues with the home’s structure/design, you may file a complaint with Kentucky’s HUD-approved office.

If conditions are unsafe or violate Kentucky’s landlord-tenant laws, you may be able to seek remedies such as rent withholding or repairs. For more details, visit the Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

Official Complaint Forms: How to File a Manufactured Housing Complaint in Kentucky

HUD Manufactured Home Complaint Form
- When to use: If you believe your manufactured home in Kentucky does not meet HUD safety standards, or if there is a construction or safety defect, especially in a newer home (built within the past year).
- How it's used: Renters submit this form to the Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Agency staff will investigate and may arrange inspection or repairs.
- Download the Kentucky Manufactured Housing Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)

Example: A renter discovers persistent electrical problems in a newer manufactured home. After alerting the landlord with no results, they fill out and submit this form to Kentucky’s Division of Housing for state and HUD review.

Who Oversees Manufactured Housing Issues?

The main state body for housing complaints and issues is the Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction. They work with HUD to enforce standards and respond to complaints.

Kentucky does not have a specialized "residential tenancy tribunal" for mobile home disputes. Most rental disputes are heard in district courts. For questions about tenant rights or to seek legal advice, contact the agency above or a local legal aid office.

Key Kentucky Legislation

Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 381 – Landlord and Tenant: Governs leases, evictions, repairs, and mobile home park rules in adopting counties.
HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards

Always check whether your county follows URLTA for enhanced protections.

Tip for Renters: Keep all documents, forms, and repair records. If you file a complaint, attach copies of notices, letters, and communications with your landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do HUD standards apply to all mobile homes in Kentucky?
HUD standards apply to manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, but do not cover site-built or pre-1976 homes. State and local rules may apply to older homes.
Who do I contact if my mobile home is unsafe or defective?
Contact the Kentucky Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Use their consumer complaint form.
Does Kentucky have special protections for renters in mobile home parks?
Some Kentucky counties have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), offering additional protections for renters in manufactured housing communities.
Where can I get help with lease or eviction problems?
Legal aid organizations like LawHelpKY and Kentucky courts provide guidance for renters facing eviction or disputes.
Is my landlord responsible for repairs to my manufactured home?
Landlords are responsible for park common areas and, in some leases, major home repairs. Check your lease agreement and contact state agencies for help if there are health or safety concerns.

Key Takeaways for Kentucky Renters

HUD standards protect the safety and quality of manufactured housing in Kentucky.
Use official complaint forms for safety or construction issues, especially in homes built after 1976.
Know your local rights and who to contact for questions, complaints, or legal support.

Staying informed about HUD and state laws helps renters enjoy safe, fair, and well-maintained homes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kentucky Division of Housing, Buildings and Construction – Main agency for mobile/manufactured housing issues
Kentucky Courts – For filing legal actions or resolving disputes
LawHelpKY – Free legal help and information for tenants
HUD Manufactured Housing Program – Federal rules and guides