HUD Manufactured Housing Standards for Louisiana Renters

If you rent a mobile or manufactured home in Louisiana, understanding the federal and state rules that protect you is key to a safe and secure living environment. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national standards for manufactured housing construction and safety. In Louisiana, these requirements are reinforced by state agencies to ensure mobile home renters enjoy a healthy, safe place to live.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards set the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and installation of manufactured (mobile) homes across the United States. These rules are sometimes called the "HUD Code." For Louisiana renters, HUD compliance means:

• Homes built after June 15, 1976 must display a red HUD certification label.
• Homes must meet federal requirements for HVAC, structural integrity, plumbing, electricity, and storm safety.
• Landlords are responsible for maintaining HUD standard safety features and fixing violations.

The HUD Manufactured Housing Program is enforced in Louisiana by the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission.

Louisiana Mobile Home Renters' Rights

As a renter in Louisiana, you have specific protections under both federal HUD standards and Louisiana law. These include:

• The right to live in a home that meets minimum safety standards
• Protection from being evicted without proper notice
• The right to request repairs of any code or HUD violations
• Access to official complaint procedures if your home is unsafe

Most Louisiana mobile home renters are covered by the Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which applies to leased manufactured homes and mobile home parks.^[1]

How to File a Complaint About HUD Violations

If your landlord fails to maintain your manufactured home to HUD standards—such as ignoring safety hazards or refusing repairs—you can file a complaint. Louisiana's main agency for handling these issues is the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission (LMHC), which oversees installation and safety rules for manufactured homes.

Here's what you need to do:

• Document the issue (photos, dates, written requests for repairs).
• Complete the LMHC's "Consumer Complaint Form" (PDF).
• Submit the form to the LMHC by mail, email, or in person for an official investigation.

Consumer Complaint Form (Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission)

• Form Name: Consumer Complaint Form (Download here)
• When to Use: Use this form when your landlord is not addressing serious safety, code, or HUD standard violations. For example, if your home has faulty wiring, improper setup, or a leaking roof that the landlord refuses to fix, submit the form for official inspection.
• How to Use: Fill out your contact details, describe the problem clearly, attach evidence, and send it to the LMHC.

Tribunal for Residential Tenancy Disputes in Louisiana

In Louisiana, most residential tenancy disputes—such as evictions or unaddressed repairs—are handled in local Parish Courts (city or justice of the peace courts). There is no single housing tribunal; renters file claims where the property is located.^[2]

Key Louisiana Tenancy Laws Covering Manufactured Housing

Several state laws and regulations protect Louisiana renters in manufactured homes:

• Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (La. R.S. 9:3251 et seq.)
• Manufactured Housing and Mobile Homes Law (La. R.S. 51:912.1 et seq.)
• Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission regulations
• HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards

These legal protections cover everything from eviction notice requirements to maintenance of your home’s safety features.

What If My Home Was Built Before the HUD Code?

Homes built before June 15, 1976 do not meet HUD standards. If you’re renting one, your landlord is still required to keep the residence "habitable"—which means safe, sanitary, and weatherproof according to Louisiana state law.^[1]

If you’re ever unsure whether your manufactured home meets HUD standards, look for the red label near the main door or ask the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission for verification.

1. What happens if my landlord won't repair a HUD code issue?
   Start by notifying the landlord in writing. If the issue remains, file a "Consumer Complaint Form" with the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission. The Commission can inspect the problem and order repairs if it violates HUD or state law.
2. Can I be evicted if I complain about HUD violations?
   Louisiana law prohibits "retaliatory eviction"—your landlord cannot evict you simply for reporting safety violations or exercising your legal rights. Any eviction must follow legal notice rules.
3. How do I check if my home meets HUD standards?
   Look for the red HUD certification label by the main entry. You may also contact the Manufactured Housing Commission for records or inspections.
4. Who handles rental disputes or evictions in Louisiana?
   Rental disputes are usually resolved in the local Parish Court (city or justice of the peace court) where the property is. File court forms and present your case if informal solutions fail.
5. Where can I find the law describing my rights as a manufactured home renter?
   Review the Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Manufactured Housing and Mobile Homes Law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission: Handles complaints and inspections (Phone: 225-765-2301)
• HUD Manufactured Housing Program: Official federal guidance on standards and renter rights
• Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: State law about rental housing and evictions
• Louisiana Supreme Court – Find parish courts and access legal forms
• Louisiana Law Help: Free legal information and assistance for renters

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1. Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, La. R.S. 9:3251 et seq. Read the statute
2. Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Art. 4911 and Louisiana Civil Code Art. 4701 et seq. See eviction rules
3. Louisiana Manufactured Housing Commission. Official site
4. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Federal HUD Code

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