Understanding HUD Standards for Maine Manufactured Housing

If you live in a manufactured or mobile home community in Maine, understanding the safety and quality standards that apply to your home is essential. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets important rules for manufactured housing, ensuring a safer rental experience. Maine, like all states, follows these national HUD standards so renters have clear protections and a path to address issues if their home isn't up to code.

What are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

The HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (often called the HUD Code) are federal rules that establish minimum requirements for building, design, durability, and installation of manufactured homes. These standards apply to almost all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, ensuring your rental has proper safety, energy efficiency, and comfort features¹.

• Fire safety (such as smoke detectors, exit windows, and flame-resistant materials)
• Structural integrity (resistance to wind and snow loads)
• Proper electrical and plumbing systems
• Safe heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Energy efficiency requirements

How Maine Enforces HUD Standards

Maine follows federal HUD regulations for manufactured housing. The Maine Manufactured Housing Board oversees manufactured housing, including installation and tenant rights specific to mobile home parks. If your landlord or the park owner isn't following these standards, you may have the right to file a complaint or request inspections.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Renter

As a renter in Maine, you are protected under state law called the Maine Manufactured Housing Act and the federal HUD standards. These laws:

• Require landlords and park owners to ensure homes are safe and maintained to minimum HUD standards
• Give renters the right to request repairs for issues that impact health and safety
• Protect you from eviction without proper notice and legal process

Maine’s Manufactured Housing Complaint Program is your official resource if you have a safety issue or code concern at your manufactured home.

Official Forms for Maine Manufactured Housing Renters

• Complaint Form – Manufactured Housing
  When to use: If you have a safety or code concern with your manufactured home (such as faulty wiring or leaking pipes) and your landlord has not fixed the issue. This form allows you to file a formal complaint with the Maine Manufactured Housing Board.
  Download the Official Complaint Form
• Notice of Termination of Tenancy (Form MHN-1)
  When to use: Landlords must use this form to properly notify tenants of lease termination under Maine law. As a renter, you should receive this if your landlord intends to end your tenancy.
  See Form MHN-1 at the Maine Manufactured Housing Board

Always keep copies of any forms submitted and communications with your landlord for your records.

How to File a Complaint With the Maine Manufactured Housing Board

If your landlord or park owner does not address your concerns after you request repairs, you may need to take official action. Here’s how it works:

• Complete the Complaint Form – Manufactured Housing
• Attach any relevant information, such as photos, written requests sent to your landlord, or documentation of the problem
• Submit the form by mail or email to the Maine Manufactured Housing Board – details are listed at the bottom of the form
• The Board will review your complaint and may conduct an inspection or mediate the issue

Parks, Land Use, and Tribunal

The Maine Manufactured Housing Board is the state authority responsible for manufactured housing, including tenant-landlord disputes, habitability, and home installation. If you have a dispute or health and safety concern, this is the official body that can help resolve the issue².

Relevant Legislation for Renters

• Maine Manufactured Housing Act (Title 10, Chapter 951)
• Maine Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 14, Chapter 710)
• HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)

1. What if my landlord refuses to fix serious safety problems in my manufactured home?
   If your landlord does not address hazardous issues, file a formal complaint with the Maine Manufactured Housing Board using the official complaint form. Include details and any proof of your request.
2. Do Maine landlords have to follow HUD standards for manufactured housing?
   Yes. All manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, must comply with HUD standards, and landlords must maintain these homes to those safety and quality requirements.
3. How can I check if my manufactured home is HUD certified?
   Look for a red certification label (HUD tag) on the outside of your home. You can ask your landlord to provide documentation or check the information with the Maine Manufactured Housing Board.
4. Who resolves disputes between mobile home park residents and management in Maine?
   The Maine Manufactured Housing Board is the tribunal responsible for investigating and resolving disputes involving manufactured housing parks, including complaints about safety, notice, and lease terms.
5. What law protects my rights as a manufactured housing renter in Maine?
   Your rights are covered by the Maine Manufactured Housing Act and the Maine Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Maine Renters

• HUD standards protect your safety and quality of living in Maine manufactured homes
• If your home has health or safety risks, use the Maine Manufactured Housing Board's official complaint system
• Landlords and park owners must follow both federal and state rental housing laws

Always communicate requests in writing and keep documentation. If you need help, Maine has official departments and resources ready to support renters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Manufactured Housing Board – oversight, complaints, forms, and renter protections
• Maine Manufactured Housing Act – full legal protections for tenants in manufactured housing
• Manufactured Housing Complaint Information and Forms
• Maine State Landlord-Tenant Resources

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1. See the full HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)
2. Maine Manufactured Housing Board – Official Website

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