Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing in Michigan

Living in a manufactured or mobile home community in Michigan comes with unique rights and responsibilities. As a renter, it’s important to know the HUD standards for manufactured housing to ensure your home meets federal safety and quality guidelines. This overview will help you understand these standards and how they affect your living situation in Michigan.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the national construction and safety standards for manufactured homes. In Michigan, any manufactured home built after June 15, 1976, must meet these federal standards, called the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards^[1]. These rules cover things like fire safety, energy efficiency, plumbing, electrical systems, and overall durability.

• All units must have a visible HUD certification label—usually a red metal plate attached outside the home.
• Manufactured homes installed in Michigan must also comply with state site requirements, like foundation and tie-down rules.
• These standards ensure every home is safe, livable, and built for long-term quality.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Renter in Michigan

As a renter in a manufactured home park, you are covered by Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act^[2] and the Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act.^[3]

• Landlords must maintain safe, sanitary, and code-compliant homes and park premises.
• Rent increases and lease terminations require proper notice; you have the right to receive written notice before changes.
• You can make repair requests, and your landlord may not evict or retaliate because of them.

What If My Manufactured Home Doesn’t Meet HUD Standards?

If you believe your manufactured home isn’t meeting HUD standards—such as faulty wiring, safety risks, or lack of required HUD certification—you can take action to protect yourself and your family. In Michigan, you have the right to file a complaint with the state’s Manufactured Housing Program.

• If your home is new (less than one year old): The manufacturer must address HUD standard issues. Contact the retailer and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Manufactured Housing Program for warranty concerns.
• If your home is older or you’re concerned about safety/code violations: Contact LARA for an inspection or to file a complaint.

Important Forms for Renters in Manufactured Housing

• Michigan Manufactured Home Complaint Form (BCC-963):
  What it’s for: To formally report health, safety, or code issues with your manufactured home or mobile home community.
  Example: Use this form if your rental home has unsafe wiring, does not have a HUD label, or your landlord isn’t responding to repair needs under HUD rules.
  Official source and download.
• Notice to Terminate Tenancy (found in Section 600.5718):
  What it’s for: Michigan law requires specific notices to be given by landlords or tenants ending a lease within a mobile home park.
  Example: If your landlord is ending your tenancy, you must receive a written notice ahead of time—they cannot evict you without proper process.

If you have trouble resolving repair issues, document everything in writing and keep copies. This can help you if you need to file a complaint or take legal action.

How Issues Get Resolved: The Michigan Tribunal

In Michigan, rental disputes for mobile and manufactured housing are generally handled through the local District Court, which has authority over landlord-tenant matters, including eviction and habitability cases.^[4]

• The District Court hears cases involving rental agreements, evictions, and disputes over repair responsibilities.
• You can seek help from the court if your landlord is not upholding HUD standards or Michigan law.

How to File a Manufactured Home Complaint in Michigan

Filing a complaint is a straightforward process and can help get state inspectors involved if HUD standards are not met.

• Step 1: Download and complete the BCC-963 Complaint Form.
• Step 2: Attach any photos or supporting documents that show the problem.
• Step 3: Submit the form by mail, fax, or email (instructions are on the form itself).
• Step 4: Wait for a response or an inspector to contact you about next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the HUD label on my manufactured home mean?
   The HUD label is proof that your home was built to national safety and quality standards. It is required on all manufactured homes built after June 1976 in Michigan.
2. Can my landlord refuse to make repairs that are required by HUD standards?
   No. In Michigan, landlords must maintain homes in compliance with HUD and state regulations. Renters can file a complaint if repairs are not made.
3. Where do I file a complaint if my manufactured home is unsafe?
   File with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs using the BCC-963 Complaint Form. Disputes may also go to your local District Court.
4. Do HUD standards apply to all mobile homes in Michigan?
   Yes, for homes built after June 15, 1976. Older homes may not be covered, but state rules may still apply.
5. Is my tenancy protected under Michigan law as a mobile home renter?
   Yes. State laws like the Mobile Home Commission Act and Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act protect your tenancy rights, including proper notice for eviction or rent changes.

Key Takeaways

• HUD standards protect renters by requiring safe, high-quality manufactured homes in Michigan.
• You can file a complaint if your home is unsafe or your landlord ignores HUD requirements—use the official forms linked above.
• Michigan laws offer additional protections for renters in manufactured housing communities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Manufactured Housing Program (LARA): Information, complaints, and support for renters.
• Michigan Legal Help: Free legal information and resources for renters.
• Michigan District Courts: Where to file disputes or seek legal remedies in landlord-tenant cases.
• U.S. HUD Manufactured Housing Resources: National info and complaint resources.

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1. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)
2. Mobile Home Commission Act (Michigan Public Act 96 of 1987)
3. Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act (MCL 554.601-554.616)
4. Michigan District Courts – Landlord/Tenant

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