What should I do if my manufactured home in Minnesota needs repairs?

Submit a written request to your landlord. If the problem isn’t fixed, you may file for emergency relief in housing court or contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Are there limits on manufactured home rent increases in Minnesota?

HUD does not set rent limits, but Minnesota requires landlords to provide at least 60 days’ written notice before any increase.

Who handles complaints about manufactured home park conditions in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry enforces housing standards, while the Minnesota Housing Court handles tenant-landlord disputes.

Can I be evicted for requesting home repairs in a manufactured home park?

Minnesota law protects tenants from retaliation for asserting their rights or requesting repairs.

Where can I find official forms for tenant complaints or repairs in Minnesota?

Official forms are available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch for housing court and from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for park complaints.

Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Homes in Minnesota

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

Renting a manufactured home in Minnesota means you are protected by specific housing standards designed to ensure your home is safe, healthy, and structurally sound. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets and enforces these standards nationwide—including in Minnesota—ensuring quality in construction, safety features, and energy efficiency. Understanding these regulations can help Minnesota renters address maintenance issues, defend against unsafe conditions, and know what to expect from both landlords and housing authorities.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards—known as the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (commonly, the "HUD Code")—establish strict requirements for manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These nationwide rules cover construction quality, fire safety, weather resistance, energy efficiency, ventilation, and protection against hazards. In Minnesota, all manufactured homes placed or rented must comply with these standards, and local enforcement is handled collaboratively by state and federal agencies.¹

Key Protections Provided by HUD Standards

Structural Integrity: Ensures homes can withstand wind, snow, and other severe weather.
Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation: Quality requirements for HVAC to provide safe air quality and comfort.
Fire Safety: Installation of smoke detectors, safe wiring, and flame-retardant materials.
Accessibility: Certain access features for individuals with disabilities in newer units.

If you believe your home has construction or safety issues, these standards may give you a basis for requesting repairs or official inspections.

Minnesota-Specific Manufactured Housing Standards

While HUD oversees national manufacturing standards, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) enforces installation, park licensing, and some local requirements for mobile/manufactured home parks.

All manufactured homes installed in Minnesota must comply with HUD Code and Minnesota’s installation requirements (Minnesota Statutes Section 327.31–327.36).
Landlords must maintain common areas, supply basic utilities, and keep homes in habitable condition under Minnesota’s landlord-tenant laws.
Disputes over park rules, rent, or maintenance are often resolved by the Minnesota District Courts through the Housing Court Division (tribunal for housing disputes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth).

Important Forms for Minnesota Manufactured Home Renters

Having the right paperwork helps renters exercise their rights or address problems in manufactured home parks. Below are key forms you might need:

Request for Repairs (No official form number): A written letter or notice to your landlord or park manager requesting repairs. Use this if your home has safety or maintenance issues that violate HUD or state standards.
If you need to file a written request, see Minnesota Attorney General resources on repair requests.
Petition for Emergency Relief (Minn. Stat. 504B.385 Form): Use this form to ask a court for quick action when your landlord has not made essential repairs. Download it or get instructions from the Minnesota Judicial Branch housing forms page.
Notice of Rent Increase (No fixed statewide form): Park owners must give at least 60-days’ written notice before any rent increase, per Minnesota Statutes Section 327C.06. If you receive a notice and believe it violates this timing, you can dispute it with the court or seek mediation through the Minnesota DLI.

Always keep copies of communications and forms. You may need them if you bring an issue to housing court or seek outside assistance.

How to File a Complaint or Start a Dispute

If problems remain after contacting your landlord or park manager, you may:

Contact Minnesota DLI Manufactured Structures Division: For park or installation issues related to licensing or safety. Submit a complaint online or call their office.
File a Claim in Housing Court: Especially for urgent repairs, unlawful eviction, or return of security deposit. Forms and instructions are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Tip: If you’re worried about retaliation or eviction after requesting repairs, Minnesota law protects tenants from retaliation when asserting rights under the law.

FAQs for Minnesota Manufactured Home Renters

What should I do if my manufactured home is unsafe or needs repairs?
Notify your landlord in writing, citing specific problems. If repairs are not made, you may file a petition in housing court for emergency repairs or contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for potential violations.
Are rent increases in manufactured home parks limited by HUD standards?
No, HUD sets safety and construction standards but not rent controls. However, Minnesota law requires at least 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase.
Who enforces manufactured housing standards in Minnesota?
HUD oversees national home construction standards, while the Minnesota DLI and local housing authorities check installation, park operations, and enforce state laws. Housing courts handle disputes.
Can a landlord evict me for complaining about conditions in my home?
No, Minnesota law prohibits retaliation. If you’re threatened with eviction after requesting repairs or asserting your rights, document everything and contact legal aid or housing court promptly.
Where do I go if I have unresolved problems with my manufactured home park?
Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for park issues or file a claim with your local housing court. Keep all written notices and copies of communications.

Key Takeaways for Renters

HUD standards provide strong protections for renters in Minnesota manufactured home parks, especially for safety and construction quality.
If you have maintenance or park issues, submit written repair requests and know you have legal protection from retaliation.
State agencies and courts offer resources, complaint handling, and forms to help protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Manufactured Homes: Guidance, complaints, and park regulations.
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court Forms: Forms for repair petitions, emergency relief, and housing claims.
Minnesota Attorney General – Landlord and Tenant Handbook: Accessible guides for renters’ rights and sample letters.
Minnesota District Courts – Housing Court: Resolve disputes and access housing law resources.