Mississippi Manufactured Home HUD Standards: A Renter’s Guide

Understanding the HUD standards for manufactured housing in Mississippi is important for any renter living in a mobile or manufactured home. These federal guidelines set minimum quality, safety, and installation requirements to protect tenants and homes. As a Mississippi renter, knowing your rights and the government agencies involved can make it easier to resolve any issues, from repairs to disputes with landlords.

HUD Standards and Manufactured Housing in Mississippi

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulates how manufactured homes (often called mobile homes) are built and installed across the nation, including Mississippi. These rules, known as the HUD Code, set minimum standards for things like heating, plumbing, structural strength, energy efficiency, and fire safety. In Mississippi, the State Fire Marshal’s Office enforces these codes and handles complaints.

What Do HUD Standards Mean for Mississippi Renters?

• Your manufactured home must meet health and safety standards when it leaves the factory and when installed on site.
• Landlords cannot rent out homes that don't meet these HUD standards.
• Repairs related to HUD violations must be addressed by landlords, not the renter.
• Major modifications should keep the home compliant with HUD Code, or it could affect your safety and lease validity.

Key Mississippi Laws for Manufactured Home Renters

The Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs rental agreements, landlord obligations, eviction, and repairs for renters—including those in mobile and manufactured homes.^[1]

Who Oversees Manufactured Housing Standards?

• Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office (Manufactured Housing Division): Handles complaints, regulates dealers and installers, and enforces federal HUD codes.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Oversees national manufactured housing rules (HUD Manufactured Housing resources).

Important Forms for Mississippi Manufactured Home Renters

Several forms protect your rights as a renter in manufactured or mobile homes. Completing the correct form can help resolve safety issues, get repairs, or submit a complaint. Here are the most relevant:

• Complaint Intake Form (Manufactured Housing Division) — View/Download Official Form
  When to use: Use this if your landlord won’t address HUD Code violations—like broken heating, unsafe wiring, or failed site inspections. Submit to the State Fire Marshal’s Office to trigger an official investigation.
  Example: If your manufactured home has ongoing roof leaks and your landlord refuses to repair, you can file this complaint form to seek government enforcement.
• Installation Inspection Request Form — View/Download Official Form
  When to use: Use if you move into a newer manufactured home and suspect improper installation. Inspections help confirm HUD standards were met.
  Example: If you notice the floor is unlevel or utilities are not correctly connected soon after moving in, request an inspection using this form.

How to File a Manufactured Housing Complaint or Request Inspection

It’s important to follow the right steps and submit the required paperwork to get your issue investigated promptly.

If you are unsure how to fill out a form or which agency to contact, call the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office Manufactured Housing Division at (601) 359-1061 for guidance.

Understanding Your Rights in Mississippi Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Mississippi law gives manufactured home renters many of the same rights as apartment tenants. This includes:

• The right to a safe home meeting minimum federal and state safety codes
• The right to request repairs for health and safety issues
• Proper notice and legal process before eviction or rent increases
• The right to file official complaints if safety codes or lease terms are violated

Always keep copies of your lease, move-in inspection checklists, and any communication with your landlord for your records.

FAQ: Mississippi Manufactured Housing Renter Rights

1. Can my landlord rent me a manufactured home that doesn’t meet HUD standards?
   No. It is against federal and state law to rent out manufactured housing that doesn't comply with HUD safety and quality codes.
2. How do I officially report a safety or code violation in my mobile home?
   Fill out the Manufactured Housing Division’s Complaint Intake Form and return it by mail or email to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
3. What happens after I file a manufactured housing complaint?
   The State Fire Marshal’s Office investigates, may inspect the property, and can order repairs if HUD Code violations are confirmed.
4. Who regulates mobile homes in Mississippi?
   The Mississippi Manufactured Housing Division (State Fire Marshal’s Office) oversees compliance with HUD standards and handles tenant complaints.
5. Do Mississippi rental laws protect me if my landlord wants to evict me from a mobile home?
   Yes. The Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides specific protections for tenants facing eviction, including notice requirements and due process.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Mobile Home Renters

• HUD sets federal safety and quality standards for all manufactured homes in Mississippi.
• The State Fire Marshal’s Office enforces these standards and accepts tenant complaints.
• Use official government forms for complaints and inspections; retain your records.

By understanding the rules and processes, Mississippi renters can better protect their safety and housing rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Manufactured Housing Division — (601) 359-1061
• Complaint Intake Form
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full Text
• HUD Manufactured Housing: Consumer Information
• Mississippi Bar: Find Legal Help

---

1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8), accessible at Justia: MS Landlord & Tenant Act
2. Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office, Manufactured Housing Division: Official Mississippi Manufactured Housing Licensing
3. HUD Manufactured Housing Codes and Standards: HUD: Manufactured Housing Standards

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations