Missouri Manufactured Home HUD Standards: Renters’ Guide

Living in a manufactured home in Missouri comes with unique rights and protections. If you rent a mobile home or lot, understanding the national HUD standards and Missouri’s specific requirements can help you resolve issues with safety, repairs, or landlord disputes. This guide breaks down essential information for renters in plain language.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national standards for manufactured (mobile) homes through the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (commonly known as the HUD Code). These regulations ensure that manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, meet quality, safety, energy, and durability requirements. In Missouri, any manufactured home sold or rented must comply with these standards.

Why HUD Standards Matter for Missouri Renters

• Health and Safety: Prevents hazards such as electrical faults, poor insulation, or fire risks.
• Property Maintenance: Landlords must maintain HUD-compliant homes and cannot rent substandard units.
• Consumer Protection: HUD seals or data plates are required on qualifying homes, assuring renters the residence meets federal standards.

If you notice that your home lacks a HUD label or seems unsafe, you have legal avenues to address the issue.

Your Rights and Missouri Law

Missouri law requires that all manufactured homes meet HUD standards. Additionally, the Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act details landlord and tenant responsibilities regarding safety, repairs, and lease terms.^[1]

Maintenance and Repairs: Landlord Responsibilities

• Keep the manufactured home or lot in safe, livable condition
• Comply with housing codes related to health and safety
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests

As a renter, you are responsible for reporting issues in writing, retaining copies for your records, and cooperating with reasonable inspection or repair efforts.

How to File a Complaint About HUD Standards

If you suspect your home violates HUD standards or is unsafe, you can file a complaint. In Missouri, HUD complaints are handled by the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) Manufactured Housing and Modular Units Program.

Relevant Official Forms

• Complaint Form MHU-1: Missouri Manufactured Home Complaint Form
  • When to Use: If you have issues with construction, installation, or safety of a manufactured home.
  • How to Use: Download, fill out the form with details and supporting evidence, then submit to the PSC by mail, fax, or email. For example, a renter who notices electrical problems or leaks not fixed by a landlord should file this form.
• HUD Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program: HUD Dispute Resolution Information
  • For unresolved construction defects in homes built after 2008.
  • Missouri participates—contact the PSC if the landlord or retailer won’t address a defect.

Where Are Renter Disputes Handled?

Renters’ disputes, such as eviction or rent increases, are handled by county Circuit Courts in Missouri, which oversee landlord-tenant cases and enforce the provisions of the Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act.^[2]

What to Do If Your Manufactured Home Doesn’t Meet HUD Standards

• Notify your landlord in writing about the issue
• Request prompt repairs or remediation
• If there’s no response or unsafe conditions continue, complete the Missouri Manufactured Home Complaint Form and send it to the PSC
• Consider contacting legal aid or the county court if repairs remain unaddressed or if you face retaliation

For issues involving leases, evictions, or deposit disputes, consult Missouri’s circuit courts or legal assistance organizations specializing in renter protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a manufactured home and a mobile home?
   Both terms are often used interchangeably. However, “manufactured home” refers to factory-built homes constructed after June 15, 1976, under the national HUD Code. “Mobile home” usually describes factory-built homes produced before this date. All rental properties must still meet Missouri’s safety and habitability rules.
2. Do all manufactured homes in Missouri need a HUD label?
   Yes. Homes built after June 15, 1976, must display a HUD label (a small red metal tag) showing compliance with federal construction standards.
3. Can I file a complaint if my landlord won’t address safety issues?
   Yes, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Public Service Commission using the MHU Complaint Form.
4. What happens if the home is unsafe or substandard?
   The Missouri PSC will investigate the complaint, and the landlord may be required to make repairs or bring the home up to code. If problems persist, renters can pursue actions in county court.
5. Where do I go if I have an eviction issue in a mobile home park?
   Contact your local Missouri Circuit Court, which handles all landlord-tenant cases, including those in manufactured home parks.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Manufactured Home Renters

• Ensure any manufactured home you rent has a HUD label and meets federal and state safety standards
• Report health or safety concerns in writing to your landlord, and file an official complaint if issues aren’t addressed
• Disputes over repairs or evictions in manufactured housing communities are resolved by Missouri’s Circuit Courts

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Public Service Commission – Manufactured Housing & Modular Units: 1-800-819-3180
• Find Your Missouri Circuit Court
• Legal Aid of Western Missouri: Free legal help for eligible renters
• HUD Missouri State Information
• Missouri Attorney General – Housing Issues

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1. Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 700.010 et seq. – See official statute.
2. Missouri Circuit Courts – Official Court Locator.

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