Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing in New Jersey

Living in a manufactured home or mobile home in New Jersey comes with unique considerations. As a renter, knowing the HUD standards and New Jersey laws that protect your home’s safety and quality is essential. This article offers clear information on what these standards mean for you and how to address common issues with your manufactured home rental.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national standards—called the HUD Code—for the construction, safety, and installation of manufactured homes. In New Jersey, all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, must meet HUD safety standards for manufactured housing. These standards focus on:

• Fire safety (like smoke alarms and escape windows)
• Structural stability
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Proper heating and ventilation

New Jersey enforces these rules through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Mobile Home and Rooming House Division, ensuring safe living conditions.

How HUD Standards Protect Renters in New Jersey

As a renter, you have the right to a home that meets both federal HUD and New Jersey safety codes. Park owners and landlords are responsible for maintaining the home and park infrastructure to meet these requirements. Renters should expect:

• Safe and sturdy housing units
• Properly installed utilities
• Routine maintenance and prompt repairs when needed
• Clear procedures for addressing health and safety complaints

New Jersey-Specific Requirements

New Jersey adds its own safety codes for manufactured homes on top of the federal HUD standards. For example:

• Installation permits are required for new homes (Form M-50: Installation Permit).
• Inspections are needed before occupancy and after major repairs.
• Landlords must comply with the New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act to inform tenants about their rights.

Renters may request inspections from DCA Mobile Home and Rooming House Division if conditions seem unsafe or repairs are ignored.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Form M-50: Mobile/Manufactured Home Installation Permit
  When to use: If your home is being newly installed or significantly relocated in a park, your landlord or the installer must file this form with the local code enforcement office. As a renter, you might want to verify that your landlord has secured this permit for your safety.
  See and download Form M-50 (PDF)
• Complaint Form (DCA Mobile Home Complaint)
  When to use: If your landlord does not address unsafe conditions or code violations, you can use the DCA’s complaint form to request an official inspection.
  Access the DCA Mobile Home Complaint Form (PDF)

How to Address Safety and Maintenance Issues

If you notice unsafe conditions, faulty utilities, or repairs that go unaddressed, take these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing about the problem.
• Give reasonable time for repairs (usually within 30 days, or sooner for urgent issues).
• If the problem isn’t fixed, file a complaint with the New Jersey DCA.

Who Handles Mobile Home Tenant Disputes?

The official body for residential rental disputes (including manufactured housing) in New Jersey is the New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Section of the Special Civil Part, operating through the state’s Superior Courts.

Relevant Legislation in New Jersey

• New Jersey Mobile Home Park Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8C-1 et seq.): Regulates landlord and tenant responsibilities in mobile home parks.
• New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.)
• Federal HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I do if my manufactured home isn’t meeting safety standards?
   If your home has safety issues or code violations, notify your landlord in writing. If not addressed promptly, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs using the official complaint form.
2. Can I request an official inspection of my rental manufactured home?
   Yes, renters can request an inspection through the DCA Mobile Home and Rooming House Division if you believe your unit violates HUD or state safety standards.
3. Who do I contact to resolve a rent or eviction dispute in a mobile home park?
   Mobile home tenants in New Jersey should bring disputes to the Special Civil Part – Landlord-Tenant Section of the Superior Court.
4. Does my landlord have to inform me about HUD compliance?
   Landlords must provide housing that complies with HUD and New Jersey state standards. The New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act requires landlords to inform tenants about their rights and responsibilities.
5. Where can I find more information on New Jersey manufactured home laws?
   You can review the DCA’s Mobile Home resources and the Mobile Home Park Law.

Key Takeaways for New Jersey Manufactured Home Renters

• HUD and State laws ensure manufactured homes provide safe, quality housing
• Tenants can seek inspections and file complaints if repairs aren’t made
• For unresolved disputes, renters may apply to the New Jersey Special Civil Part’s Landlord-Tenant Section

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NJ DCA Mobile Home & Rooming House Division – For questions, complaints, or safety inspections
• Landlord-Tenant Court (Special Civil Part) – For rental disputes and eviction matters
• Official Complaint Form for Manufactured Home Tenants
• NJ Truth-in-Renting Guide – Tenant education and legal rights

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1. NJ Department of Community Affairs – Mobile Home and Rooming House Division
2. HUD Manufactured Housing Standards
3. Mobile Home Park Law – N.J.S.A. 46:8C-1 et seq.
4. Landlord-Tenant Law – N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.
5. 24 CFR Part 3280 – Federal HUD Code

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