Understanding HUD Manufactured Housing Standards in New York

Renting a mobile or manufactured home in New York comes with important protections. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets federal standards for the construction, installation, and safety of all manufactured homes. New York State follows these HUD guidelines while also offering specific tenant rights and resources for renters living in manufactured home parks or leasing manufactured units. This article explains these standards, your rights, and what to do if your home doesn’t meet safety, quality, or repair requirements.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards are federal regulations designed to ensure that all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, meet minimum requirements for safety, construction, durability, energy efficiency, and overall quality. These are sometimes called the "HUD Code" or Housing and Urban Development Code (24 CFR Part 3280). In New York, these standards must be met for any new manufactured home installation or resale.

Main Aspects of HUD Standards

• Structural integrity (roof, walls, supports)
• Fire safety (exit doors, smoke alarms)
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC system safety
• Energy efficiency protections
• Installation requirements and anchoring

When renting a manufactured home in New York, this means your home should carry a HUD certification label and be installed according to HUD and state guidelines.

Additional New York State Law Protections for Manufactured Home Renters

New York’s Real Property Law (Article 7, Sections 230–238) gives extra protections to renters in manufactured home parks, such as rules about eviction, rent increases, and park maintenance.

• Advance notice for rent increases (at least 90 days)
• Limits on rent increases ("good cause" required)
• Strict procedures before eviction can occur
• Landlord responsibilities for safe living conditions
• Right to reasonable repairs and maintenance

If you’re renting in a park, both New York’s tenant laws and federal HUD standards apply.

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

If you believe your home or rental site is unsafe, lacks proper HUD certification, or requires important repairs, you have rights and options. Start by notifying your landlord or park owner in writing. If issues are not addressed, there are official steps you can take.

Key Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint Form: NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) – Manufactured Home Park Complaint Form
  When and How to Use: If your landlord does not respond to problems like maintenance, safety standards, unlawful rent increases, or eviction issues, you can file this complaint with the DHCR.
  Access the DHCR Manufactured Home Park Complaint Form.
  Example: If your heater is not working or you believe the installation is unsafe and your landlord isn't fixing it, use this form to start an official complaint process.
• HUD Manufactured Home Complaint Form (Form HUD-203b)
  When and How to Use: If the problem relates specifically to a defect in the home’s manufacture (for homes made within the last year), you can file a complaint directly with HUD.
  See official HUD complaint instructions.
  Example: If you notice your home has a structural issue that is a manufacturing defect, report it using this form to HUD’s national program.

Tribunal or Board for Residential Tenancies

Disputes over rent, eviction, or repairs may be handled by the New York Housing Court in urban areas or by local town or village courts elsewhere. Statewide, the DHCR Office of Rent Administration is the main agency for manufactured home complaints and park issues.

FAQ: Manufactured Housing Renters’ Rights in New York

1. Do I have protection against sudden rent increases in a manufactured home park?
   Yes. New York law requires landlords to give at least 90 days’ written notice and prove any increase above 3% is for proper reasons. See Real Property Law Section 233-b for details.
2. What if my home does not have a HUD certification label?
   If your home was built after June 15, 1976 and lacks a HUD label, it may not be legally installed or compliant. Contact your landlord and the DHCR with your concern.
3. Can my landlord evict me without cause from a manufactured home park?
   No. State law requires "good cause" (like nonpayment or major rule violation) for eviction. Formal court proceedings are also required.
4. Who do I contact if urgent repairs are not being made?
   Start with your landlord. If they do not respond, submit a complaint to the NYS DHCR Manufactured Home Program.

Key Takeaways

• HUD and New York laws both protect renters in manufactured housing.
• Check for a HUD label and be aware of your rights around rent increases, eviction, and repairs.
• If problems occur, use official complaint forms and contact state agencies for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR): Manufactured Home Parks — Main oversight authority for manufactured home park issues
• HUD Manufactured Housing Program — National oversight and complaints
• New York Housing Court Information — For eviction and rent-related disputes in New York City
• LawHelpNY — Find free legal help for renters, including manufactured home residents

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1. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)
2. New York Real Property Law, Article 7 (Sections 230–238)
3. NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal – Manufactured Home Parks
4. New York State Housing Court

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