Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Homes in North Carolina

Living in a manufactured or mobile home in North Carolina comes with important protections. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets federal standards—known as the HUD Code—to ensure manufactured homes are safe and structurally sound. Whether you're facing repairs, safety concerns, or just want to understand your rights, this guide explains North Carolina's requirements, key forms, and who to contact if your home doesn't meet those standards.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards, known officially as the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, apply to all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These rules cover:

• Fire safety (smoke alarms, escape windows)
• Structural integrity (foundation, roof strength)
• Energy efficiency
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

Only manufactured homes with a HUD certification label (a metal plate on the exterior) are certified to meet these standards. North Carolina requires all new and used manufactured homes to be HUD compliant.^[1]

Your Rights as a Manufactured Home Renter in North Carolina

Renters in manufactured housing communities have the same protections as other residential tenants in North Carolina, plus specific rights related to HUD standards:

• The home must be safe and fit to live in.
• Major repairs or structural problems affecting health or safety may be covered under HUD standards.
• Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering to repair or inspect the home.
• You have a right to request repairs for unsafe conditions.

North Carolina rental laws are governed by the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42 – Landlord and Tenant^[2].

What If My Manufactured Home Needs Repairs?

If you notice problems like leaking roofs, faulty wiring, or insufficient fire exits, notify your landlord in writing. You can also contact the state agency responsible for enforcing manufactured housing safety if repairs are not made.

Required Forms and Practical Use

• North Carolina Manufactured Home Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord or park owner fails to fix defects in your manufactured home that may violate HUD standards, submit this form to the NC Housing Finance Agency.
  Example: You report a persistent roof leak, the landlord does not fix it, and you need state help to enforce safety requirements.
  Download the Manufactured Home Complaint Form (PDF)
• HUD Form 92458: Complaint Investigation Request
  When to use: To report suspected violations of HUD housing quality standards for manufactured housing to HUD directly.
  Example: You believe faulty electrical work poses a fire risk and want to bring this to HUD's attention.
  Access HUD Manufactured Housing Complaint Forms

Official Tribunal: North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings

If a complaint leads to legal action, the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) reviews disputes involving state agencies, including those about manufactured housing safety.

Filing a Complaint or Requesting an Inspection

Here are the steps to protect your rights if you believe there’s a safety issue:

• Document the issue (take photos, write down details, save correspondence).
• Notify your landlord or park manager in writing, allowing time for repairs.
• If there is no response or it is an emergency, complete the NC Manufactured Home Complaint Form.
• Submit the form to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (address on form).
• Keep records of all steps taken and responses received.

This process ensures your complaint is properly reviewed and helps protect your rights as a renter.

FAQs for Manufactured Home Renters in North Carolina

1. What does it mean if my manufactured home has a HUD label?
   It means your home meets federal standards for safety and construction, protecting your right to safe, stable housing.
2. Who is responsible for major repairs in a manufactured home park?
   Generally, the landlord or park owner must repair issues that affect health and safety. Always check your lease for details.
3. Can my landlord evict me for reporting safety problems?
   No. Retaliatory eviction for requesting repairs or reporting code violations is prohibited by North Carolina law.
4. How do I file a complaint about manufactured home safety?
   Complete and submit the NC Manufactured Home Complaint Form to the state Housing Finance Agency with as much documentation as possible.
5. Where do I find the main rules covering manufactured home tenant rights?
   See North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42 for the primary legislation protecting renters’ rights.

Key Takeaways

• HUD standards help guarantee the safety of manufactured homes in North Carolina.
• Renters have a right to request repairs for safety or quality issues.
• Official complaint forms and state agencies are available to protect your housing rights.

If you face any safety concern or need repairs, act promptly and document every step to help resolve the issue quickly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NC Housing Finance Agency – Manufactured Housing Complaints: State office to receive and investigate complaints.
• North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH): Reviews disputes with state agencies.
• North Carolina Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Rights Booklet: Plain-language guide to rental law.
• HUD Manufactured Housing FAQs: Federal facts on safety and standards.

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1. [1] HUD – Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards
2. [2] North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42

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