Understanding HUD Manufactured Housing Standards in North Dakota

If you’re renting a mobile home or manufactured home in North Dakota, knowing about federal HUD standards and your rights is important. These regulations help protect renters’ safety and ensure homes are built, installed, and maintained for comfortable living. This guide breaks down HUD standards for manufactured housing in North Dakota, how they protect renters, and what steps to take if you have problems with maintenance or safety.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets nationwide rules for how manufactured homes are built and installed. These federal standards make sure homes meet safety, construction, and energy-efficiency benchmarks. All manufactured homes sold or installed after June 15, 1976, must meet these rules.

Key Points About HUD Standards

• Cover structural integrity, fire safety, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Apply to most mobile/manufactured homes installed or rented out since 1976
• Homes must have a HUD certification label (a metal tag near the main door or electrical panel)

North Dakota also follows these standards and provides extra requirements for site preparation, utility hookups, and permits through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

Installation and Safety Requirements in North Dakota

Beyond HUD’s national rules, North Dakota has specific laws about how manufactured homes must be installed, maintained, and repaired. These laws help make sure renters can expect safe homes that stay in good shape. According to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-32, manufactured home park landlords are responsible for repairs and making sure all sites are up to code.^[1]

What Landlords Must Provide

• Safe and working plumbing, heating, and electrical services
• Repairs to park roads and common spaces
• Proper ventilation and energy efficiency for habitable living

If the landlord is not making needed repairs, renters should put requests in writing and keep copies. If conditions are unsafe, you may have the right to file a formal complaint or take further action.

Relevant Forms for Manufactured Housing Renters

In certain cases, you may need official forms to address issues with your home or landlord in North Dakota. Here are the most useful forms for renters of manufactured homes:

• Notice to Remedy or Correct Violation (No set form number):
  Used when asking your landlord to fix a serious safety or code issue. State the problem, the remedy you want, and a reasonable deadline (usually 3-14 days).
  Example: If your heater is broken in winter, you can send this notice to ask for urgent repairs.
  Find sample notices and legal assistance at North Dakota Legal Self Help Center.
• Complaint to the North Dakota Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division (Form available online):
  Used if your landlord fails to meet safety or maintenance obligations or if you suspect a HUD violation.
  Example: Water leaks not addressed or electrical hazards left unrepaired.
  File a consumer complaint here.
• Application to District Court for Relief (No set form number):
  If you need legal remedies, such as repairs or rent abatement, you may file with the district court if informal steps fail.
  Housing Self-Help forms and information.

Where to Get Help: North Dakota’s Official Tribunal

If you cannot resolve an issue about manufactured housing standards or repairs with your landlord, formal legal actions go through the North Dakota District Court system. There is no separate landlord-tenant board; disputes are handled in district court. Free legal resources and help preparing your case are available at the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center.

Your Rights Under North Dakota Law

Your rights as a renter in a manufactured home park are protected by state and federal law. North Dakota’s main residential landlord-tenant law is the Century Code Chapter 47-32 - Manufactured Home Parks Residential Tenant Rights.^[1]

• Landlords must maintain common areas, essential services, and habitability standards
• Rent increases require at least 30 days’ written notice^[1]
• Evictions must follow court procedures—self-help or lockouts are illegal
• You may request repairs in writing, and may be able to withhold rent or file in court if unsafe conditions are not fixed

Always document your requests and responses in writing for your records.

FAQ: HUD Manufactured Housing Standards for Renters

1. How can I tell if my mobile home meets HUD standards?
   You should find a HUD certification label (usually a metal plate near the door or electrical box). If you are unsure, contact your landlord or the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
2. What do I do if my landlord won’t make repairs?
   Document the issue and deliver a written request. If ignored, file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division or seek help from the district court.
3. Are rent increases allowed in a manufactured home park?
   Yes, but your landlord must provide you with at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing your rent.
4. What government office handles landlord-tenant disputes?
   North Dakota District Courts handle all formal rental disputes. Free guidance is available from the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center.
5. Where do I file a complaint about unsafe housing?
   Start with your landlord in writing. If needed, contact the Consumer Protection Division or file a case in the district court.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Manufactured Home Renters

• HUD standards set important safety and quality rules for manufactured homes, protecting your health and property.
• North Dakota law requires landlords to keep mobile parks and homes safe and habitable.
• If you face maintenance or safety issues, document your concerns, use the right forms, and reach out to state offices for help.

Knowing your rights and the protections in place can help you resolve issues quickly and feel secure in your manufactured home rental.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota District Courts – Handles formal landlord-tenant disputes
• North Dakota Legal Self Help Center – Free guides, forms, and legal information
• Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division – Report landlord violations and unsafe conditions
• North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality – Questions on manufactured housing requirements and inspections

---

1. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 47-32 – Manufactured Home Parks Residential Tenant Rights
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Manufactured Home Construction and Safety 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