Ohio Manufactured Housing: HUD Standards for Renters

Living in a manufactured or mobile home in Ohio gives renters unique housing opportunities—but also special responsibilities and protections. Understanding HUD standards for manufactured housing in Ohio can help ensure that your home is safe, meets national and state requirements, and that your rights as a renter are respected.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) sets national construction, safety, and installation standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These rules guarantee a minimum level of safety and habitability for your home, including fire safety, structural integrity, heating, plumbing, and ventilation. All manufactured homes must feature a HUD Certification Label (sometimes called a "HUD tag") to show compliance.

Applying HUD Rules in Ohio

In Ohio, enforcement of HUD standards is carried out by the Ohio Manufactured Homes Program, part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. This agency oversees licensing of communities, installation professionals, complaints, and ensures homes comply with both federal and state regulations.

Key Protection Areas for Renters

• Safety and Quality: Any home you rent in Ohio must meet the federal HUD Code standards if it was built after 1976.
• Required Label: HUD-certified homes display a red label on the exterior—always check for this label before moving in.
• Installation Standards: The home must be installed and maintained according to Ohio’s standards, following rules in the Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.51.
• Health and Maintenance: Landlords must maintain the property and keep the housing unit in livable, safe condition, as required by the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act.

Quick summary: Your rental manufactured home in Ohio must be built and maintained to HUD and state standards, and landlords are required to address essential repairs and safety concerns.

How to Address Problems With Manufactured Home Conditions

If your home has significant safety, repair, or installation problems (for example, roof leaks, faulty wiring, or missing safety labels), take these steps:

• Contact your landlord in writing describing the problem and requesting repairs.
• Document the issue with photos and keep a copy of your correspondence.
• If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time (usually 30 days, or sooner for urgent repairs), you may contact the Ohio Manufactured Homes Program.
• If habitability or safety is at risk, you can file a complaint or seek assistance from the local or state housing authority.

Ohio Manufactured Home Complaint Form

• Form Name: Manufactured Homes Complaint Form
• When to Use: If safety, installation, or health violations persist in your manufactured home community or unit, and your landlord is unresponsive.
• Example: A renter notices electrical hazards that go unrepaired. After notifying the landlord and getting no action, they fill out and submit this form to the state.
  • Download the Manufactured Homes Complaint Form (PDF)

Ohio Housing Appeals Board

The Ohio Board of Building Appeals hears disputes related to manufactured housing code issues, including installations, safety, and compliance. If you believe your home does not meet HUD standards or state requirements, and you cannot resolve the issue through your landlord, you may appeal to this tribunal after filing the appropriate complaints.

Relevant Legislation for Ohio Manufactured Housing Renters

• Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.51 – Installation Standards
• Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Chapter 5321)
• HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR Part 3280)

Summary: Familiarize yourself with these laws. They set the bar for safety, repairs, and complaint options in manufactured housing rentals.

If you're unsure whether your manufactured home meets HUD standards, look for the HUD label and request inspection reports from your landlord or park operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all mobile and manufactured homes in Ohio have to comply with HUD standards?
   Yes, all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976 must comply with HUD standards. Homes built before this date may not meet these rules.
2. How can I tell if my manufactured home meets HUD requirements?
   Look for a red HUD certification label on the outside of the home. You can also request documentation from your landlord.
3. What should I do if my landlord won't address repairs related to HUD or safety standards?
   Document your requests in writing. If the problem isn't fixed, complete the Ohio Manufactured Homes Complaint Form and send it to the state.
4. Can I be evicted from my manufactured home for reporting safety or code violations?
   No. Under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act, retaliatory eviction for reporting violations is prohibited.
5. What agency handles disputes about manufactured housing standards in Ohio?
   The Ohio Manufactured Homes Program oversees HUD compliance, and the Ohio Board of Building Appeals hears disputes related to these matters.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ohio Manufactured Home Renters

• Ohio manufactured housing renters have rights under both HUD federal standards and state laws.
• Landlords must keep homes compliant and address essential repairs—use the official complaint form if needed.
• If disputes can't be resolved, you can seek help from the state housing authority or Board of Building Appeals.

Staying informed about your rights and the standards your home must meet is the first step to a safer, better rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Manufactured Homes Program (Department of Commerce): For complaints, licensing, and standards
• Manufactured Homes Complaint Form (PDF)
• Ohio Board of Building Appeals: For code and standards disputes
• Ohio Legal Help – Renters Rights
• For urgent safety concerns, contact your local health department or housing authority.

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1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD Manufactured Housing Program
2. Ohio Manufactured Homes Program
3. Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.51 – Manufactured Homes Installation
4. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act
5. Manufactured Homes Complaint Form
6. Ohio Board of Building Appeals

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