South Dakota HUD Standards for Manufactured Home Renters

Manufactured homes offer affordable living options for many South Dakotans. If you're renting a mobile home or space in a manufactured housing community, understanding HUD standards—and how they're applied in South Dakota—can help you recognize your rights and responsibilities.

Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets strict construction and safety guidelines for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These national standards, known as the HUD Code, cover essential areas such as:

  • Structure and durability
  • Fire safety and emergency exits
  • Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
  • Energy efficiency
  • Installation and anchoring (to reduce wind damage risk)

Why HUD Standards Matter to South Dakota Renters

As a renter, these standards help ensure your manufactured home is safe and habitable. If your home or lot falls short, you have a right to ask your landlord for repairs or upgrades. South Dakota adopts HUD Code standards statewide, so every manufactured home (built post-1976) must meet these requirements.

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Your Rights and Maintenance Protections

Landlords have a duty to provide housing that meets health and safety requirements. Under the South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32 (Landlord and Tenant Act), your landlord must:

  • Keep the property in a fit and habitable condition
  • Make necessary repairs to meet HUD and state standards
  • Ensure electrical, plumbing, and heating systems work safely

If your manufactured home or leased lot fails to meet these standards, you may be able to request repairs or file a complaint.

How to Address HUD Standard Violations in South Dakota

Here is a quick summary of your options if you notice serious maintenance or safety issues:

  • Notify your landlord in writing about problems (keep copies).
  • If the issue persists, you can report unsafe conditions to the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation.
  • Use official complaint forms if necessary (see below).

Key South Dakota Forms for Renters

  • South Dakota Complaint Form (Division of Labor and Management):
    • Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
    • When to use: If your landlord fails to make necessary HUD standard repairs after written notification.
    • Example: Suppose your manufactured home has faulty wiring that your landlord has not fixed despite your requests. You may fill out this form to start an official complaint with the state.
  • Mobile/Manufactured Home Installation Complaint (HUD Form 2000):

Always read instructions carefully to ensure your complaint is reviewed promptly.

Who Handles Manufactured Housing Disputes?

The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (DLR) oversees most landlord-tenant disagreements, including those involving manufactured homes. While South Dakota does not have a specialized housing tribunal, DLR’s Division of Labor and Management is your main contact point for mobile home and tenant complaints.

If you cannot resolve a maintenance or safety issue with your landlord, seek help from the DLR or HUD before withholding rent or taking further action.

FAQ: Manufactured Home Rentals and HUD Standards in South Dakota

  1. What makes a manufactured home "HUD-certified"?
    A "HUD-certified" manufactured home complies with federal construction and safety standards set by HUD. Look for the certification label (red metal tag) on your home to verify.
  2. Are lot rental agreements for manufactured homes covered by South Dakota tenant laws?
    Yes. Leases for manufactured home spaces/parks are protected under the South Dakota Landlord and Tenant Act, giving you rights to habitability and fair notice for rent changes.
  3. What can I do if my landlord refuses HUD-required repairs?
    Document the problem, provide written notice to your landlord, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the DLR using the official form linked above.
  4. Where can I report improper manufactured home installation?
    You can file HUD Form 2000 to directly notify HUD if your home has not been properly installed according to federal standards.
  5. Does South Dakota have rent control for manufactured homes?
    No, South Dakota currently does not have rent control laws for manufactured or mobile homes. However, you are entitled to notice before any rent increase per state law.

Key Takeaways for Manufactured Home Renters

  • All manufactured homes in South Dakota must follow federal HUD safety and construction standards
  • Renters can use official forms to report unresolved maintenance or installation issues
  • The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation is the main resource for resolving landlord-tenant disputes, including in manufactured housing communities

Staying informed on HUD standards and local laws helps you maintain a safe, fair rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. HUD Manufactured Home Standards Overview
  2. South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32: Landlord and Tenant Act
  3. South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (Landlord-Tenant Resource)
  4. HUD Manufactured Home Complaint Form 2000 (PDF)
  5. DLR Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.