Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing in Tennessee

Manufactured homes, often referred to as mobile homes, provide accessible and flexible housing options for many Tennesseans. As a renter considering or already living in a manufactured home, it’s important to know about the federal HUD standards that protect your safety and rights, along with the extra state rules that apply in Tennessee. This guide explains these standards, how they affect renters, and your options if you have concerns about safety, maintenance, or compliance.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national safety and quality standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These rules, known as the HUD Code, cover things like fire safety, structural stability, insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems. Every manufactured home sold or rented in Tennessee must meet these federal standards. You’ll find a red HUD certification label on compliant homes—this mark shows the home passed inspection and meets minimum federal requirements.^[1]

Why Do HUD Standards Matter to Renters?

• If your manufactured home doesn’t meet the HUD standard, it could be unsafe or illegal to rent out.
• Problems with heating, plumbing, wiring, or the structure may give you the right to request repairs from your landlord.
• Homes with a valid HUD label and data plate are easier to insure, finance, and maintain.

Landlords in Tennessee must provide and maintain rental properties, including manufactured homes, that are safe, habitable, and up to code under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), if your county has adopted it.^[2] HUD standards help define what “safe and habitable” means for manufactured home rentals.

State Rules and Additional Protections

Tennessee law works alongside federal HUD rules. The Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section oversees manufactured and mobile home construction, titling, and park regulations within the state. Some Tennessee counties or municipalities may have their own codes that affect where manufactured homes can be placed and what additional safety measures apply. Always check with your local housing authority for regional specifics.

Common Rights and Responsibilities for Tennessee Manufactured Home Renters

• Landlords must keep the home and its systems (plumbing, heating, electrical) in good working order under state habitability rules.
• You have the right to request repairs and expect a prompt response for health or safety problems.
• If the landlord fails to maintain HUD standards, you may file a complaint with the state or HUD and possibly withhold rent (in certain cases).

Key Forms for Manufactured Housing Issues in Tennessee

• HUD Manufactured Home Complaint Form (HUD-903): Use when you believe your manufactured home doesn’t meet HUD standards or for unresolved defects. Available from HUD’s Manufactured Housing Complaint page. Typically, you would fill out this form if your landlord or seller ignores a problem that affects your home’s safety or structure.
• Request for Repair or Maintenance (No official form): In Tennessee, tenants usually submit a written maintenance request or complaint directly to the landlord or park operator. Keep a dated copy for your records.
• Application to the Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section: This is for formal complaints about dealer, installer, or property owner violations. See details on official Manufactured Housing forms. For example, use the "Complaint Form for Homeowners" to report unresolved safety or licensing issues in your home or park.

How to File a Complaint About Manufactured Home Standards

• Document the health or safety issue with pictures and a written description.
• Notify your landlord or park operator in writing and keep a copy as proof.
• If not resolved, file a complaint with the Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section or directly with HUD using the appropriate form.
• Contact your local housing authority or code enforcement office if you suspect local code violations.

Which Agency Handles Tenant-Landlord Issues in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act tribunal isn’t a single state-wide board; tenant complaints are typically handled by your local county court or housing authority if the URLTA applies in your location. For manufactured housing and park-specific concerns, the Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section is the relevant board.^[2],[3]

FAQ: Tennessee Manufactured and Mobile Home Renters

1. How can I check if my manufactured home meets HUD standards?
   You should find a red metal HUD certification label on the exterior of each section of the home. Ask your landlord for any available documentation, or contact HUD or the Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section for help if you have doubts.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix a HUD standard safety issue?
   Write a request for repairs, keep a copy, and if unresolved, submit a complaint to the Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section or HUD. You may also ask your local legal aid for additional support.
3. Are mobile home parks required to follow HUD standards?
   Yes, all manufactured homes in parks must comply with HUD standards. However, the park may set community rules as long as these do not violate state or federal law.
4. Can my landlord evict me if I complain about HUD violations?
   Retaliatory eviction is generally not allowed under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. If you face this, contact your local housing authority or legal aid for advice.
5. Which law protects Tennessee renters in manufactured homes?
   Your primary protection comes from the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Tennessee’s laws on manufactured homes, in addition to HUD standards.

Conclusion: What Tennessee Renters Need to Know

• HUD standards set the foundation for manufactured home safety and quality.
• Tennessee laws add extra protections for renters in manufactured housing, especially regarding repairs and habitability.
• Keep records of all maintenance requests and complaints, and know your options if your landlord does not resolve health or safety issues.

Staying informed and proactive will help you maintain safe and secure housing as a manufactured home renter in Tennessee.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Manufactured Housing Section – Guidance and complaint forms for manufactured home issues.
• HUD Manufactured Housing Program – Federal rules and complaint procedures.
• Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Overview and legal reference for tenant rights.
• Local legal aid organizations – Assistance with tenant-landlord disputes (find contacts via your county courthouse or online through Tennessee Human Services).

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1. See: HUD Manufactured Home Construction & Safety FAQs
2. See: Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. See: Tennessee Dept. of Commerce & Insurance – Manufactured Housing

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