Texas HUD Manufactured Home Standards: Renter Rights & Compliance

Manufactured homes, frequently called mobile homes, are a popular housing choice throughout Texas. Whether you rent a manufactured home or lease land in a mobile home park, understanding the HUD standards that apply — and how Texas enforces them — is vital for safe and fair housing. This guide explains what these standards mean for renters in Texas, how they're enforced, and what steps you can take if issues arise.

Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing in Texas

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) sets national safety and construction standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. These standards are commonly called the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards and ensure:

• Fire safety
• Quality of plumbing, electrical, and structural systems
• Weather resistance and durability

In Texas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division (TDHCA-MHD) is the state agency responsible for overseeing these standards. Manufactured homes in Texas must be installed, maintained, and repaired in compliance with both HUD rules and relevant state laws.

Your Rights as a Texas Manufactured Home Renter

As a renter in a manufactured home or mobile home park in Texas, you have important rights under both federal HUD regulations and Texas Property Code Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies:

• Safe and Habitable Housing: Homes must meet HUD safety standards at the time of installation and during occupancy.
• Repair and Maintenance: Landlords must keep the premises (including shared park facilities) in good repair and up to code. Prompt repair of essential services (electricity, water, heating, etc.) is required.
• Written Lease: Landlords must provide a written lease that describes your rights and obligations, per Texas law.
• Notice of Rent Increases & Nonrenewal: You’re entitled to written notice before any rent increase or if your lease will not be renewed.
• Proper Eviction Procedures: Landlords must follow state eviction laws — including notice and court process — if they wish to end your tenancy.

Tip: Always keep copies of your lease and any notices received. This helps protect your rights if a dispute arises.

What Does HUD Certification Mean?

Every HUD-certified manufactured home in Texas should have a small metal seal (called a HUD tag or certification label) attached to the exterior. This means the home meets federal safety standards. If the HUD tag is missing, you can request a Replacement HUD Label/Letter of Label Verification (Form IRC-300) from TDHCA.

For example, if you’re concerned your rental home is older or potentially uncertified, ask your landlord about the HUD tag—or check with TDHCA for records.

Key Texas Forms for Renters in Manufactured Home Parks

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Complaint Form
  Manufactured Housing Consumer Complaint Form (No official number)
  Use this form if you have safety, maintenance, installation, or compliance concerns about your manufactured home or the conduct of the park owner/manufacturer. Example: If your landlord is refusing to address major repairs that affect habitability, you can file a complaint with TDHCA using this form.
• Replacement HUD Certification Label Application (IRC-300)
  Form IRC-300
  Use this if your rental home’s HUD tag is missing and you or your landlord need to prove the home is federally certified for safety. Example: A potential eviction or insurance dispute may hinge on this certification.

How Texas Enforces HUD and State Standards

Texas renters can report safety, quality, or code issues to the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division. This body investigates complaints about improper maintenance, unsafe living conditions, or HUD violations. If a landlord fails to make repairs, tenants may also have rights under Texas Property Code Chapter 92, which covers residential landlord-tenant law.

For evictions or major disputes, cases may go to your local Justice of the Peace Court in your precinct.

What Happens If a Landlord or Park Owner Violates HUD or State Standards?

Landlords and park owners are required by Texas law to provide habitable housing—including manufactured homes that comply with HUD certification and ongoing safety obligations. If they do not, TDHCA can investigate and issue orders for repairs, require restitution, or pursue penalties.

In serious cases (health/safety threats, repeated violations), tenants may have the right to terminate the lease or seek damages. Always refer to the Texas Manufactured Home Tenancies law for detailed actions.

If repairs are not being addressed, put your request in writing and keep records. Official complaints should be filed as soon as possible for urgent issues.

Filing a Complaint with the State

When dealing with an unresolved issue, renters can submit a complaint directly to TDHCA using their official process. See the complaint form link above.

What to Do If You’re Facing Disputes or Eviction

If you receive an eviction notice or serious dispute arises, you have rights to notice and a formal hearing. Texas courts—specifically, the Justice of the Peace Courts—hear manufactured housing cases. Forms and procedures are available through your precinct court. For guidance, check official Texas eviction resources.

FAQ: Texas Manufactured Home Renters

1. What is the difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home in Texas?
   In Texas, homes built before June 15, 1976, are typically called "mobile homes," while those built after must meet federal HUD standards and are called "manufactured homes." Both are eligible for tenancy protections, but only manufactured homes have guaranteed HUD compliance.
2. Who do I contact if my manufactured home is unsafe or in disrepair?
   First, notify your landlord or property manager in writing. If the problem is not resolved, file a complaint with the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division.
3. What rights do I have during an eviction from a mobile home park?
   You have the right to written notice, an opportunity to respond, and a hearing in Justice of the Peace Court before removal. The park owner must follow Texas Property Code Chapter 94 requirements.
4. Are landlords required to disclose HUD certification to tenants?
   Yes, landlords should provide information about the home's HUD certification. You can also check or request verification from TDHCA, especially if the HUD tag is missing.
5. How long does a landlord have to repair major issues in Texas manufactured housing?
   State law requires essential repairs (such as heating, water, or electrical) to be addressed promptly—usually within seven days of written notice for urgent health or safety problems.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Texas Manufactured Home Renters

• HUD and Texas laws require manufactured homes to meet strict safety standards and be properly maintained throughout your tenancy.
• Tenants are entitled to written leases, prompt repairs, and formal eviction procedures.
• The TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division provides direct support and enforcement options if problems arise—or your rights are violated.

Knowing these key points can help Texas renters resolve maintenance and safety issues quickly, and protect against unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division – Main state agency for manufactured housing standards and complaints.
• Manufactured Housing Consumer Protection – Report safety, code, or repair issues.
• Texas Manufactured Home Tenancies Law (Property Code Chapter 94) – Main legislation for mobile and manufactured home renter rights.
• Justice of the Peace Courts Directory – Resolve landlord-tenant disputes and evictions at the local level.
• Form IRC-300: Replacement HUD Label Application

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1. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards
2. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Manufactured Housing Division
3. Texas Property Code Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies
4. Texas Courts – Eviction Resources and Forms

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