HUD Manufactured Home Standards and Your Washington Rental Rights

If you are renting a manufactured home or a lot in Washington, it is important to know your rights and protections. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets strict standards for manufactured homes, ensuring safety and quality throughout Washington State. Understanding these rules can help if you face maintenance, safety, or landlord issues related to the structure or facilities.

What are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

Manufactured homes (often called mobile homes) built after June 15, 1976, must meet HUD standards to be legally installed and rented in Washington. These federal guidelines, also known as the HUD Code, cover:

• Construction quality and durability
• Fire safety (smoke alarms, egress windows)
• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Energy efficiency

These standards are important because they help protect renters like you from unsafe living conditions. All homes should have a HUD certification label ("HUD tag") somewhere outside, usually on the end of the home. You can learn more from the official HUD Manufactured Home Program.

Your Rights as a Manufactured Home Tenant in Washington

In Washington, tenants in manufactured housing communities are protected by state and federal law. The Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20) outlines your rights, including:

• A safe, habitable home that meets HUD standards if built after 1976
• Timely repairs for critical structural or safety issues
• Reasonable notice before rent increases or terminations
• The right to file complaints if your landlord neglects their obligations

For disputes, the Washington Attorney General's Office Landlord-Tenant Program provides guidance.

Official Forms for Manufactured Home Tenants

• Complaint Form – Housing Inspection Request (City/County)
  When to use: If you suspect your rental does not meet HUD/building standards and your landlord isn't resolving issues, you can ask your local city or county officials for an inspection.
  Seattle Housing Complaint Form (example; check with your local jurisdiction for the correct form).
• Manufactured/Mobile Home Park Complaint Form
  When to use: For disputes involving park rules, lot conditions, or violations of the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act.
  Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program Complaint Form (handled by the Washington Attorney General's Office).

Filing one of these forms can help initiate an investigation or mediation process to resolve your concerns.

How HUD Standards Affect Your Rental Experience

Understanding HUD standards gives you confidence when renting a manufactured home. Here are practical areas that impact you:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be working
• Electrical panels and outlets must meet safety codes
• Heating and plumbing must function as designed
• Emergency exits and windows must not be blocked or faulty

If your home does not meet these standards and the landlord won’t fix the problem, you have the right to request repairs and, if needed, escalate to local building officials or dispute resolution programs.

What to Do if HUD Standards Are Not Met

Here's what you can do if your landlord doesn't keep your home up to required standards:

• Notify your landlord in writing about the problem and request repairs
• File a Housing Inspection Request if urgent issues aren’t fixed
• Submit a complaint through the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program if the dispute is about park rules, lot maintenance, or non-responsiveness

You can learn more about filing a complaint from the Attorney General’s Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program.

FAQ: Manufactured Home Rights and HUD Standards in Washington

1. What is a HUD-compliant manufactured home?
   It is a home built after June 15, 1976, following strict federal quality and safety standards set by HUD.
2. How can I check if my rental meets HUD standards?
   Look for a red HUD certification label on the outside of your home. You may also request documentation from your landlord or local building department.
3. What should I do if my manufactured home needs urgent repairs?
   Notify your landlord in writing. If there’s no response, file a complaint with your city or county, or use the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program.
4. Am I protected from retaliation if I file a complaint?
   Yes. Washington law protects tenants from retaliation for asserting their legal rights or filing complaints.
5. Which agency handles disputes over manufactured housing in Washington?
   The Washington Attorney General’s Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program handles these cases.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Manufactured homes in Washington must meet HUD safety and quality standards
• You have rights to a safe, habitable home and fair dispute resolution
• Use official forms and contact state resources if you need help resolving issues

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program: For complaints and mediation
• WA Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Resources: General tenant rights and guidance
• HUD in Washington State: Federal HUD resources and local contacts
• Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20)

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1. HUD: Manufactured Housing Program FAQs
2. Washington Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20)
3. WA Attorney General: Dispute Resolution Program
4. Seattle Code Compliance and Housing Complaint Form

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