Understanding HUD Standards for Manufactured Homes in Wisconsin

Renting a manufactured home in Wisconsin can provide affordability and flexibility, but it’s important to understand the rules and protections that apply to your home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets national safety and quality standards for new manufactured homes. In Wisconsin, state law works alongside these federal rules to safeguard renters. By knowing these standards and your legal rights, you'll be better prepared to address maintenance concerns, disputes, or questions about your home’s safety.

What Are HUD Standards for Manufactured Housing?

HUD standards establish nationwide minimum requirements for the construction, strength, fire safety, energy efficiency, and durability of manufactured homes. Homes built after June 15, 1976, must display a red HUD certification label. These standards are enforced to protect residents, ensuring every manufactured home is safe and livable.

• Applies to all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976
• Addresses structural strength, construction, design, and performance
• Covers mechanical systems like plumbing, heating, and electrical
• Requires manufacturers to certify homes and use approved installation methods

How Wisconsin Regulates Manufactured Homes

Wisconsin enforces HUD’s rules and adds extra protections for renters and homeowners. The Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 101.91–101.96 set formal requirements for manufactured home installation, safety, park management, and renter rights.

• Inspections: All new manufactured homes must be inspected and installed by state-licensed professionals.
• Rental Agreements: Landlords must provide written agreements outlining responsibilities for rent, maintenance, and utilities.
• Eviction and Rent Increases: Wisconsin law limits reasons for eviction from a mobile home park and sets out the process landlords must follow.

Key Rights and Responsibilities for Renters

As a renter living in a manufactured home or park, you have legal protections both under federal HUD standards and Wisconsin law. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can request proof your home meets HUD certification standards.
• Landlords must keep shared areas (like roads and common facilities) well maintained.
• If you rent the home itself (not just the lot), the landlord is responsible for essential repairs and making sure your home remains habitable.
• If your landlord fails to maintain HUD safety standards or needed repairs, you can file a complaint or request an inspection.

Filing a Complaint in Wisconsin

If your manufactured home appears unsafe, has unresolved repair issues, or you suspect it doesn’t meet HUD or state standards, you can:

• Contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
• File a complaint about manufactured home safety, park conditions, or illegal evictions.
• Request an inspection by a state-licensed manufactured home inspector.

Official Forms for Wisconsin Manufactured Home Renters

• Consumer Complaint Form (DSPS Form #2802): Use this form to report violations by mobile home park owners or issues related to manufactured home safety. For example, if your landlord refuses to fix faulty wiring, fill out this form and submit it to DSPS.
  Download Consumer Complaint Form (DSPS #2802)
• Manufactured Home Installer License Verification: Before major repairs or installations, check that your installer is licensed in Wisconsin. This helps ensure work complies with HUD and state rules.
  Search for a Licensed Installer

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

If conflicts arise between you and your landlord, such as eviction or unresolved repairs, the Wisconsin Circuit Courts handle residential tenancy matters, including those involving manufactured homes and mobile home parks.

Evictions and legal claims must comply with the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant Law, which covers tenant rights, rental agreements, park rules, and eviction procedures.

FAQs: HUD Standards and Mobile Home Renting in Wisconsin

1. What does the HUD label mean on my manufactured home?
   The HUD label shows your home was built to federal safety and quality standards. If your home was manufactured after 1976, look for a red certification label near the main entrance.
2. Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance in a rented manufactured home?
   If you are renting the home, your landlord must ensure it is safe, habitable, and meets HUD and state standards. If you only rent the lot, you are usually responsible for your own home maintenance, while the landlord must maintain common areas.
3. How can I file a complaint if my mobile home doesn’t meet safety standards?
   Fill out the DSPS Consumer Complaint Form (#2802) and follow the DSPS submission instructions.
4. Can my landlord evict me for complaining about safety issues?
   No. Wisconsin law prohibits retaliatory eviction because you asserted your legal rights or reported legitimate safety concerns.

Key Takeaways

• HUD and Wisconsin laws protect renters by setting safety, construction, and maintenance standards for manufactured homes.
• Reported complaints are handled by the Wisconsin DSPS or, for legal disputes, the Wisconsin Circuit Courts.
• Always ask for HUD certification and keep records of your rental agreement and communications.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Manufactured Housing Program: Main resource for licensing, complaints, and information.
• Wisconsin Department of Administration – Mobile Home Park Licensing
• Wisconsin Circuit Courts – Find Your Local Court (for disputes and eviction cases)
• Full Text of Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Law (Chapter 704)

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1. HUD Manufactured Home Standards & FAQs
2. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 101.91–101.96 – Manufactured Home Regulation
3. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS): Manufactured Homes
4. DSPS Consumer Complaint Form #2802
5. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant Law

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