Mobile homes made or sold in Texas must abide by the state's laws and regulations.
Manufactured homes are a lower cost option for many home buyers. These homes are easily relocated, come in a variety of styles and sizes, and are popular in rural areas. They are also less sturdy than traditional homes, making the laws and regulations regarding the manufacturing process especially important. Mobile homes manufactured in or delivered to Texas are subject to the rules and regulations of Texas and the federal government.
Regulation and Enforcement
The laws and regulations regarding the manufacture of mobile homes in or delivered to Texas is regulated and enforced by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). The rules and regulations are administered through the Manufactured Housing Board under Chapter 1201. The Manufactured Housing Board consists of five members who are appointed by the governor.
Chapter 1201
The Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act is contained in Chapter 1201 of the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 2009. Chapter 1201 outlines the general provisions; the powers and duties of TDHCA; licensing requirements; information on inspections; monitoring; standards and warranties; prohibited practices; used and salvaged manufactured homes; enforcement provisions and penalties and disciplinary procedures.
Rules and Regulations
The Manufactured Housing Rules outlines the rules and regulations regarding the manufacturer of mobile homes according to 10 Administrative Code (Code), Chapter 80. For example, Section 80.20 of the Code states the manufacturer must provide printed instructions with each mobile home. At a minimum, the instructions must provide the information regarding the capacity, orientation and location of the stabilizing components of the unit. The printed information must be filed with TDHCA. It must contain the Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency's (DAPLA) approval stamps; the engineer or architect approval stamps and the installation manual effective dates. The manufacturer must provide any changes to the manual to TDHCA at least 30 days before the changes go into effect.
Manufacturer Requirements
Section 80.31 of the Code lists the requirements and responsibilities for manufacturers.
Manufacturers must submit a monthly report to TDHCA. The report must include the number of units manufactured during the preceding month with final destination shipping points in Texas. The report must detail whether each unit is transported in whole or in multiple sections; the name and license number of the destination retailer; and the HUD label number and serial number of each unit. If the manufacturer does not have a shipment for Texas, a monthly report must be filed stating there are no shipments. Manufacturers must include a Certificate of Origin and approved installation manuals with each shipment.
Federal Laws
Federal laws apply to the manufacturer of mobile homes sold in Texas. These laws and regulations are spelled out in the Housing and Urban Development Department's Title 24. Title 24 covers all aspects of mobile home manufacture, including wiring, room requirements, hallways, ceiling heights, carpeting, fire stopping, materials, smoke alarm requirements, fire testing, window and siding requirements, joints and connections, drainage systems, venting, air infiltration and more. In addition, Title 24 outlines enforcement procedures.
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