Texas laws regulate manufactured homes.
State and local laws in each state govern manufactured homes. In Texas, the laws regulate the manufacturing process, transportation of the structures and how and where they are installed. Knowing these regulations is crucial to building or purchasing a manufactured home in Texas. Does this Spark an idea?
Definition of a Manufactured Home
According to Texas regulations, a manufactured home is a house that is built somewhere other than where it will rest as a residence (e.g., in a panel shop or prefab center). Before 1976, all homes not attached to a foundation were considered mobile homes. Today, a true mobile home is a manufactured home that does not sit on a permanent foundation. A manufactured home, however, can remain movable and not be considered a mobile home (trailer), as long as its utilities are attached to a designated site. A manufactured home must contain at least 320 square feet of living space.
Real vs. Personal Property
According to Texas law, manufactured homes not attached to permanent foundations are considered personal property, such as a car. Once a manufactured, or prefab, home is placed on a permanent foundation, its owner may convert the personal property into a piece of real estate. This is done by obtaining certification from the Manufactured Housing Division (MHD) of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. A manufactured home affixed to a foundation is treated like any other parcel of real estate and is subject to annual real estate taxes. Properties not attached to foundations are sometimes subject to lot rental fees, such as those commonly charged in mobile home parks.
Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act
The Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act is the benchmark for all manufactured housing units built in the state. Its regulations govern both the manufacturing and installation of prefabricated houses. Builders must follow such specs to ensure each home is built in accordance with standard rules that allow them to be considered pieces of personal property that may be safely converted into real estate.
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