File ownership records with the Texas Department of Housing after purchasing a mobile home.
Texas law and rules for transfer of ownership of a mobile home changed in 2003 to provide more state controls and better consumer protection, both for new and used manufactured housing. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs controls the purchase and sale of mobile homes, and all transfers of ownership must go through that department in order for the sale to be completed. As the new homeowner, you have 60 days after a purchase to complete the paperwork with the Texas Department of Housing.
Instructions
1. Locate the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website, since Texas has special legislation relating to the transfer of ownership of mobile homes within the state. Each mobile home must have a HUD Label or Texas Seal for identification and an SOL or Statement of Ownership and Location.
2. Apply for a Texas Seal if the mobile home does not have one, and complete the SOL form. The application for a seal is currently $35 per section and the application for a Statement of Ownership and Location is $55. The new owner has 60 days to apply for the transfer of ownership, and on a new mobile home purchase, the retailer will often complete all the necessary papers for the state. On a used mobile home transfer of ownership, the new owner is obligated to complete the necessary applications.
3. Include a Texas Department of Transportation moving permit if moving the home, along with the SOL application and the application for a Texas Seal and fees, and send this to the Manufactured Housing Division of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs address shown on the form.
4. Get all signatures and information necessary from the prior owner to complete the transfer. A used mobile home should also come with a Warranty and Disclosure form from the previous owner. Used manufactured housing will likely have a Certificate of Title like a vehicle title, but the actual completion of the sale occurs with filing the application for SOL with the Manufactured Housing Division.
5. Expect a response within about 15 days from the Manufactured Housing Division. Retain the Statement of Ownership and Location, and apply for a new SOL if the ownership, location, lien information or use of the mobile home changes.
Tags: mobile home, Texas Department, Department Housing, Texas Department Housing, Community Affairs, Department Housing Community
