HUD HOC Reference Guide

B. Special State Requirements

Additions, Modifications, and Special State Requirements - Additions or structural modifications may put the home at risk if changes were not performed in accordance with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction Safety Standards. Some states require a state agency (often this is the State Administrative Agency) to approve all modifications to manufactured homes once they leave the factory. The appraiser and underwriter are held responsible for knowing the local regulations on this. If the area where the manufactured home is located has such requirements, then the property must meet these requirements or it shall be deemed ineligible for FHA insurance.

If the appraiser observes changes to the original home, an inspection by the State Administrative Agency, which inspects manufactured homes for compliance, is required. If there is no State Administrative Agency willing to inspect such homes, the lender may obtain a report from a licensed professional engineer or registered architect, indicating the structural modifications/additions were made in accordance with Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (CFR 3280). Please see: HUD Handbook 4150.2 Chapter 8 and HUD Handbook 4155.2 Chapter 4. If the certification cannot be obtained then the manufactured home is unacceptable and should be rejected.