Mobile home issues are of particular relevance to older Americans. Approximately
41% of all mobile homes are owned or rented by persons age 50 or older. Compared
to owners of conventional single-family housing, a much higher proportion of mobile
home owners over age 50 are low-income.
Mobile homes (also known as manufactured homes) are popular with older Americans
because they are usually more affordable than conventional homes. Despite their
popularity, however, mobile home owners face a litany of problems. The most serious
problems usually derive from the improper delivery and installation of the home
on its site. Common problems include leaking or sagging roofs and ceilings; improperly
installed windows and doors; defects in the heating, cooling, electrical or plumbing
systems; improperly installed appliances; and damaged flooring. Many of these
problems are difficult and expensive to repair. Home owners typically look to
the dealer or manufacturer to make such repairs.
Individuals who rent the land on which the mobile home is placed may face additional
challenges. Residents of such mobile home parks often complain about poor maintenance,
arbitrary rent increases, unfair park rules, sudden imposition of fees or decrease
in services and harassment by the park owners or operators if they complain about
conditions in the park. Park spaces are scarce. Residents who wish to move from
an undesirable park may be unable to rent a new site. Thus, park owners usually
hold, and exercise considerable leverage over residents. Residents may sell the
home. However, park owners often impose charges and restrictions, and it is difficult
for mobile home owners to sell the home for more than a fraction of the purchase
price.
National Consumer Law Center released a new publication for consumers on mobile
home issues, The National Consumer
Law Center Guide to Mobile Homes, that addresses many of the issues facing
mobile home owners. The Guide contains a comprehensive discussion of:
Misrepresentations and deceptive practices by dealers and salespeople;
Defects in a new or used home;
Problems with the home’s delivery and installation;
How a homeowner can obtain warranty service; and
Proper maintenance of the home.
In addition, several manuals published by the National Consumer Law Center as
part of the Consumer Credit Series will be helpful for lawyers and other consumer
advocates challenging these practices.
AARP, National Survey of Mobile Home Owners, (July 21, 1999) available at: http://research.aarp.org.
Jewell, Kevin, Appreciation in Manufactured Housing, in Proceedings of the
Developing Community Assets with Manufactured Housing Symposium, Consumers
Union, February 20, 2002.
Mitchell, Kathy, In Over Our Heads: Consumers Report Predatory Lending and
Fraud in Manufactured Housing, Consumers Union Southwest Regional Office,
Public Policy Series, Vol. 5, No.1
Jewell, Kevin, Paper Tiger; Missing Dragon: Poor Warranty Service and Worse
Enforcement Leave Manufactured Home Owners in the Lurch, Consumers Union
Southwest Regional Office, Public Policy Series, Vol. 5, No.4
and NCLC