HUD Takes Major Steps to Make Homes More Affordable and Safer

• Author: Jennifer Kloss
• Posted: 2024-09-16

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released the biggest update to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards in over 30 years, introducing 90 new or revised standards. 

These updates are designed to make manufactured homes more appealing and affordable by including modern features like open floor plans and attic spaces, and improving accessibility.

This move simplifies the home production process by reducing bureaucratic delays. Manufacturers no longer need to get special approvals for using materials that already meet or surpass HUD's requirements, speeding up the construction of affordable homes.

Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized that these updates were much needed and will help produce homes that not only meet current consumer needs but are also more affordable. 

Julia Gordon, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Housing, announced these changes in Elkhart, Indiana, a significant location known for housing the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame.

The updates are especially timely as they coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, established in 1974. 

This Act set federal standards for all manufactured homes in the U.S., ensuring they are safe, durable, and affordable. Over 20 million people in the U.S. live in manufactured homes, demonstrating the significant role these standards play.

The new rule also allows the construction of multi-unit single-family homes under HUD standards, which was not possible before. This means that more families can enjoy the benefits of affordable housing, even in denser urban areas.

Key improvements include:
 

• Multi-Unit Homes: Up to four units can be included in a single manufactured home, with assured fire safety and construction quality.
• Design Enhancements: Open floor plans and specific roof designs are now easier to include in designs, without unnecessary inspections.
• Material Upgrades: Updates have been made to material standards to ensure homes are built with modern and high-quality materials.
• Accessibility: Changes in shower designs to meet national disability standards make these homes more accessible without additional costs.
• Energy Efficiency: The standard now includes provisions for energy-saving appliances like gas-fired tankless water heaters.

These changes were recommended by the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee and are part of HUD's ongoing efforts to increase high-quality manufactured housing supply, as outlined in the Biden-Harris Administration's Housing Supply Action Plan.

For more details on these updates or other HUD programs, please visit www.hud.gov or https://espanol.hud.gov.

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