Alabama Administrative Code Title 535 - ALABAMA MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMMISSION
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 535, is dedicated to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission (AMHC). This Commission is the state's primary regulatory body for the manufactured housing (mobile homes) and manufactured building (modular homes) industry. Its core mission is to protect consumers and ensure compliance with both state and federal standards for these types of housing.
Core Responsibilities of the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission (as reflected in Title 535):
The AMHC regulates various aspects of the manufactured housing and building industry, including:
Licensing: Licensing manufacturers, retailers (dealers), installers, and salespersons involved in the sale and installation of manufactured and modular homes in Alabama.
Standards Enforcement: Enforcing installation program standards for manufactured homes and construction standards for manufactured buildings (modulars). This includes adherence to federal HUD regulations for manufactured homes and adopted model building codes for modular homes.
Inspection: Conducting setup inspections of new and used manufactured and modular homes, and ensuring installers correct any non-conformances. They also conduct random records overviews and inspections of homes on retail lots.
Consumer Protection: Receiving and processing consumer complaints against manufacturers, retailers, and installers. They also require bonding and insurance from licensees to protect consumers.
Training and Certification: Requiring and providing training and certification for manufactured home and modular building installers and salespersons.
Dispute Resolution: Administering a dispute resolution program to address issues between consumers and industry professionals.
Transportation: Setting rules for the safe transportation of manufactured homes and buildings within the state.
Key Chapters within Title 535:
Title 535 is organized into numerous chapters, reflecting the diverse aspects of the AMHC's regulatory authority:
Chapter 535-X-10: RESALE OF MANUFACTURED HOMES: Covers regulations pertaining to the sale of used manufactured homes.
Chapter 535-X-11: REGULATIONS FOR MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS (MODULARS):
This chapter focuses specifically on modular homes, which are built to state or local building codes (like the International Building Code, National Electrical Code, etc.) rather than federal HUD code.
It includes rules for the manufacturing, design approval, and installation of manufactured buildings (modulars), requiring certified modular installers and specifying decal requirements (Rule 535-X-11-.14).
Chapter 535-X-12: CERTIFICATION OF INSTALLATION PERSONNEL:
Crucial for ensuring qualified installers. It outlines requirements for certification of installers, including training courses and tests (Rule 535-X-12-.04).
Rule 535-X-12-.04 Installation Of Manufactured Homes Or Manufactured Buildings explicitly states that no manufactured home or building shall be installed in Alabama unless done by a certified installer in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or the Commission's minimum standards. It also covers ground anchors, tiedown devices, and prohibits relocation of certain non-HUD-labeled homes into Alabama.
Chapter 535-X-12T: TRANSPORTATION OF MANUFACTURED HOMES/BUILDINGS (Temporary or Current version): Deals with permits, escorts, and responsibilities related to moving manufactured homes on Alabama highways.
Chapter 535-X-13: REGULATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF MANUFACTURED HOMES AND MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS AND THE MANUFACTURE OF GROUND ANCHORS AND TIEDOWN DEVICES: This is a key chapter for installation standards. It details specific requirements for:
Site preparation (e.g., proper grading and sloping for drainage).
Minimum blocking and anchoring standards.
Manufacturing and installation of ground anchors and tiedown devices.
Wind zone standards.
Inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
Chapter 535-X-14: LICENSING AND TRAINING OF SALESPERSONS: Sets forth the requirements for salespersons, including initial licensing, annual renewal, training, and transfer procedures.
Chapter 535-X-15: BONDING AND INSURANCE:
Mandates specific surety bond amounts and general liability insurance coverage for manufacturers, retailers, and installers. (e.g., $20,000 for installers, $25,000-$50,000 for retailers, $100,000 minimum for manufacturers).
These bonds protect consumers against financial loss due to defects, safety hazards, or licensee failure to correct issues.
Chapter 535-X-16: SCHEDULE OF FEES and Chapter 535-X-19: CURRENT SCHEDULE OF FEES: Detail the various fees associated with licensing, certification, inspections, and other services.
Chapter 535-X-17: LICENSING MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS: Specifies the application process, requirements, and annual renewal for manufacturers and retailers.
Chapter 535-X-18: DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM: Outlines the procedures for handling consumer complaints and disputes.
Significance of Title 535:
Title 535 is crucial for:
Consumer Protection: It is designed to safeguard the interests of individuals purchasing manufactured and modular homes, ensuring they receive safe, properly constructed, and installed units.
Industry Standards: It establishes uniform standards for construction, installation, and sales practices, promoting professionalism and quality within the manufactured housing industry.
Safety and Health: By regulating installation, structural integrity, and various components, it contributes significantly to the safety and durability of these homes.
Market Integrity: Licensing and bonding requirements help ensure that only legitimate and financially responsible businesses operate in the Alabama market.
Compliance with Federal Mandates: The AMHC also acts as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), enforcing federal regulations for manufactured homes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date version of these rules, you should always consult official Alabama government sources, such as:
The Alabama Legislature's Administrative Code website: admincode.legislature.state.al.us
The official Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission (AMHC) website: amhc.alabama.gov (This is an excellent resource, often providing direct links to forms, statutes, and detailed explanations of requirements).
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