Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Glossary

Lot Rent

Definition: The monthly fee paid to lease a site (space) in a mobile home park.

What it typically covers: Land use, common area maintenance, water/sewer infrastructure, trash collection (varies by park), and access to amenities.

What it usually does NOT cover: Utilities (electric, gas), cable/internet, or home maintenance.

According to industry data: Average lot rent ranges from $280-$900/month depending on region, amenities, and local market conditions (source: MHI 2024 data).

Related: Space Rent

Manufactured Home

Definition: A factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976, built to federal HUD Code standards.

Key characteristics: Built entirely in a climate-controlled factory, transported to site in one or more sections, can be placed on permanent foundation or remain mobile.

Legal distinction: In the U.S., homes built to HUD Code after 1976 are classified as "manufactured homes" for regulatory and financing purposes.

Related: Mobile Home, HUD Code, Modular Home

Mobile Home

Definition: Common term for factory-built homes, particularly those built before the 1976 HUD Code.

Usage: Often used interchangeably with "manufactured home" in everyday conversation, though technically refers to pre-HUD Code homes.

Note: Many park communities and states use both terms. Always confirm how your local jurisdiction classifies the home.

Related: Manufactured Home

HUD Code

Definition: The federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1976.

Purpose: Sets minimum building, design, and performance standards for manufactured homes to ensure safety and quality.

Why it matters: All manufactured homes must display a HUD certification label (red label) to be legally sold and financed as manufactured housing.

Source: HUD.gov - Manufactured Housing Standards

Modular Home

Definition: A factory-built home constructed to local building codes (NOT HUD Code), transported in modules, and assembled on-site on a permanent foundation.

Key difference from manufactured homes: Built to IRC (International Residential Code) or local building codes, not HUD Code. Must be permanently affixed to land.

Financing: Qualifies for traditional mortgage financing (not chattel loans) because it's considered real property.

Space Rent

Definition: Another term for lot rent. The monthly payment for leasing a space within a mobile home park.

All-Age Community

Definition: A mobile home park that accepts residents of any age, including families with children.

Contrast with: 55+ Communities

55+ Community (Age-Restricted)

Definition: A mobile home park where at least 80% of homes must have one resident aged 55 or older.

Legal protection: Protected under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), which allows age restrictions without violating fair housing laws.

Benefits: Often quieter communities with amenities tailored to older adults.

Park-Owned Home (POH)

Definition: A manufactured home owned by the park/community and rented to residents.

Payment structure: One monthly rent payment covering both the home and lot space.

Pros: Lower upfront cost, park handles major maintenance.

Cons: No equity building, less control over home modifications.

Resident-Owned Home

Definition: A manufactured home owned by the resident, who pays only lot rent to the park.

Payment structure: Separate payments for home (if financed) and lot rent.

Pros: Build equity, full control over home improvements.

Cons: Responsible for all maintenance and repairs.

Park Rules (CC&Rs)

Definition: The community regulations governing resident behavior, home maintenance, pets, parking, noise, and other aspects of park living.

Also called: Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) or Community Rules.

Enforcement: Park management enforces rules; violations can result in fines or lease termination.

Pro tip: Always read park rules carefully before signing a lease. See our guide: How to Read Park Rules & Your Lease

Park Manager

Definition: The person or company responsible for day-to-day operations of a mobile home community.

Responsibilities: Enforcing rules, maintaining common areas, collecting rent, addressing resident concerns, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Skirting

Definition: The material (vinyl, metal, or wood) that encloses the space between the bottom of a manufactured home and the ground.

Functions:

• Protects plumbing from freezing temperatures
• Prevents animals from nesting underneath
• Improves energy efficiency by blocking wind
• Enhances curb appeal

Maintenance: Inspect regularly for damage, secure loose panels, and ensure ventilation openings remain unobstructed.

Tie-Downs (Anchoring System)

Definition: Steel straps and ground anchors that secure a manufactured home to the earth to resist wind and seismic forces.

Requirement: Mandated by HUD Code and local regulations for safety.

Components: Frame ties, over-the-roof ties (in high-wind zones), and ground anchors (auger or concrete).

Inspection: Should be inspected annually for corrosion, tension, and proper installation.

Pad (Home Pad)

Definition: The prepared foundation surface where a manufactured home sits.

Materials: Concrete slab, gravel, or compacted earth with proper drainage.

Requirements: Must be level, stable, and properly graded to prevent water accumulation.

Transport & Setup

Definition: The process of moving a manufactured home from the factory or previous location to a new site and installing it according to HUD standards and local codes.

Includes: Permitting, transport logistics, site preparation, leveling, anchoring, utility connections, skirting installation, and final inspections.

Cost: Varies widely ($3,000-$15,000+) based on distance, home size, and site conditions.

Pro tip: Only hire licensed, insured contractors for setup. Improper installation voids warranties and creates safety hazards.

Tongue (Hitch)

Definition: The towing attachment at the front of a mobile home used during transport.

After installation: Often removed for aesthetic reasons or required by park rules. Check local codes before removal.

Vapor Barrier

Definition: A moisture-resistant material (usually 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting) installed under a manufactured home to prevent ground moisture from damaging the structure and insulation.

Benefit: Reduces mold, mildew, and wood rot; improves energy efficiency.

Axles & Wheels (Running Gear)

Definition: The axles and wheels under a manufactured home used for transport.

After installation: May be removed (depending on local codes) or left in place. Removal can improve ground clearance and aesthetics.

Chattel Loan

Definition: A personal property loan used to finance a manufactured home when it's not permanently affixed to land owned by the borrower.

Characteristics:

• Shorter terms than traditional mortgages (typically 15-20 years)
• Higher interest rates (often 7-10%+)
• Faster approval process
• Home is collateral, not land

Alternative: If you own the land and the home is permanently affixed, you may qualify for a traditional mortgage with better rates.