MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTALLATION STANDARDS

RSA tit. XVII, ch. 205-D

in effect

RSA 205-D:1 Definitions.

205-D:1. Definitions. In this chapter: I. "Anchoring system" means a method of construction which when properly designed and installed will resist overturning and lateral movement of the manufactured house. II. "Board" means the installation standards board. III. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the department of safety. IV. "Dealer" or "retailer" means any person engaged in the retail selling or offering for sale, brokering, or distribution of manufactured houses, primarily to a person who purchases these houses for residential use. V. [Repealed.] VI. "Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standard" means a standard for the construction, design, and performance of a manufactured house which meets the needs of the public including the need for quality, durability, and safety which has been duly adopted by the federal government pursuant to the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Acts of 1974, 42 United States Code, section 5401, et seq. VII. "Installation" means the placement of a manufactured house on a permanent or temporary system. This term includes, but is not limited to, supporting, restraining, blocking, leveling, securing, anchoring, and connection of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems and the multiple or expandable sections of the house. Installation shall include site preparation. VIII. "Installation standards" means reasonable specifications for the installation of a manufactured house, at the place of occupancy, to ensure proper siting, the joining of all sections of the house, and the installation of stabilization, support, or anchoring systems. IX. "Installer" means any person who performs the installation of manufactured houses as prescribed under this chapter. X. "Local enforcement agency" means the building inspector or other local government official with authority to issue permits or enforce building codes. XI. "Manufactured housing" means any structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode, is 8 body feet or more in width and 40 body feet or more in length, or when erected on site, is 320 square feet or more, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to required utilities, which include plumbing, heating, and electrical heating systems contained therein. Manufactured housing as defined in this section shall not include campers or recreation vehicles as defined in RSA 216-I:1 or RSA 259:84-a; presite built housing as defined in RSA 674:31-a; or modular buildings as defined in RSA 205-C:1, XI. XII. "Manufacturer" means any person engaged in manufacturing or assembling manufactured housing. XIII. "Site" means a designated lot or parcel of land designed for the accommodation of a manufactured house. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2011, 224:100, I, eff. July 1, 2011.

RSA 205-D:2 Board Established; Members; Terms; Chairperson.

205-D:2. Board Established; Members; Terms; Chairperson. I. There is hereby created an installation standards board consisting of 9 members appointed by the governor and council as follows: (a) One installer of manufactured housing, nominated by the New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association. (b) One structural engineer or architect licensed in this state for a minimum of 5 years, nominated by the board of professional engineers established under RSA 310-A:3. (c) One dealer or retailer, nominated by the New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association. (d) Two owners or operators of a manufactured housing park with 100 or fewer lots, nominated by the New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association. (e) One owner or operator of a manufactured housing park with more than 100 lots, nominated by the New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association. (f) One member of a cooperative manufactured housing park, nominated by the Mobile/Manufactured Homeowner and Tenants Association of New Hampshire. (g) One municipal building code official, nominated by the New Hampshire Building Officials Association. (h) One municipal fire chief, nominated by the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs. II. Each member shall serve a 3-year term and until a successor is appointed and qualified. If there is a vacancy on the board, the provisions of RSA 21:33-a and RSA 21:34 shall apply. III. The board shall biennially elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum. IV. Members of the board shall receive $25 for each day they are engaged in the duties of their office and shall be reimbursed for all actual travel, incidental, and clerical expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. V. The board shall hold meetings as deemed necessary by the board or the chairperson. VI. [Repealed.] Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2011, 197:2, eff. June 14, 2011; 224:100, II, eff. July 1, 2011. 2012, 180:4, 5, eff. Aug. 10, 2012.

RSA 205-D:3 Duties of the Board.

205-D:3. Duties of the Board. The duties of the board shall be to: I. Assure compliance with the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standard, including compliance with the standard as amended by the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000, Public Law 106-569. II. Establish uniform manufactured housing installation standards in order to protect the quality, durability, safety, and affordability of manufactured housing in this state. III. Adequately license and train manufactured housing installers in order to ensure the proper performance of the house and protect the safety and welfare of the public. IV. Ensure compliance with state installation standards by conducting appropriate inspections of the installation of manufactured housing. V. Provide a fair and effective recourse for consumers relative to installation standards; and provide a dispute resolution program for timely resolution of disputes between manufacturers, retailers, and installers of manufactured houses regarding responsibility, and for the issuance of appropriate orders, for the correction or repair of defects in manufactured houses that are reported during the one year period beginning on the date of installation. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:4 Installation Standards.

205-D:4. Installation Standards. I. This chapter shall apply to the installation of all new and relocated manufactured housing that is used as a residential dwelling, except as provided in paragraph II. II. The following manufactured housing sites are exempt from this chapter; provided that such housing sites are maintained and operated in a safe and sanitary condition: (a) Sites that are already occupied as of the date of the enactment of this chapter. (b) Sites for the installation of manufactured housing which provides temporary relief from fire, flood, or other disasters. The site shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter for a period of one year from the date of the placement of the house. III. Installers shall have the option of installing manufactured housing in accordance with one of the following standards: (a) New Hampshire installation standards as developed by the board. (b) A design prepared by a registered professional engineer or architect for the site. (c) The manufacturer's installation instructions, provided that such instructions meet or exceed the New Hampshire installation standards as developed by the board. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:5 Inspectors.

205-D:5. Inspectors. I. The local enforcement agency, or if there is no local enforcement agency, the board or the board's designee, shall: (a) Conduct appropriate inspections to ensure compliance throughout the state with installation practices consistent with the provisions of this chapter and rules promulgated hereunder. (b) Enter any premises on which an installation is being or has been completed subject to regulation under this chapter for the purpose of making such inspection as is necessary to carry out his or her duties under this chapter. Inspections shall be done prior to occupancy of the manufactured house. (c) Order the correction of any violation of this chapter, or rule adopted under this chapter. (d) Order any installer to discontinue installation until the violations are corrected. (e) Approve the continuation of work on the installation upon being satisfied that violations have been corrected. (f) Issue a certificate of compliance upon satisfaction that a manufactured house has been installed in compliance with this chapter and the rules promulgated under this chapter. II. Whenever a local enforcement agency, or if there is no local enforcement agency, the board or the board's designee orders the correction of a violation under subparagraph I(c), he or she shall immediately notify the board. III. A certificate of compliance shall be required for occupancy. IV. Any installer aggrieved under the provisions of this section may file a complaint in accordance with RSA 205-D:6. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2012, 180:1, 2, eff. Aug. 10, 2012.

RSA 205-D:7 License Required.

205-D:7. License Required. No person shall install any manufactured house subject to the provisions of this chapter without first obtaining a license from the board as required by this chapter. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:8 Qualifications for License.

205-D:8. Qualifications for License. The board shall issue a license to any applicant who at a minimum: I. Has attained the age of 18; II. Has 2 years experience as a manufactured housing installer or proves to the board's satisfaction equivalent installation experience; III. Has successfully completed 6 hours of training on installation standards; and IV. Complies with the requirements of RSA 205-D:10. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:9 Bond Required.

205-D:9. Bond Required. I. The board shall not issue a license to any person unless the person or his or her employer on his or her behalf has posted a surety bond or letter of credit to be held by the state treasurer in an amount to be determined by the board. No surety bond or letter of credit shall be accepted unless it is with a surety company authorized to do business in this state. The surety may cancel the bond or letter of credit at any time upon giving 30 days' written notice to the board. II. Any person who is damaged by any violation of this chapter may bring an action against the bond or letter of credit to recover damages suffered and any other amounts allowable by law. The attorney general, in any action brought under this chapter or any other applicable provisions of the law, may likewise proceed against the bond or letter of credit. Source. 2004, 191:1. 2005, 184:6, eff. June 30, 2005. 2011, 197:3, eff. June 14, 2011.

RSA 205-D:10 Application for License.

205-D:10. Application for License. I. Applications for licenses shall be made on forms adopted by the board. II. Applications for licensure shall be accompanied by proof of the surety bond required by this chapter, and payment of the license fee. III. The board may require each applicant to provide additional information about the applicant's background and trustworthiness as is reasonably necessary. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:11 Expiration and Renewal.

205-D:11. Expiration and Renewal. I. All licenses issued by the office shall expire in accordance with RSA 310. II. Persons licensed as installers are eligible for renewal of their licenses if they: (a) Are not in violation of this chapter; (b) Meet any requirements for continuing education established by the board in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A; and (c) Submit evidence that a surety bond required under RSA 205-D:9 is in force. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2012, 180:6, eff. Aug. 10, 2012. 2025, 161:43, eff. Sept. 13, 2025.

RSA 205-D:12 Fees.

205-D:12. Fees. I. The office may establish, pursuant to RSA 541-A, fees for licensure, license renewal, training, inspections, and issuance of the manufacturer's warranty seal in accordance with RSA 310. II. [Repealed.] III. If an inspection is conducted by a local enforcement agency, the local enforcement agency may charge fees established pursuant to RSA 155-A:3. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2011, 224:100, III, eff. July 1, 2011. 2012, 180:3, eff. Aug. 10, 2012. 2014, 269:3, eff. July 1, 2014. 2025, 161:44, eff. Sept. 13, 2025. 2026, 318:17, eff. July 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

RSA 205-D:13 Disciplinary Action.

205-D:13. Disciplinary Action. I. [Repealed.] II. Conduct sufficient to support disciplinary proceedings under this section shall include, but is not limited to, any of the following: (a) The practice of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice under this chapter. (b) Willful or repeated violation of the provisions of this chapter. (c) Suspension or revocation of a license, similar to one issued under this chapter, in another jurisdiction and which has not been reinstated. III. [Repealed.] Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2023, 212:51, II, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

RSA 205-D:15 Penalty.

205-D:15. Penalty. Any person acting as an installer without a license, or violating any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:16 Consumer Protection Act.

205-D:16. Consumer Protection Act. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude an aggrieved party from seeking redress under RSA 358-A, the consumer protection act, for any unfair or deceptive trade practice committed relative to the installation of manufactured housing. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:17 Warranty Seal.

205-D:17. Warranty Seal. In order to keep record of and verify the proper installation of manufactured homes, no manufactured house may be installed in this state until the manufacturer or an installer licensed by the board has obtained a warranty seal from the board and attached the seal to the manufactured house. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2011, 197:1, eff. June 14, 2011.

RSA 205-D:18 Exemptions.

205-D:18. Exemptions. I. Manufactured housing which is installed in compliance with this chapter shall be exempt from all state or local standards or regulations which regulate the same matters. II. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to amend or repeal the provisions of RSA 31:116, relative to manufactured housing foundations in parks, and RSA 47:22-b, relative to manufactured housing foundations in parks. III. This chapter shall not apply to students engaged in a high school vocational program under the supervision of a licensed installer or as otherwise allowed by the board in its rules. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004.

RSA 205-D:19 Federal Funds and Other Funding Sources.

205-D:19. Federal Funds and Other Funding Sources. The board may seek and receive funds from the federal government and other public or private sources to further activities under this chapter. Source. 2004, 191:1, eff. July 1, 2004. 2011, 224:102, eff. July 1, 2011.

RSA 205-D:20 Rulemaking Authority.

205-D:20. Rulemaking Authority. The board shall be authorized, pursuant to RSA 541-A, to adopt rules relative to: I. The establishment of uniform manufactured housing installation standards. II. The design and content of all forms and applications required under this chapter. III. The application procedure for a license to practice under this chapter. IV. The qualifications of license applicants set under this chapter. V. How an applicant shall be trained, including the minimum education requirements and training standards. VI. How a license to practice under this chapter shall be renewed, including any requirements for continuing education. VII. [Repealed.] VIII. Ethical and professional standards required to be met by each holder of a license to practice under this chapter and how disciplinary actions by the board shall be implemented for violations of these standards. IX. [Repealed.] X. [Repealed.] XI. [Repealed.] XII. The establishment of bond and letter of credit requirements under RSA 205-D:9. Source. 2004, 191:1. 2005, 184:7, eff. June 30, 2005. 2011, 224:103, eff. July 1, 2011. 2023, 212:51, IV, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. 2024, 373:2, eff. Oct. 22, 2024.

Source: New Hampshire General Court (gc.nh.gov)URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XVII-205-D.htmFetched: 10/20/2026