Manufactured Housing Institute
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22202
703-979-6620
WARRANTIES & OTHER PROTECTIONS FOR THE HOME
PURCHASER
TABLE OF CONTENTS- Federal Construction and Safety Standards
- The Manufacturer's Warranty
- The Retailer's Warranty
- Appliance Warranties
MAIN INDEX of TOPIC PAGES [BACK TO:Manufactured Housing Global Network's Guide to the Retail Buyer]
Federal standards and written warranties protect buyers of manufactured homes.
Every manufactured home now offered for sale has a small red and silver seal that certifies that the home has been inspected during construction and meets federal home construction and safety standards. These standards were developed to assure a suitable level of performance in every manufactured home constructed in the U.S. Such standards, together with the manufacturers' warranties, serve to protect you -- the home buyer.
- FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act also requires that you receive a home owner's manual when you buy your home. This manual will explain, among other things, what to do if something goes wrong with your home. Some of the important subjects covered in the home owner's manual include:
- general maintenance;
- safety (including a fire safety checklist); and
- state agencies involved in enforcing the federal manufactured home standards.
- THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]When you buy your manufactured home, you will receive the manufacturer's written warranty from your retailer. The manufacturer's written warranty usually covers substantial defects in:
- workmanship in the structure;
- factory-installed plumbing, heating, and electrical systems; and
- factory-installed appliances (these also may be covered by appliance warranties).
- lack of proper installation or maintenance;
- accidents;
- owner's negligence; or
- unauthorized repairs.
In many cases, the retailer will perform service under the manufacturer's warranty. However, it is the manufacturer who has the final responsibility. Be aware that if the retailer must order parts from the manufacturer to make a warranty repair, shipping and delivery of those parts may affect the amount of time it takes to get service.
Before you buy your manufactured home, ask to see the written warranties offered on the homes the retailer sells.
Manufacturers warranties cover many, but not all, types of potential problems.
The answers to the following questions should help you get the kind of warranty protection you want:
- What warranties come with the manufactured home? You may get warranties from the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the appliance manufacturers.
- What exactly does each of these warranties cover? What do they not cover?
- Do the manufacturer's or retailer's written warranties on the home cover transportation and installation? If not, are installation and transportation covered by separate written warranties?
- How long do the warranties last?
- How do you get warranty service?
- Who will provide service under the warranties?
- Where will the warranty service be performed?
Implied warranties are unspoken, unwritten promises created by state law.
Ask to see all warranties in writing. Make sure you understand who offers the warranty, who performs the service, and what is and is not covered before selecting and buying your manufactured home.
In addition to any written warranty offered by the manufacturer, you may
have certain "implied warranties" when you buy a manufactured home. An
implied warranty is an unspoken, unwritten promise that a product is fit
to be sold and used for its intended purposes--for example, that a
manufactured home is fit to be sold and lived in. These implied
warranties protect you even if no written warranty is offered
by the manufacturer or retailer. Most states allow sales that exclude
implied warranties ("as is" sales). However, some states do not permit a
seller to exclude or limit implied warranties. Contact your state or
local consumer protection office to ask about implied warranty
protections in your state. When buying a manufactured house, especially a
used one, make sure you know whether it is being sold "as is" -- with no
implied or written warranty.
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]- THE RETAILER'S WARRANTY
- the terms of the warranty;
- what you must do to keep the warranty in effect;
- what you can reasonably expect from the retailer; and
- that the home has been installed according to manufacturer specifications and local regulations.
You should know that a retailer's warranty will not provide coverage for problems that arise from:
- owner's negligence;
- owner's failure to provide proper notice for service; and
- unauthorized repairs.
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]- APPLIANCE WARRANTIES
Read the appliance warranties and note the duration and terms. In addition, check instructions in the warranty about how to get service. In most cases, the quickest service can be obtained from the appliance manufacturer's authorized service centers. Check the use and care information on the appliance warranties for a list of such service centers or service agents. However, if warranty service is not available from the appliance manufacturer or its servicer, contact your retailer for assistance. The home manufacturer's warranty, if any, may provide warranty service for your problem.
The retailer may offer a written warranty, but not everything will be
covered.
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]MAIN INDEX of TOPIC PAGES [BACK TO:Manufactured Housing Global Network's Guide to the Retail Buyer]
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