What agency is primarily responsible for setting the construction and safety standards for manufactured homes in the U.S.?

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the agency with the primary responsibility for establishing construction and safety standards for manufactured homes. This authority stems from the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which resulted in the creation of a unified set of regulations specifically designed to ensure that manufactured homes are built to safe standards.

HUD's role encompasses not only the setting of these standards but also the enforcement of compliance through inspections and oversight. These standards address various aspects of manufactured home construction, including structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and installation requirements, making them integral to protecting the health and safety of residents.

Other agencies have roles related to manufactured homes. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) might influence regulations concerning environmental impacts, but it does not set construction safety standards. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) primarily focuses on housing finance and insurance rather than construction standards. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is involved in the transportation aspects of manufactured homes but does not dictate the construction and safety parameters. Therefore, HUD's unique position strengthens its role as the key regulatory authority for manufactured homes in the U.S.