What type of documentation can be used as proof of dwelling age?

A picture of the Data Plate is the most definitive form of documentation used to prove the age of a manufactured home. The Data Plate is a small metal or plastic tag that is permanently affixed to the home, usually located near the main electrical service panel, and contains crucial information about the home including the manufacturer's name, model number, and the year it was manufactured. This information is standardized and regulated, which makes the Data Plate a reliable source for verifying the age of the dwelling.

Other types of documentation, such as a recent property tax assessment, a survey map of the property, and a current utility bill, may provide useful information about the home or its location but do not specifically confirm the age of the manufactured home. Property tax assessments typically reflect the assessed value rather than the construction date, survey maps outline property boundaries and dimensions without indicating when the dwelling was built, and utility bills can vary over time and may only indicate the current usage rather than the home's age.