Which organization is primarily responsible for establishing the standards that manufactured homes must comply with?

The organization that is primarily responsible for establishing the standards that manufactured homes must comply with is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 1976, HUD implemented the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, often referred to as the HUD Code. This code sets forth various design, construction, installation, and safety standards that must be met to ensure the quality and safety of manufactured homes.

Unlike other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which focuses on environmental protection, or the Department of Transportation (DOT), which primarily regulates transportation-related issues, HUD's specific role in overseeing housing safety standards makes it the authoritative body for manufactured homes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) deals with consumer protection and competition matters, rather than structural and safety standards for housing. Thus, HUD’s tailored mission allows it to effectively set and enforce regulations for manufactured homes.