The Manufactured Housing Act of 1980 and later amendments (Law) provide buyers of MH-units and CMs protection by ensuring that license applicants are qualified to transact business by overseeing dealers' and salespersons' business practices, and by correcting unlawful business practices in a fair manner.
The Law restricts persons from participating in MH-unit or CM manufacturing and sales if they have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude; had their occupational license(s) previously revoked; submitted a false application; have outstanding civil judgments rendered against them in connection with manufactured housing activities; are on a delinquent taxpayer list; or have not met statutory prerequisites for licensing, including preliminary education and/or experience if applicable. HCD may refuse to issue a license based on any of the above criteria or may issue a probationary license on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specifics of the reason(s) to refuse.
Law
The law establishing HCD’s Occupational Licensing Program and related enforcement activities is contained in the California Health and Safety Code, starting with section 18045.
Regulations
Regulations created and enforced by HCD to implement, interpret, and clarify the law are contained in the California Code of Regulations, title 25, starting with section 5000.
Application and Scope
The occupational licensing requirements of the Health and Safety Code and HCD regulations apply to all manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and salespersons who manufacture and sell or lease new or used manufactured homes, mobilehomes, or commercial coaches within California. The Department is solely responsible for these duties and carries them out exclusively. Local governments become involved only when a district attorney prosecutes a violator of the Health and Safety Code or California Code of Regulations, and these cases are generally based on information provided by the Department.