Choosing the Right Words for Manufactured Housing
At CIS Home Loans, we believe in the power of homeownership. We also understand that the language we use to talk about housing matters. The term “mobile home” carries a certain stigma, conjuring up images of outdated structures and transient living.
But today’s manufactured homes are far from the trailers of yesteryear. So, how do we bridge the gap between perception and reality?
What Is a Better Term for Mobile Home?
Though it’s not the most accurate or modern language, the term “mobile home” frequently surfaces when talking about home ownership. But the preferable and more exact phrase is “manufactured home.”
This change of language reflects not just improvements in industry rules but also public opinion and building standards.
The Shift from Mobile Home to Manufactured Home
The term “mobile home” historically refers to homes built before 1976. These homes were constructed with the intention of being mobile, but this concept has evolved significantly.
The phrase “manufactured home” was first used in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to characterize residences constructed to stricter guidelines established by the HUD Code.1 Safety, quality, and building methods all improved significantly with this new classification.
Built in a regulated industrial setting, manufactured homes are delivered to their intended site. Unlike their predecessors, these dwellings are not intended for frequent mobility, if at all.
To solve many of the problems that give mobile homes a less positive reputation, the HUD Code mandates manufactured homes to satisfy greater criteria of durability and safety.
Why the Change Was Necessary
The phrase “mobile home” carried several stigmas and misunderstandings. Many connected mobile homes with poor construction. Moreover, itinerant lifestyles could be associated with them.
So, in an attempt to rebrand this kind of housing and eradicate the negative connotations connected with it, HUD used the name “manufactured home.”
These days, manufactured homes are appreciated for their modern conveniences, quality, and economy. The sector has been able to draw attention to the advancements and creativity throughout the years by differentiating these residences from their predecessors.
Common Misunderstandings
Many people still say “mobile home,” despite the change in vocabulary, either out of habit or lack of awareness. Although the phrase “mobile home” is still used colloquially, strictly speaking, it is inaccurate when referring to dwellings built following 1976.
Now built to better standards and intended to be more durable, these residences are now known as manufactured homes.
Using the right language facilitates a greater awareness of the worth and quality of these homes. It also helps to lessen the antiquated stigma that could unjustly influence the impression of manufactured housing communities.
The Legal Perspective
Interestingly, certain state rules and statutes still refer to them as mobile homes. For instance, the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL) of California still calls manufactured dwellings mobile homes.2
Although this could cause uncertainty, it reminds us of the historical background of these words and the glacial speed of legislative change.
Despite this, the industry and federal regulations are clear: homes built after 1976 should be referred to as manufactured homes. Home buyers, sellers, and industry experts who wish to provide the right impression and standards of these properties depend on this differentiation.
A Home Is a Home, No Matter What We Call It
What counts ultimately is the sense of belonging that a residence offers. Built in a factory or on-site, a home is a place to create memories, raise children, and start a life.
So let’s select our words wisely and honor the variety of homes that are accessible to all of us. At CIS Home Loans, we believe everyone should have somewhere to call home.
Sources
https://www.manufacturedhousing.org/news/hud-manufactured-housing-construction-and-safety-standards/
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/manufactured-and-mobilehomes/mobilehome-assistance-center/mobilehome-residency-law-protection-program