Tag Archives: manufactured home

Having Trouble Paying Your Energy Bill?

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There are a variety of energy assistance resources available to low-income households. You can get help paying in emergent situations like a 24 hour disconnect notice or more long-term assistance like a monthly discount on your energy bill or cost-saving education.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides energy assistance for eligible low-income households. There are several portions of the program ranging from one-time financial assistance for an energy bill, to free weatherization upgrades, to budget counseling. In 2020, funding for this program was expanded under the congressional CARES Act, which aims to assist those affected by COVID-19.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Save 20-35% every month on your electric or natural gas bill. If you are already enrolled in other public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, WIC, Food Stamps/SNAP, TANF, or SSI, you likely also qualify for the CARE program. To apply, contact your utility company.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: If you are low income, but don’t qualify for CARE and your household has 3 or more people, you may be eligible for FERA. Those who qualify for FERA discounts receive an 18% discount on their electricity bill. This program is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Contact your utility company for information.

Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program: Those who qualify for CARE also meet the income guidelines for ESA. Qualifying households can receive free weatherization services and amenities such as energy-efficient appliances, low-flow showerheads, insulation, door repairs, and more.

For more information, call 211 or visit the California Department of Community Services & Development website at www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx.

Constraints On Manufactured Housing Impact Production Numbers

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In August 2020, data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) showed a decline in production of HUD Code manufactured homes for the third year in a row. This year’s decrease is likely linked to COVID-19 health concerns and lockdowns. However, while other areas of the housing industry have shown a rebound, manufactured housing production faces challenges due to zoning restrictions and consumer financing constraints. Though September 2020 production reports did show an increase over those from September 2019, the cumulative production at the end of September 2020 is down 1% compared to the same period in 2019.

Thinking of selling your home?

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Before selling your home, be sure everything is in order regarding the registration of the home with the State of California, that taxes are all paid and current, and that you are aware of the proper disclosure forms that must be provided to the buyer of your home. These forms are outlined in California Civil Code Sections 1102 and require the seller of a manufactured home to disclose information including what items are included in the home, significant defects/malfunctions, hazardous materials in the home, and that any room additions comply with the appropriate code. The disclosure form is far more detailed, so be sure that you are thoroughly aware of this section of the California Civil code BEFORE you put your home up for sale. You will also want to advise the on-site manager/park owners that you are selling your home so that they can provide you with additional information or procedures that will need to be followed.

Mobilehome vs. Manufactured Home

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Are you aware of the difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home? They sound interchangeable but they actually have two different definitions, according to the California Health and Safety Code. Read the two definitions below and see if you had the correct knowledge of the two:

HSC 18007: “Manufactured Home”

Means a structure, that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length in the traveling mode, or when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning , and electrical systems contained therein. Manufactured home includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph and with the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.

HSC 18008: “Mobilehome”

Means a structure, that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length in the traveling mode, or when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. Mobilehome includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph and complies with the state standard s for mobilehomes in effect at the time of construction.

Now that you are aware of the difference between the two terms, will you be able to identify the home you or your neighbors live in?

Resource: California Department of Housing and Community Development, and California Legislative Information

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&division=13.&title=&part=2.&chapter=1.&article=