Mobilehome Ombudsman

Does California have a Mobilehome Ombudsman? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is yes. The Legislature created the Mobilehome Ombudsman position to help deal with manufactured home complaints. The Governor designates an individual to serve as the Ombudsman within HCD and manage the office. The Ombudsman’s office assists manufactured home owners. Office employees provide information, refer individuals to other agencies that might help with problems, and investigate selected complaints.

Does the Ombudsman address health and safety issues? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is yes. Individuals may file complaints with the Office. While the Office may provide direct help, in most cases personnel forward complaints to federal, state, or local agencies. Examples of complaints that the Office helps resolve include:

• Safety complaints such as unsafe electrical and natural gas systems;
• Threats to health including water contamination and sewer leaks;
• Unlawful or unfair manufactured home sales practices;
• Problems with home warranties and sales contracts;
• Home installation issues;
• Title and registration questions; and
• Problems with home maintenance and repair contractors.

Can the Ombudsman help with Mobilehome Residency Law or rent control issues? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is no. The Ombudsman Office does not intervene in space rent or fee increase disputes. The Ombudsman does not enforce the Mobilehome Residency Law or address unfair or illegal park management practices. Ombudsman personnel do not address disputes about new and used manufactured home warranties.

Can anyone file a complaint? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is yes. Anyone may file a complaint with the Ombudsman’s Office. Complaints may be filed online, complaint forms may be downloaded from www.hcd.ca.gov or individuals can call the office to request a form at 800-952-5275. 

Two complaint forms may interest home owners, one for dealer and private transactions and one for Mobilehome Parks Act/Title 25 complaints. Complaints should be filed as soon after a resident faces a problem. The Office will review complaints and determine whether to investigate a case or refer it to another agency.

"Mobilehome Ombudsman." Division 13, Part 2, Chapter 9 of the Health and Safety Code, Sections 18150 and 18152.
Copyright - Carl Eric Leivo, Ph.D.
Images courtesy of Stuart Miles and vectorolie at freedigitalphotos.net.