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The Reporter
September - October 2025
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““Every contact we have with a customer influences whether or not they’ll come back. We have to be great every time or we’ll lose them.”
-- Kevin Stirtz --
[customer loyalty expert]
| | HUD Label Program Continues During Government Shutdown | | |
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) outlined how various HUD offices and programs will operate during a government shutdown in its Contingency Plan.
While many functions of the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs will stop during the shutdown, the HUD Labeling Program, which ensures manufactured homes meet federal standards, will continue because it is funded by label fees, as opposed to taxpayer dollars.
| | 2025 Educational Classes Will Sunset on December 5th! | | |
Please make note of the 2025 deadlines for COMPLETING the Manufactured Housing 15 Hour Initial Licensing and 05 Hour Continuing Education course curriculums to obtain a license or renew a license in Tennessee. At the close of business (4:00 pm CST/5:00 pm EST), December 5th, 2025, access to the 2025 class modules on the online platform will begin archiving. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this process. Course fees are not refundable and non-transferrable. The 2026 course curriculums will become active on or after January 6th, 2026.
For Initial Licensing:
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In order to reserve a state exam testing appointment, you must successfully complete your curriculum and have an exam date scheduled with the 3rd party testing company (Morris & McDaniel), by Friday, 12/05/2025 (your test may be after that date). Morris & McDaniel will not schedule testing appointments after 12/05/2025, without an additional fee. Here is the Required Preparation for State Exams.
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Fee scale for late or cancelled exams: (Candidates that wait until on or after December 6th to schedule their test will pay an additional scheduling fee. $8 or $12 depending on how soon they schedule their test time (fees are subject to change). There is a $40.00 no show fee for candidates. Rescheduling an exam less than two hours in advance will incur an additional $12 on-demand scheduling fee.)
For the State of Tennessee:
- The State of Tennessee, Commerce & Insurance, will accept license application packages ( and renewals) through 12/12/2025. The last two weeks of December are set aside for processing, recording and reporting. Packages received after 12/12/2025, will be processed in early January.
Again, if you need to obtain or renew your license before the end of the 2025 calendar year, you must be completed with your course work before 4:00 pm CST/5:00 pm EST, December 5th.
| | 15 Hour Initial Licensing Education | | 05 Hour Continuing Education | | HUD's Notice of Upcoming Proposed Rule Could Expand FHA Mortgage Access | | |
In its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, HUD’s Office of Single Family Housing has announced an upcoming Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, expected in May 2026, that could significantly expand mortgage eligibility for manufactured homes.
The forthcoming proposed rule would revise HUD’s current mortgage criteria—limited to one unit dwelling structures—to align with recent amendments to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, which now permit up to four unit dwelling structures. This change would bring manufactured housing in line with the FHA mortgage insurance program, which already supports financing for one-to-four-unit dwellings.
HUD’s existing one-unit limitation was originally based on the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, which at the time only covered one unit manufactured homes. With the recent expansion of HUD-code compliance to include multi-unit structures, this update is a critical step toward increasing housing supply and affordability.
Importantly, the rule would also shift foundation requirements to rely on HUD’s Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards, for the first time since they became effective on October 20, 2008, ensuring consistency with the most current industry practices developed in collaboration with the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC).
This development reflects the direct impact of MHI’s advocacy efforts, particularly at the inaugural Manufactured Housing Lender Roundtable held at HUD headquarters in June. During that meeting, MHI leadership strongly advocated for modernizing FHA mortgage eligibility criteria and aligning them with current HUD Code standards.
The upcoming proposed changes are expected to save consumers thousands of dollars in foundation costs and expand access to homeownership, especially for families seeking affordable, multi-unit manufactured housing options.
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Industry Introduces Vertical Anchorage
in Wind Zone I Installations
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As THA reported to its Members on September 13th (to become effective on September 17, with full implementation by November 3rd), the manufactured housing industry implemented a safety enhancement for homes installed in Wind Zone I. While this is NOT a HUD Code change, this change was made to align with the timing of updates to the HUD Code and will result in alternative foundation designs exceeding HUD Code requirements by including specific uplift protection.
The change reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving the safety and resilience of manufactured homes. While homes built to the HUD Code have consistently demonstrated strong performance in severe weather, this new uplift protection measure adds an additional layer of security for homeowners in Wind Zone I areas.
Our national organization, the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), commends the industry for coming together to recognize that additional vertical anchorage is a meaningful enhancement to storm safety. The manufactured housing industry has a long-standing track record of coming together to improve the performance, efficiency and resilience of our homes, including with respect to severe weather.
Homes built to the HUD Code have proven their improved durability in storms, and the industry continues to analyze performance data and implement innovations that further improve safety and reliability. In keeping with this tradition of proactive improvement, the industry has come together to enhance protections against uplift in Wind Zone I installations. This underscores the industry's dedication to continuous improvement and homeowner safety.
| | Please reach out to your Supplier of choice for specific product installation instructions. | | Congress Reconsiders Corporate Transparency Act Data Collection Mandates | | |
Congress is taking steps to address concerns with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), particularly its impact on small businesses. At a recent hearing led by Rep. Warren Davidson, FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki confirmed that the agency plans to purge sensitive data no longer legally required—responding to bipartisan calls for stronger privacy protections.
The CTA’s interim rule, issued in March, narrowed reporting requirements to foreign entities and non-U.S. citizens, offering relief to over 30 million businesses. However, lawmakers like Rep. French Hill (AR-2) are pushing for a more practical solution, suggesting existing IRS forms could replace the need for a new database.
| | House Energy Subcommittee Reviews Affordable HOMES Act to Remove DOE Mandate to Set Energy Standards for Manufactured Homes | | |
On Tuesday, September 16, the Energy Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce held the hearing, “Appliance and Building Policies: Restoring the American Dream of Home Ownership and Consumer Choice” to review a number of energy-related bills. Jeff Novak, Acting General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) testified during the hearing.
The Subcommittee reviewed the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (Affordable HOMES) Act, H.R. 5184, during the hearing, which would repeal Section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 relating to energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. This legislation would also nullify the final rule, “Energy Conservation Program: Standards for Manufactured Housing,” published in the Federal Register on May 31, 2022. The bill would remove the mandate for DOE to create energy standards for manufactured homes. The Affordable HOMES Act was introduced by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) and co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Flood (NE-01).
| | House Financial Services Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish HUD as Sole Regulator of Manufactured Housing | | |
On Wednesday, September 10, Rep. Mike Flood (NE-01) and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) introduced the bipartisan “Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act” which clarifies that only the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has authority to establish energy efficiency and safety standards for manufactured housing.
Affirming in statute that HUD has sole regulatory authority for manufactured housing has been a major priority for the industry.
“For more than 50 years, our industry has partnered with HUD to help millions of Americans achieve the dream of homeownership," said MHI CEO Dr. Lesli Gooch. "The 'Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act' reaffirms HUD’s sole authority over our construction standards, preserving the integrity of this long-standing partnership. Manufactured housing is the only form of housing built to a federal construction code, and we do it at scale—delivering quality homes across the country at attainable prices. We commend Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver for their bipartisan leadership in protecting the regulatory efficiency that is central to this partnership. Regulatory efficiency, combined with factory-built efficiency, is the formula that makes manufactured housing the most affordable quality homeownership option available. This bill preserves the regulatory side of that equation and strengthens a vital housing solution for families nationwide.”
| | The THA Offices will be closed Tuesday - November 11th - Veterans Day | | TDOT Holiday Travel Restrictions | | With the number of holidays over the next few weeks, installers and transporters should remember to verify the state travel restriction calendar for oversized and overweight loads. | |
Changes to TN Rules & Regulations for Manufactured Housing
Still Pending Implementation Date
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The Department of Commerce & Insurance has completed processing the approved changes to the Rules & Regulations for Manufactured Housing and is waiting for the Secretary of State to finalize the implementation date.
As a reminder:
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The Manufactured Housing Section (the “Section”) has combined Chapter 0780-02-05 (Installation of Manufactured Homes), and Chapter 0780-02-08 (Used Factory Manufactured Homes), into Chapter 0780-02-04 (New Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles), to be renamed “Manufactured Housing”. The Section believes this will be more convenient and provide more clarity to have all rules related to manufactured homes in one chapter. Rules will be rearranged for clarity after the combining of the three current chapters.
- Rules that were an unnecessary restatement of statutory language have been removed.
- All rules concerning park trailers and recreational vehicles have been removed.
| | Upcoming National Meetings | | |
2025 MHI National Communities Council Fall Leadership Forum
November 5–7, 2025, Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago
2026 MHI Winter Meeting
February 16 - 18, 2026 JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
2026 MHI Congress & Expo
April 7-9, 2026, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV
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2025 THA-PAC Campaign - Winding Down
But There is Still Time to Contribute!
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Annually, we encourage our members to support Tennessee's legislative efforts, by contributing to the Political Action Committee campaign. Click on the Donate Button [right] to make an online contribution or you may choose to download a contribution form.
The 2025 Campaign has a goal of $65,000. We appreciate everyone who worked with the association in 2024 to build the PAC in an effort to support and educate legislators. This is a critical component to our mission of preserving and increasing affordable, attainable housing in Tennessee.
Find the PAC webpage here!
| | | 2026 Educational Scholarships | | |
Up to four (4) Scholarships will be awarded in 2026 through the Factory-Built Home Industry. Stay tuned for more information to be posted in the Fall of 2025 on THA's Scholarship Page (https://tnmha.org/scholarship)
- Two (2) $2,500 Scholarships will be available for trade school (certification program) students.
- Two (2) $5,000 Scholarships will be available for degree program students.
- Qualifying students must be pursuing a certification or degree which supports the construction industry.
| | 2026 Most Beautiful Home Awards | | Customers Scott and DeeDee Ginder (Oneida, TN) and Jana Ewy (Dandridge, TN) both won $2,500 for their entries in the 2025 Most Beautiful Home Contest! Watch their interviews and see their homes on this short video! | | SAVE THE THA ANNUAL MEETING DATE! | | | | |
2026 THA Annual Member’s Meeting
June 7 - 9, 2026
Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort
1210 Dollywood Resorts Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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Did you see the THA Member Tool Kit emails
in September and October?
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Download the graphics and videos from your e-mails!
If you missed them, go back and search the dates or the subject lines with these titles...
September dated 9/11/2025 -
"Homes of Every Shape & Size"
October dated 10/08/2025 -
"No Tricks, Just Treats"
| | Websites and Social Media Accounts | | |
THA Association Website: https://tnmha.org/
Go to THA’s main website for the latest industry news, show dates, legislative action items, licensing educational news, scholarship information, member listings, PAC updates and so much more! There is no log in or password needed for this site!
THA Educational Website: https://education.tnmha.org/
This is the direct link to the educational platform where courses are available for initial licensing/certification and continuing education! Please check the Association website (tnmha.org) throughout the year for special announcements, field updates, and yearend deadlines. You must have a log in and password for your educational account, but not the Association website.
THA Annual Meeting Website: https://thaannualmeeting.com/
This annual meeting website has been established for the purpose of collecting and posting annual notices and ongoing developments for future member meetings or special events. The main website will link to this site and save space on the member’s ‘business tool’ website to allow for more member photos of those special events!
THA Consumer Website: https://www.tennesseemanufacturedhomes.com/
This is a consumer-facing website which allows consumers to tour homes and send messages directly to THA members for home quotes, community inquiries, inquire about financing or reach one of our service/suppliers. You must be a THA member to have your business listed on this site.
| | Follow us on social media! | | Pretty Home? Let Us Film It! | | |
The production team at ManufacturedHomes.com is always looking for installed manufactured and modular homes that will represent the industry in our state. If any of our THA members have recently set a home and the landscaping is now complete, drop a picture of the exterior to Rick@manufacturedhomes.com
| | Use these links to make changes or additions to your TennesseeManufacturedHomes.com listing. | | 2025 Tennessee MH Education | | |
The educational portal opened on January 3rd and will close on December 5, 2025.
Pick your course. Pay online. Access Online.
Print your certificate of completion right from your dashboard!
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2025 Initial Licensing
Closes 12/05/2025
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2025 Continuing Education
Closes 12/05/2025
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Installation Basics Training
Remains Open
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Discounts are available for THA member companies ONLY!
Members were e-mailed their discount code on January 3rd at 1:02 pm, CST.
(If you cannot locate your code, email Office@tnmha.org
for your member discount coupon, prior to purchase!)
| | Community Owners and Managers Education | |
Accredited Community Manager (ACM) - Designation -
The ACM curriculum is a two-part course for owners and managers of manufactured home communities. Topics include management and resident policies, community maintenance, leasing and sales techniques, marketing communities, taxes, insurance, financial management, business planning, physical asset management, and federal and fair housing laws.
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Professional Housing Consultant (PHC)
- Designation -
The PHC curriculum is a comprehensive study of manufactured housing for retail salespeople. Topics include retailer responsibilities, land-home and personal property financing, fair housing, and selling skills.
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