Mobile home storm rules in Georgia

Georgia addresses storm and disaster safety through the federal HUD construction code, the Safety Fire Commissioner's installation oversight, and the general landlord-tenant duty to keep the premises in repair and fit for habitation. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone dealing with a specific situation should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Georgia.

What the statute says

The home's construction and anchoring follow the federal HUD code (24 C.F.R. Part 3280), with installation and anchoring overseen in Georgia by the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner under the state's manufactured housing law (O.C.G.A. Title 8, Chapter 2). Habitability comes from the general landlord-tenant law: under O.C.G.A. §44-7-13, "the landlord shall keep the premises in repair," and a dwelling rental is "deemed to include a provision that the premises is fit for human habitation." Georgia has no dedicated mobile-home-park statute and no provision requiring a park to provide a storm shelter.

How it works in general

For the home itself, Georgia relies on the federal HUD code's wind-zone construction and anchoring standards, with the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner overseeing installation — important in a state where much of the area faces hurricane and severe-storm wind risk. For the lot and common areas, the general landlord-tenant duty applies: the landlord has to keep the premises in repair and fit for habitation, which matters most when a storm strains a park's utilities, drainage, or common areas. Georgia doesn't require a park to provide a storm shelter, so disaster preparation and assistance run through state and federal emergency management.

Common scenarios

General examples Georgia park residents commonly encounter:

• Questions arise about how a home is anchored. The federal HUD code governs, with state installation oversight (24 C.F.R. Part 3280; O.C.G.A. title 8, ch. 2).
• A storm leaves the premises in disrepair. The landlord must keep the premises in repair and fit for habitation (§44-7-13).
• A resident looks for a storm shelter. No statute requires a park to provide one; rely on local emergency management.

Other authorities that may apply

The general landlord-tenant law (O.C.G.A. §44-7-13) sets the repair and habitability duty; the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner oversees installation and anchoring; and the federal HUD code governs home construction. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and FEMA administer disaster assistance, and a homeowner's insurance policy — not statute — usually governs storm-damage claims.