Mobile home storm rules in New Mexico

New Mexico addresses storm and disaster safety through the park's utility-line maintenance duty, the federal HUD construction code, the Manufactured Housing Division's installation oversight, and a long change-of-use notice. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone dealing with a specific situation should consider consulting a licensed attorney in New Mexico.

What the statute says

The home's construction and anchoring follow the federal HUD code (24 C.F.R. Part 3280), with installation overseen by the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division under the Manufactured Housing Act (NMSA 1978 Chapter 60, Article 14). For the park's infrastructure, NMSA 1978 §47-10-20(A) makes the owner "responsible for maintaining all park-owned exterior utility lines from the mobile home hookups to the main lines in the park, except lines that are damaged by a resident." If a change in the use of the land would force residents out, §47-10-5(E) requires the landlord to "give the owner of each mobile home subject to such eviction a written notice of his intent to evict not less than six months prior to such change of use of the land." The Act has no provision requiring a park to provide a storm shelter.

How it works in general

For the home itself, New Mexico relies on the federal HUD code's wind-zone construction and anchoring standards, with the Manufactured Housing Division overseeing installation. For the park, the owner has to maintain the utility lines it owns up to each home's hookup — a duty that matters most when a storm damages the park's water, sewer, or electric infrastructure. New Mexico doesn't require a park to provide a storm shelter, so disaster preparation and assistance run through state and federal emergency management. If a storm pushes a park toward a change of land use, residents get at least six months' written notice.

Common scenarios

General examples New Mexico park residents commonly encounter:

• A storm damages the park's utility lines. The owner must maintain the park-owned exterior lines (§47-10-20(A)).
• Questions arise about how a home is anchored. The federal HUD code governs, with state installation oversight (24 C.F.R. Part 3280; NMSA 1978 ch. 60, art. 14).
• A disaster pushes a park toward closure. A change of use requires six months' notice (§47-10-5(E)).

Other authorities that may apply

The Mobile Home Park Act (NMSA 1978 §§47-10-5, 47-10-20) sets the utility-maintenance and change-of-use rules; the Manufactured Housing Division oversees installation; and the federal HUD code governs home construction. The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA administer disaster assistance, and a homeowner's insurance policy — not statute — usually governs storm-damage claims.