Mobile home storm rules in Washington

Washington addresses storm and disaster safety through the landlord's duty to keep the grounds, roads, and drainage safe, the federal HUD construction code and state installation standards, and strong notice and relocation protections if a park closes. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone dealing with a specific situation should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Washington.

What the statute says

RCW 59.20.130 lists the landlord's duties, including to "maintain the common premises and prevent the accumulation of stagnant water and to prevent the detrimental effects of moving water when such condition is not the fault of the tenant" (subsection 2), "keep any shared or common premises reasonably clean, sanitary, and safe from defects to reduce the hazards of fire or accident" (subsection 3), and "maintain roads within the mobile home park in good condition" (subsection 9). State board of health rules for park health and sanitation are enforced locally (RCW 59.20.190).

The home's construction follows the federal HUD code (24 C.F.R. Part 3280), and it is "affixed" when "installed in accordance with the installation standards in state law" (RCW 65.20.020). If a disaster forces a closure, RCW 59.20.080(1)(e) requires two years' notice, shortened only by paying relocation assistance of at least "$15,000 for a multisection home or ... $10,000 for a single section home."

How it works in general

For the grounds and common areas, Washington's landlord duties matter most in a storm: the park has to control standing and moving water (drainage and flooding), keep common areas safe against fire and accident, and keep the roads in good condition — important for both daily access and emergencies. The home itself is built to the federal HUD code's wind-zone standards and installed to Washington's anchoring and installation standards. Washington doesn't require a park to provide a storm shelter, so disaster preparation and assistance run through local and state emergency management and the federal disaster programs. If a flood or other event forces a change of use or closure, residents get two years' notice — or substantial relocation assistance with a shorter period.

Common scenarios

General examples Washington park residents commonly encounter:

• A storm causes flooding or standing water in the park. The landlord must control standing and moving water and keep common areas safe (RCW 59.20.130).
• Questions arise about how a home is built or anchored. The federal HUD code and state installation standards govern (24 C.F.R. Part 3280; RCW 65.20.020).
• A disaster forces the park to close. Residents get two years' notice or relocation assistance (RCW 59.20.080(1)(e)).

Other authorities that may apply

The Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20.130, 59.20.190, 59.20.080) sets the maintenance duties and closure protections; the federal HUD code and Washington's installation standards govern construction and anchoring. The Department of Commerce administers relocation assistance (RCW 59.21), and the Washington Emergency Management Division and FEMA administer disaster assistance. A homeowner's insurance policy — not statute — usually governs storm-damage claims.