Use the index below to go directly to a particular section on this page:
The Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association estimates that as many as 520,000, or 25 percent of our states residents (using 1990 Census figures) live in a Factory-Built Home. However, few Mississippians realize that the State Fire Marshals Office, a division of the Mississippi Insurance Department, oversees this rapidly growing segment of the housing marketplace.
The State Fire Marshals Office licenses manufacturers, dealers, and installers/transporters of Factory-Built Homes in Mississippi. The State Fire Marshals Office also monitors proper anchoring and blocking of factory-built homes, and enforces federal standards governing proper construction practices. Currently, the office receives about 36 complaints each year, and maintains a caseload of approximately 24 active complaints.
Regulatory oversight of the Factory-Built Housing industry was first assigned to the State Fire Marshals Office in 1970 with the passage of the Factory-Built homes Law, which outlined the construction practices of what were then called "mobile" or "relocatable" homes. Then in 1974, based on a nationwide rash of serious defects, the federal Factory-Built Homes Construction Safety Standards Act was passed. Mississippi in turn adopted this legislation two years later as its set of construction standards for Factory-Built Homes. The law is enforced by the State Fire Marshals Office under contract to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In addition to "mobile" or "relocatable" homes built before 1974, and "factory-built housing" built after that date, the SFM also has responsibility under state law for oversight of a newer category of factory-built housing, the "modular" home.
When a new factory-built home is purchased, it comes with a one year warranty. If a consumer cannot resolve defect-related issues with the dealer and manufacturer during that one year period, homeowners can contact the State Fire Marshals Office for assistance by calling toll-free within Mississippi at 888-648-0877. It is recommend that consumers seek the cooperation of their dealer or manufacturer first.
After the homeowner files his or her complaint with the State Fire Marshals Office, the homes manufacturer and dealer are requested to identify and repair the problems. The Office then inspects the home to make sure that it was installed or "set up" correctly, including adequate anchoring and blocking to prevent storm damage. Many, if not a majority, of consumer-related problems with Factory-Built Housing are caused by faulty or inadequate set-up.
If a manufacturing defect is identified, possible remedies range from securing the voluntary cooperation of the manufacturer to repair the homeowners problem to convening a hearing before the Commissioner of Insurance and levying appropriate fines and penalties against the dealer or manufacturer.
The State Fire Marshals Office also makes monthly visits to manufacturing facilities in order to identify consistent problems with homes such as roof, shower, or wallboard problems. This provides a check and balance to insure quality control over Factory-Built Homes currently being built in Mississippi.
Some of the Factory-Built Homes Licensing Applications may be filled electronically but all of the applications may be filled manually. To fill an application electronically, follow the instructions contained on the form, type in the information, and print the form; the completed form cannot be saved. To complete an application manually, print the blank form, follow the instructions contained on the form, and write in the information.
Some of the Factory-Built Homes forms may be filled electronically but all of the forms may be filled manually. To fill a form electronically, follow the instructions contained on the form, type in the information, and print the form; the completed form cannot be saved. To complete a form manually, print the blank form, follow the instructions contained on the form, and write in the information.
There is a reinstatement fee penalty in addition to renewal fees (see the FAQ's for Manufacturers, Retailers/Developers and Installers/Transporters).
To perform a search, select a license type and click the submit button.
Consumer Complaints: 888-648-0877 or 601-359-1061 Training Seminars and Licensing: 601-359-1061 Plan Review: 601-359-1061 Mailing Address: State Fire Marshals Office 660 North Street, Suite 100B Jackson, MS 39202