Federal bill removes chassis rule to boost manufactured housing supply

Recent federal legislation has eliminated the requirement that manufactured homes be built on a permanent steel chassis, Realtor.com Research reported. Realtor.com reported that this policy shift is expected to allow manufactured housing to better supply the entry level starter home market. [1][2]

The removal of the permanent chassis mandate creates direct cost savings in the manufacturing process of new residential units, according to Realtor.com Research. The outlet noted that the change also delivers a major aesthetic improvement, which could reduce local resistance to manufactured home installation driven by zoning regulations. [1]

As FTMQ Real Estate reported earlier, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act removed the federal requirement for a permanent steel chassis on manufactured units. Housing and Urban Development official Matt Jones predicted the regulatory update would accelerate manufactured housing adoption and allow additional modular homes to qualify under manufactured housing standards. [11]

Expanding manufactured housing options remains critical for national housing availability. Realtor.com reported separately that just 17 percent of the country currently allows manufactured housing under local rules. [4]