Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

Manufactured Housing

Manufactured Home Sales

General

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Service (DSPS) regulates sales of manufactured homes (see Wisconsin Statutes chapter 101, subchapter V). The department: 

• Issues certificates of title for manufactured homes. A person may not site a manufactured home in this state without a certificate of title.

• Licenses manufactured home dealers. The department may deny, suspend or revoke a license for cause, including law violations or fraudulent practices.

• Licenses manufactured home sellers. The department may deny, suspend or revoke a license for cause, including law violations or fraudulent practices.

• Enforces warranty requirements. Under Wisconsin Statutes section 101.953, new manufactured homes must carry a one-year warranty. The manufacturer and seller must warrant that the home is constructed to legal standards, is free from defects in material and workmanship, and is reasonably fit for human habitation with reasonable care and maintenance.

Sales by Park Operators

• The operator of a manufactured home park (“mobile home park”) may not force a tenant to buy a manufactured home from the operator.

• The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates unfair and deceptive business practices. DATCP rules prohibit this and other “tie-in” requirements by park operators (see Manufactured Home Parks – Landlord Practices).

• State anti-trust laws may also prohibit “tie-in” requirements by park operators. See Wisconsin Statutes chapter 133. The Wisconsin Department of Justice enforces state anti-trust laws. There is also a private remedy for consumers and competitors injured by anti-trust violations.