About Mobile or Manufactured Home Warranties
Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the structure and factory-installed plumbing, heating and electrical systems during a specified warranty period. Retailers are obligated to give you a copy of the warranty to review and read before you buy one of their homes. By carefully reading the warranty, you can make sure the home you buy is covered by the protection you want.
The following questions may help you to decipher these warranties and compare coverage:
- What coverage comes with the home? You may get warranties from the home manufacturer.
- What components and what types of problems does each warranty cover? What's not covered?
- Does the manufacturer's written warranty cover transportation and installation? If not, are they covered by other written warranties? (Ask the transporter and installer if they also warranty their services.)
- How long do the warranties last?
- How do I get warranty service? Who will provide it? Where will it be performed?
- Are extended warranties available from the manufacturer? If so, what do they cover and cost?
The manufacturer's warranty generally covers substantial defects in the following areas:
- Workmanship in the structure
- Factory-installed plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
- Factory-installed appliances, which may also be covered by separate appliance manufacturer warranties
The manufacturer's warranty DOES NOT cover:
- Improper installation and maintenance (Make sure the person who performs the installation follows the manufacturer's installation instructions.)
- Accidents
- Owner negligence
- Unauthorized repairs
- Normal wear and aging
It is vitally important to follow the manufacturer's maintenance and repair instructions (contained in the consumer/homeowner's manual) to keep your warranty in effect. Failure to do so could void your warranty.
The Implied Warranty
In addition to written warranties, you may be protected by certain "implied warranties." An implied warranty is an unspoken, unwritten promise that a product is fit to be sold and used for its intended purpose. For example, a factory-built home should be fit to be sold and subsequently lived in. Implied warranties protect you even if the manufacturer or retailer offers no warranty.
Most states allows "as is" sales that exclude implied warranties. However, some states do not allow sellers to exclude or limit implied warranties. Check with your state or local consumer protection officials to learn more about implied warranty protections. If you're buying a previously owned home, ask if it's being sold with a warranty or "as is".
The Retailer's Warranty: Extra Protection
A retailer may also offer a warranty on a home that will guarantee the home has a HUD inspection seal and that optional appliances and equipment have been properly installed. Remember, ask to see the retailer's warranty before buying to check on what it does and does not cover.
While retailer warranties vary, they typically include:
- The terms of the warranty
- What you must do to keep the warranty in effect
- What you can reasonably expect from the retailer
That the home has been installed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions and local regulations
Retailer warranties do not cover problems that arise from:
- Owner negligence
- Failure by the owner to provide notice for service
- Unauthorized repairs
Appliance Warranties
All the appliances in your new home should be covered by warranties. In most cases, the individual appliance manufacturers provide these warranties, along with use-and-care manuals. In addition, some states require that the home manufacturer's warranty cover the appliances that come with your home.
Read the appliance warranties and note the duration and terms. In addition, check instructions in the warranties about how to get service. In most cases, the quickest service can be obtained from the appliance manufacturer's authorized service centers. Check the use and care information on the appliance warranties for a list of such service centers or service agents. However, if warranty service is not available from the appliance manufacturer or its servicer, contact your retailer for assistance. The home manufacturer's warranty, if any, may provide warranty service for your problem.
Again, you have the right to review copies of all warranties before you buy a home-right down to the built-in can opener.
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Warranties
Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the structure and factory-installed plumbing, heating and electrical systems during a specified warranty period.
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Optional Coverages
Consent to Move, Trip/Transportation & Lienholder’s Single Interest Coverage and three policy options usually available.
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