A Comprehensive Guide to Manufactured Home Registration Requirements in Alabama

If you are considering purchasing a manufactured home in Alabama, it is important to understand the process of registering it with the state. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the details necessary to ensure that your manufactured home is registered properly. It will cover the requirements for a Certificate of Title, how to make sure the paperwork is properly filed, and other important information related to the registration process. With this guide, you can be sure that your manufactured home is officially registered and you can start enjoying all the benefits that come with it.

Overview of Requirements

Before purchasing a manufactured home in Alabama, it is important to make sure that the registration process is complete. There are a few different requirements that must be met before obtaining a certificate of title. 

• The manufactured home must be located on private property - A manufactured home cannot be located on public property or a trailer park. If it is not located on private property, the state will not issue a certificate of title because there is no owner listed on the property. This is why it is so important to make sure the manufactured home is located on private property before registration.
• The manufactured home must be paid in full - Before you can get a certificate of title for your manufactured home, you must pay off any liens and other debts related to its purchase. If you want to protect yourself from any potential issues with the seller, it is a good idea to ask about any outstanding debts and to get the official receipt when they are paid off. This will make the registration process a lot easier. 
• The manufactured home must be in good, usable condition - This means that the home must be structurally sound and can be used for its intended purpose. There are many manufactured homes that have a certificate of title even after being repossessed. It is important to remember that the certificate is only used to prove ownership. The manufactured home must also be properly set up on the property.

Obtaining a Certificate of Title

Before you can register your manufactured home in Alabama, you must apply for a certificate of title. This certificate is essentially proof that you own the home and can use it as collateral for a loan if necessary. The certificate of title is issued by the county clerk’s office where the manufactured home is registered. You can apply for the title through the county clerk’s office in the county where the property is located. The application process varies from county to county so make sure to contact your county clerk’s office for specific instructions. You will likely need to provide proof of ownership (such as a signed sales contract), proof of identity, and proof of ownership for the property where the home is located. You will also have to pay a certificate of title fee at the time of application.

Filing the Necessary Paperwork

As part of the process of registering your manufactured home, you will have to file the original Manufactured Housing Certification (MHC-19) form that the manufacturer provided when you purchased the home. This form will provide all the necessary information for the state to properly identify the home and make sure all the requirements are met.

Requirements for Manufactured Home Set-Up

When you are setting up your manufactured home, you must follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines as well as any rules and regulations set by the county. This includes all the necessary and proper grading for the home, placement, and any utilities that might be running to and from it. The manufactured housing rule in Alabama is that manufactured homes must be set up with a minimum slope of 12 inches of water per 100 feet of length. If the home does not meet this standard, you may be required to hire a professional set-up crew to make adjustments. 

Manufactured homes must also be set up with a minimum of 60 inches of clearance from the ground. This clearance must be measured from the lowest point on the home’s foundation to the ground. If the home does not have this clearance, you may be required to fill in low areas with dirt or gravel.

Costs Associated with Registration

When you are purchasing a manufactured home, you will likely be given a title that is in “AB” status. This means that the title is “analyzed” or “under investigation” as it pertains to the manufactured home’s financing. This process is free and takes anywhere between six and eight weeks to complete. Once the title is “AB” cleared, you will be able to title the home in the same way as a site-built home. When you are ready to register your manufactured home, you will have to pay a title transfer fee in addition to any applicable property taxes. These taxes will vary depending on the location of your home, the value of the home, and any exemptions you may qualify for. You may also be required to obtain insurance for the home. This insurance will vary depending on the type of coverage you are looking for and the provider you choose.

Other Important Considerations

• Do your research - Before you buy a manufactured home, it is important to understand how the registration process works in your area. Not all manufactured homes are created equal and the registration process will vary based on the model and age of the home. This is why it is important to do some research before committing to a purchase. 
• Do not buy a “grey” home - Grey homes are used manufactured homes that have not yet been registered with the state. It is important to remember that these homes are not properly registered and cannot be titled. This means that you will be unable-to-sell the home, obtain financing, and will not be able to take advantage of any tax deductions related to the home.
• Be sure to keep an eye out for scams - There are lots of scams involving manufactured homes and the registration process. These scammers will often try to sell “grey” homes with the promise that the registration will be completed soon. It is important to remember that the state does not complete the registration process for you, so it is up to the owner to do it. If you are uncertain whether or not a particular seller is legitimate, it is a good idea to contact the manufacturer to confirm their identity.

How to Find Assistance with Registration

If you have questions or concerns about the registration process, it is a good idea to contact your local county clerk’s office. There are employees at this office who are specifically trained to help people with the manufactured home registration process. You can also contact the Manufactured Housing Division of the Alabama Department of Real Estate to speak with an analyst about the registration process.