Moving a manufactured home in Illinois

Who licenses installers in Illinois

The Act (430 ILCS 117) is administered by IDPH, which issues installer licenses and collects the fees.

IDPH stopped serving as HUD's State Administrative Agency on April 1, 2019, so HUD handles federal home defect matters in Illinois.

Sources: Installer licensing agency; Department duties

Installer license

Applicants must be 18 or older, finish an IDPH-approved installer course and pass its exam (or a reciprocal state's course), and send a photo with the application.

The installer license costs $150 a year to issue or renew.

Installers without a current HUD license need 3 hours of IDPH-approved Illinois training every three years to renew.

Every home installed after December 31, 2001 must be installed under the on-site supervision of a licensed installer.

Homes set on a permanent foundation do not have to be installed by a licensed manufactured home installer.

Sources: Qualifications; License fee

Permits to move the home

IDOT requires an oversize permit when a load exceeds legal size or weight on a state highway; most permits issue instantly online through ITAP.

IDOT permits cover state roads only; movers must get permission from local authorities before using city, county or township roads.

IDOT's limited continuous operation permit for legal-weight manufactured housing up to 16 feet wide, 15 feet high and 115 feet long costs $250 for 3 months or $1,000 for 12 months.

For house trailer combinations up to the 16 foot maximum width, IDOT's single trip fee is $30 to $60 depending on distance.

Sources: When a permit is needed; Continuous permit for homes; Single trip fees

Title and taxes before the move

Moving a home more than one mile requires a county treasurer's moving permit confirming the Mobile Home Local Services Tax is paid (35 ILCS 515/11).

Will County's treasurer, for one, asks for a copy of the current title or certificate of origin and a $10 fee for a moving permit. Check with the treasurer in your county.

Source: County moving permit

Installation standards

Homes must be installed to the manufacturer's instructions; when those are not available, IDPH's Manufactured Home Installation Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 870) applies.

Every home moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured with tiedown equipment that meets IDPH standards; the homeowner is ultimately responsible.

The installer buys a $25 IDPH seal and certificate, places the seal above the HUD label, and completes the certificate within 30 days of installation.

Under the Manufactured Home Quality Assurance Act, in the 2018 printing IDPH posts, the installer pays IDPH $395 for each inspection of an installation.

Sources: Which standard applies; Seal and compliance certificate; Inspection fee

Checking a license

IDPH publishes a Licensed Manufactured Home Installers Directory that can be downloaded as a CSV file.

Source: Official installer directory

Complaints and recovery

IDPH must receive and investigate complaints under the Act and seek a non-binding resolution between buyers, installers, dealers, manufacturers and park owners.

For defects in the home, HUD's Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program is the contact for Illinois homeowners.

IDPH can revoke an installer license for up to 6 months for a violation, after notice and a chance for a hearing.

Sources: IDPH complaints; HUD dispute program; License revocation