Moving older manufactured homes—and especially pre-HUD mobile homes—in Arizona requires strict compliance with state, county, and municipal regulations. The state’s desert climate, age-related structural concerns, and transportation rules all play a major role in determining whether a home can legally and safely be relocated. For Arizona homebuyers, understanding these limitations is critical before planning a purchase or move.
Arizona’s Rules for Moving Older Manufactured and Pre-HUD Homes
Manufactured homes built before June 15, 1976, are considered pre-HUD “mobile homes” and do not meet the federal safety standards established by the HUD Code. In Arizona, this creates several restrictions:
- Many Arizona counties will not issue moving permits for pre-HUD homes.**
- Mobile home parks often refuse pre-HUD homes, even if structurally sound.
- Transport companies must confirm the home can withstand Arizona’s heat and road conditions.
- Homes must pass Arizona’s required “move inspection” before any relocation, pre-HUD homes frequently fail this step.
Arizona law does not outright ban moving a pre-HUD home, but local jurisdictions and practical logistics often make it impossible. Homes built after 1976 still face challenges due to age, deterioration in desert climates, and transportability.
Before Arizona will approve a manufactured home move, several requirements must be met. Here they are:
1. Structural Integrity – Arizona inspectors evaluate:
- Roof and wall condition
- Frame and chassis strength
- Absence of major water or sun damage
- Solid flooring and undercarriage
- Secure marriage line on multi-section homes
Homes exposed to years of intense heat may suffer frame warping, brittle roofing, or compromised seals, making relocation hazardous.
2. Transport in Arizona requires:
- Usable axles and tires
- A functioning or replaceable hitch
- No severe rust on the frame
- Ability to safely lift and support the home
If these components are missing or unsafe, the home cannot be moved until repaired.
3. To move a home in Arizona, you must obtain:
- County “Mobile Home Movement Permit”
- Proof of paid property taxes
- Title and ownership documents
- Certification tags (for HUD homes)
- A passed safety/structural inspection
Pre-HUD homes cannot provide HUD labels, limiting relocation options.
4. Arizona communities or private land owners may not accept the older home. PRIOR to moving make sure you have an agreement from the destination to accept the home and they understand:
- The age of the home
- The condition of the home
- Compliance with zoning, setbacks, and wind/seismic requirements
Most mobile home parks and manufactured home communities in Arizona restrict homes older than 20–25 years, making placement difficult for older units.
Once approved, moving a mobile or manufactured home in Arizona involves:
Step 1: Pre-Move Inspection – Conducted by the county or a licensed inspector to determine eligibility.
Step 2: Site Preparation when moving a home Includes:
- Disconnecting utilities
- Removing skirting, porches, or carports
- Preparing the home for elevation
Step 3: Transport companies preparing the Home for Transport, install:
- Axles and wheels
- The towing hitch
- Safety straps and structural reinforcements
Step 4: To transport on Arizona Roads, Arizona transporters must:
- – Secure oversize load permits
- – Use pilot or escort vehicles when required
- – Avoid restricted routes, bridges, or weather hazards (dust storms, monsoon winds)
Step 5: At the destination, the setup of the home at the new location includes:
- The home is blocked, leveled, and anchored
- Utilities are reconnected
- Skirting and additions are rebuilt
Note that any Arizona manufactured homes installation must meet state HUD installation standards and undergo a final inspection.
What If the Home Cannot Be Moved in Arizona?
If the home fails inspection or regulations prevent relocation, there are several options:
1. Repairing the Home to Meet Minimum Transport Requirements – In some cases, frame work, roof repair, replacing axles, or reinforcing structural elements may allow the home to qualify for transport.
2. Selling the Home In-Place, if the home cannot move:
- You may sell it to a buyer who leaves it on-site
- Some Arizona parks buy older homes to maintain occupancy
- In-place transfers are common for pre-HUD homes
3. Homes beyond repair may require decommissioning or demolition:
- Demolished and removed
- Disassembled and hauled off in pieces
- Recycled for metal value
- CAUTION: the contents of a home may have previously acceptable, but now toxic waste. Check with authorities for the proper disposal process
Arizona counties may offer low-cost disposal options.
4. If the lot allows replacement, many owners will replace an older home with a new HUD-Code Home. This process briefly follows these steps:
- Remove the old home
- Prepare/repair utilities and foundation
- Install a modern energy-efficient manufactured home
This option is often more cost-effective than repairing or transporting a deteriorated unit.
This Matters for Arizona Homebuyers. Arizona’s unique combination of heat, aging housing stock, strict transport rules, and park restrictions means not all older manufactured homes can be moved. Understanding these limitations prevents costly surprises and helps buyers make informed decisions.
For anyone considering relocating an older or pre-HUD mobile home in Arizona, starting with a professional inspection and county permit office consultation is essential.