Do tiny house builders need to comply with federal housing standards?

Compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Rules

Tiny house builders must comply with the FTC’s rules on portable buildings and recreational vehicles, particularly with regards to labeling and advertising. According to the FTC, a tiny house must be labeled as either a “recreational vehicle” or a “portable building,” depending on its intended use. For example, if the tiny house is designed for permanent occupancy, it must be labeled as a “recreational vehicle.” The FTC also requires builders to ensure that their tiny houses comply with federal safety standards, such as those related to electrical and plumbing systems.

Compliance with Local Building Codes and Zoning Regulations

While tiny house builders do not need to comply with federal housing standards, they must still comply with local building codes and zoning regulations. This may include requirements for minimum square footage, roof pitch, and electrical and plumbing systems. Builders should research the regulations in the area where they plan to sell or place the tiny house, and ensure that their designs and construction meet or exceed these requirements. For example, in some jurisdictions, tiny houses may be subject to the same electrical and plumbing codes as traditional houses, while in others, they may be exempt.

Registration and Titling

In addition to compliance with federal and local regulations, tiny house builders must also ensure that their products can be registered and titled. This may involve working with state and local authorities to create a new classification for tiny houses, or to establish a process for registering and titling them as recreational vehicles. For example, some states have established a “recreational vehicle” classification for tiny houses, which allows them to be registered and titled in a similar manner to motorhomes.