PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Subject of Possible Rule Making: This rule making would implement RCW 46.70.136 by establishing a fee-based service for mediating warranty disputes pertaining to the purchase or installation of a manufactured home.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.330.040, 46.70.136.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Disputes occur when purchasers of manufactured homes argue with manufacturers, retailers and/or installers regarding repair or correction of items that may be covered under a warranty. Resolution of warranty disputes may be achieved more quickly and less expensively when mediation is provided as an alternative to litigation. This rule would establish a fee-based mediation service for resolving manufactured home warranty disputes between homeowners, manufacturers, retailers and/or installers.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Rule making will be coordinated with the Department of Licensing (DOL) through their participation in a rule-making advisory workgroup.
Process for Developing New Rule: Rules will be drafted with the active participation of a workgroup comprised of stakeholders. Draft rules will be mailed to interested parties. Written comments will be accepted, and oral testimony will be taken at a public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Teri Ramsauer, Manager, Office of Manufactured Housing, phone (360) 725-2960, fax (360) 586-5880, e-mail terir@cted.wa.gov; or Josey Young, SAA Case Manager, phone (360) 725-2963, fax (360) 586-5880, e-mail joseyy@cted.wa.gov; mailing address CTED/Housing Division/OMH, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504-2525. Draft rules will be provided to stakeholders and other parties upon request. Written comments will be accepted, and oral testimony will be taken at a public hearing.
August 1, 2005
Juli Wilkerson
Director