SECTION 80.41. License Requirements

(a) General License Requirements. In order to apply to obtain a license, the promulgated form of application for such license must be fully completed and executed and submitted to the Department, accompanied by the required fee, required security, and all other required supporting documentation. The Department may request any reasonably related additional information or documentation to clarify or support any application.

(1) Additional provisions applicable to salespersons.

(A) A salesperson is an agent of their sponsoring retailer or broker. The sponsoring retailer or broker is liable and responsible for the acts or omissions of a salesperson in connection with any activity subject to the Standards Act or this Chapter. It is a violation of the Standards Act and this chapter for a retailer or broker of manufactured housing to employ a salesperson who is not licensed with the Department or permit them to conduct business subject to the Standards Act on their behalf.

(B) If a salesperson's sponsoring retailer or broker is no longer licensed, that salesperson's ability to act and a salesperson is automatically terminated until such time as he or she is acting under a duly licensed sponsoring retailer or broker and such sponsorship is on record with the Department. A salesperson shall surrender his or her license to the Department within ten (10) calendar days of termination from his or her sponsoring retailer.

(C) A sponsoring retailer or broker shall notify the Department in writing when a salesperson has been terminated or is no longer sponsored by said retailer or broker.

(D) A salesperson's sponsoring retailer or broker shall be issued a license card by the Department containing effective date and license number and name and license number of the sponsor. A salesperson shall be required to present a copy of a valid license card upon request.

(2) Additional provisions applicable to installers.

(A) A provisional installer's license shall become a full installer's license as outlined in §1201.104(f) of the Standards Act when the Department inspects a minimum of five (5) manufactured home installations and found not to have any identified installation violations.

(B) It is the responsibility of an installer who is still on a provisional status to notify the Department of each installation performed promptly. As used in this section, "promptly" means sufficiently early to enable the home to be inspected prior to any skirting being installed, in any event within three business days following the date of completion of the installation.

(C) It is the responsibility of the Department's field office to notify the Department's licensing section when a provisional installer's license is eligible for upgrade to a full installer's license.

(b) Applicable License Holder Ownership Changes.

(1) A license holder shall not change the location of a licensed business unless the license holder first files with the Department:

(A) a written notification of the address of the new location;

(B) an endorsement to the bond reflecting the change of location; and

(C) the original license.

(2) The change of location is not effective until all requirements are received by the Department.

(3) For a change in ownership of less than fifty percent (50%) of the licensed business entity, no new license is required provided that the existing bond or other security continues in effect. However, the current Articles of Incorporation or Assumed Name Certificate must accompany the request.

(4) For a change in ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more, the license holder must file with the Department, along with the appropriate fee and Articles of Incorporation or Assumed Name Certificate:

(A) a license addendum by the purchaser providing information as may be required by the Department; and

(B) certification by the surety that the bond for the licensed business entity continues in effect after the change in ownership; or

(C) an application for a new license along with a new bond or other security and proof that the education requirements of §1201.113 of the Standards Act, have been met.

(c) Education.

(1) The Standards Act requirement for an initial eight (8) hour course of instruction in the law, including instruction in consumer protection regulations; four (4) hour retailer education course; and/or four (4) hour installer education course shall be offered quarterly by the Department. Subject to limitations on Department resources, the Department will make special licensing classes available upon written request.

(2) Each test to be administered in connection with the course(s) will consist of a representative selection of questions from an approved set of questions approved by the Director. The test(s) will be open-book. A score of 70% correct is required to pass each test.

(A) Cheating on the Manufactured Housing Division licensure examinations will not be tolerated. Evidence of cheating on an examination shall be a cause for disciplinary action. The executive director shall be informed of such instances of suspected cheating at the earliest possible opportunity and will determine appropriate action.

(B) If the executive director determines that an examinee cheated on the Manufactured Housing Division exam, an examinee may have exam results invalidated and may be barred from taking the Manufactured Housing Division examination in Texas for a period of up to two years. Any application for licensure pending or approved for examination may be denied and will be evaluated or re-evaluated on that basis. Any examination taken and passed while barred from taking an examination in Texas will not be acceptable for licensure purposes in Texas.

(C) A licensee or applicant suspected of cheating, or a licensee assisting others with cheating may be charged with violating §1201.551 of the Act and applicable Manufactured Housing Division rules, which may result in the denial, suspension, or revocation of their license.

(3) For initial licensing of a salesperson, if the salesperson does not attend and successfully complete the initial licensing class provided by the Department within 90 days after the date of licensure, the license will automatically be suspended until the salesperson has attended and successfully completed that class. While the license is in a suspended status the salesperson may not act as a manufactured housing salesperson.

(4) All related persons added to a retailer's license are required to take the initial eight (8) hour course of instruction in the law, including instruction in consumer protection regulations and the four (4) hour retailer education course prior to being added to the retailer's license.

(5) All related persons added to an installer's license are required to take the initial eight (8) hour course of instruction in the law, including instruction in consumer protection regulations and the four (4) hour installer education course prior to being added to the installer's license.

(6) All related persons added to a retailer/installer license or retailer/ installer/broker license are required to take the initial eight (8) hour course of instruction in the law, including instruction in consumer protection regulations; the four (4) hour retailer education course; and the four (4) hour installer education course prior to being added to the license.

(7) All related persons added to a manufacturer's license are required to take the initial eight (8) hour course of instruction in the law, including instruction in consumer protection regulations prior to being added to the manufacturer's license.

(8) All related persons added to a broker's license are required to take the initial eight (8) hour course of instruction in the law, including instruction in consumer protection regulations prior to being added to the broker's license.

(d) Continuing Education.

(1) Continuing education program courses must total eight (8) hours and shall include:

(A) Continuing education addressing the law and rules with a focus on any revisions to the Code or Rules within the preceding two years.

(B) Continuing education addressing the Department's current complaint resolution process.

(C) The following additional topics may be covered:

(i) installation requirements;

(ii) manufactured home financing;

(iii) operation of manufactured home parks and communities;

(iv) insurance requirements;

(v) industry best practices;

(vi) business ethics;

(vii) topical market statistics or trends; or

(viii) other subjects determined by the Department to relate directly to the lawful operation of a business subject to the Code.

(2) Acceptable evidence that the requirements of §1201.113(b) of the Standards Act have been satisfied by the license holder or their related person on record with the Department, would be a certificate, letter, or similar statement provided by the approved education provider indicating that the education program was timely completed. Such evidence may be submitted by fax, mail, e-mail, or in person. All related persons listed on a license are required to complete the eight (8) hours of continuing education required every two years.

(3) For license renewal, evidence of any required completion, with reference to license number, must be received by the Department before a license may be renewed.

(4) Approval of courses and providers. In order to be considered for approval by the Board to provide continuing education courses, including prospective continuing education courses in accordance with paragraph (5) of this subsection, a party wishing to be considered for such approval must submit an application, accompanied by the nonrefundable processing fee, and the following:

(A) A narrative overview of each course, describing subject matter to be covered;

(B) Brief biographies, including credentials of each instructor demonstrating in depth knowledge of the subject matter to be taught;

(C) A copy of any course materials to be used. If the course materials are deemed to be proprietary they should be placed in a separate envelope, marked confidential, and accompanied by a written statement as to why they should not be treated as open records. There is no assurance that such materials will ultimately be accorded any exemption from disclosure under the Open Records provisions of the Government Code;

(D) A schedule of any fees to be charged for each course;

(E) If completion of the continuing education program is limited to any particular group, a description of the limitation;

(F) As such information becomes available, an indication as to the locations, times, and dates for offerings; and

(G) Such other information as the Department may require.

(5) Prospective continuing education programs, including all portions of education courses, must be pre-approved by the board prior to the course being held or broadcast.

(6) Once the Department determines that a request for approval is complete, that request will be placed on the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board for consideration. The Department will provide the board with a written recommendation on each such request. The staff will advise the applicant of the board's action within ten (10) business days of the date of the board meeting, including a written statement as to any limitations, conditions, or other requirements imposed.

(A) Approvals shall be for a period not to exceed two years. The Department may, at no cost, attend or send a representative to attend any approved portion of the continuing education program to determine that the courses are being taught in accordance with the terms of approval.

(B) Should the two-year approval time for a continuing education provider expire in between regularly scheduled board meetings, the executive director may issue approval to continue providing services until the next board meeting upon receipt of the required renewal application, fee, and necessary documentation of education material.

(C) The Department may revoke or suspend approval of a continuing education program if the Department determines that any of the courses are not being taught in accordance with the terms of approval or that any of the courses are not being administered in accordance with the law or these rules. Any action to revoke or suspend such an approval is a contested matter under Chapter 2001, Government Code, and the party against whom revocation or suspension is sought may make a written request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If no such hearing is requested within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of notice from the Department, the Department order of suspension or revocation shall become final.

(e) License Application and Renewal.

(1) Initial Application Processing.

(A) It is the policy of the Department to issue the license within seven (7) business days after receipt of all required information and the following conditions have been met:

(i) all required forms are properly executed; and

(ii) all requirements of applicable statutes and this Chapter have been met.

(B) License applications and accompanying documents found to be incomplete or not properly executed shall be returned to the applicant with an explanation of the specific reason and what information is required to complete license.

(C) Upon request, the Department will disclose the license number assigned and the effective date for a license that has been approved but not yet delivered to the license holder.

(2) License Renewal Requirements. It is the responsibility of a license holder to renew the license prior to its expiration date.

(A) In order to prevent the expiration and lapse of a license, a complete application for license renewal must be received by the Department prior to the date on which the current license expires.

(B) If an application for license renewal is received by the Department after the date on which the current license expires, the license will not be issued without the required late fees identified in §1201.116(d) and (e) of the Standards Act.

(3) Payment of license fees.

(A) All required fees must be paid in order to obtain a valid license, including a renewal license, from the Department.

(B) Any license issued by the Department is void and of no effect if based upon a check or other form of payment that is later returned for insufficient funds, closed account, or other reason, regardless of whether the Department notifies the applicant of the insufficiency of payment or the invalidity of the license.

(C) It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all licensing fees are paid in valid U.S. funds.

(4) Fingerprints and Criminal History Check.

(A) License applicants must submit a complete and legible set of fingerprints to a vendor approved by the Department of Public Safety, for the purpose of a criminal background check, which will be provided to the Department.

(B) The license applicant shall be responsible for the cost.

(f) License Application or Renewal Denial.

(1) In the evaluation of an applicant for a license, the Director shall consider whether the applicant or any related person involved with the applicant has previously:

(A) been found in a final order to have participated in one or more violations of the Standards Act that served as grounds for the suspension or revocation of a license;

(B) been found to have engaged in activity subject to the Standards Act without possessing the required license;

(C) caused the Manufactured Homeowner Consumer Claims Program to incur unreimbursed payments or claims;

(D) failed to abide by the terms of a final order or agreed final order, including the payment of any assessed administrative penalties; or

(E) had any state license revoked for violations of a law or rule.

(2) If any of the preceding factors is present with respect to the applicant or any related person involved with the applicant, the director will further determine:

(A) whether all appropriate corrective action has been taken;

(B) whether the applicant has adopted policies and procedures or taken other appropriate measures to prevent recurrences; and

(C) whether additional conditions or limitations on the license would be appropriate.

(3) In determining whether an applicant should be issued a license if that applicant states in his/her application for said license that he/she has a criminal record, which may include a conviction, deferred adjudication, plead guilty, or nolo contendere for any felony or misdemeanor offense, other than a Class C Misdemeanor for traffic violations, within five (5) years preceding the date of the application, the Director shall consider the factors set out in Texas Occupations Code, §53.022:

(A) the nature and seriousness of the crime;

(B) the relationship of the crime to the intended manufactured housing business activity;

(C) the extent to which a license holder might engage in further criminal activity of the same or similar type as that in which the applicant previously had been involved;

(D) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the functions and responsibilities of the license holder's occupation or industry; and

(E) whether the offenses were defined as crimes of moral turpitude by statute or common law, from Class A misdemeanors to first, second, and third degree felonies carrying fines and/or imprisonment or both. Special emphasis shall be given to the crimes of robbery, burglary, theft, embezzlement, sexual assault, and conversion.

(4) In addition to the factors that may be considered in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Department, in determining the present fitness of a person who has a criminal record, may consider the following:

(A) the extended nature of the person's past criminal activity;

(B) the age of the person at the time of the commission of the crime;

(C) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last criminal record;

(D) the conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal record; and

(E) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or attempted rehabilitation effort while incarcerated or following release.

(5) The applicant shall furnish proof in any form, as may be required by the Department, that he/she has maintained a record of steady employment and has otherwise maintained a record of good conduct and has paid all outstanding court costs, supervision fees, fines, and restitution as may have been ordered in all criminal cases.

(6) If the Department suspends or revokes a valid license, or denies a person a license or the opportunity to be considered for a license in accordance with this subsection because of the person's prior criminal record and the relationship of the crime to the license, the Department shall:

(A) notify the person in writing stating reasons for the suspension, revocation, denial, or disqualification; and

(B) offer the person the opportunity for a hearing on the record. If the person does not request a hearing on the matter within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the Department's decision, the suspension, revocation, or denial becomes final.

(g) Exemption for Retailer's License Requirement.

(1) Application for Exemption of Retailer's License Requirement.

(A) A person requesting exemption from the Retailer's licensing requirement of §1201.101(b) of the Occupations Code, shall submit the required application outlining the circumstances under which they are requesting exemption from licensure.

(B) Applications should identify the HUD label or serial number(s):

(i) of up to 3 homes being sold under the exemption found in Tex. Occ. Code §1201.1025(a); or

(ii) of all homes sold under the exemption Tex. Occ. Code §1201.1025(a-1).

(C) Applications will be processed within seven (7) business days after receipt of all required information.

(2) The circumstances under which this exemption is granted are:

(A) One-time sale of up to three (3) manufactured homes in a 12-month period as personal property;

(B) Non-profit entity transferring ownership of up to three (3) manufactured homes in a 12-month period;

(C) No other manufactured homes have been purchased and resold in the previous twelve (12) months, even with a previous exemption; or

(D) All manufactured homes for sale or offered to be sold by the person are located in a manufactured home community, and for sale or offered for sale to the same purchaser in connection with a sale of the real property of the community.

(3) Letter of Exemption.

(A) Once granted, a Letter of Exemption from licensure will be issued by the Executive Director to the applicant.

(B) Letter of Exemption is valid only for the manufactured home(s) specified.

(C) Letter of Exemption is valid only for twelve (12) months.

(D) The homes may not be sold until the Letter of Exemption is granted.

Source Note: The provisions of this §80.41 adopted to be effective March 25, 2012, 37 TexReg 1307; amended to be effective November 25, 2012, 37 TexReg 8507; amended to be effective November 23, 2014, 39 TexReg 8386; amended to be effective May 15, 2016, 41 TexReg 2743; amended to be effective January 7, 2018, 42 TexReg 6921; amended to be effective December 8, 2019, 44 TexReg 6870; amended to be effective March 3, 2024, 49 TexReg 521