This bill aims to enhance consumer protection regarding manufactured homes in West Virginia by establishing a new article in the state code that outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers concerning express warranties. It mandates that manufacturers must fulfill their warranty obligations and bear the costs associated with repairs or replacements of manufactured homes that do not conform to these warranties. The bill also specifies that any agreements transferring these responsibilities to dealers are void and unenforceable, reinforcing the manufacturer's accountability. Additionally, it defines key terms such as "consumer," "dealer," "defect," and "manufacturer's express warranty" to clarify the scope of the law.

Furthermore, the bill provides consumers with various remedies if their manufactured home has defects that substantially impair its use or market value. Consumers can seek refunds, damages for repairs, and compensation for loss of use, among other remedies. It also establishes a presumption of a reasonable number of repair attempts and extends warranty terms under certain conditions. The bill requires manufacturers to inform consumers about their rights regarding warranty claims and outlines a third-party dispute resolution process overseen by the Attorney General. Overall, this legislation aims to strengthen consumer rights and ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for the quality and performance of their products.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46A-6O-1, 46A-6O-2, 46A-6O-3, 46A-6O-4, 46A-6O-5, 46A-6O-6, 46A-6O-7, 46A-6O-8, 46A-6O-9, 46A-6O-10