CONSUMER COMPENSATION

(a) Except as otherwise provided by Subchapter C, a payment made under the manufactured homeowner consumer claims program shall be paid directly to a consumer or, at the director's option, to a third party on behalf of a consumer to compensate a consumer who sustains actual damages resulting from an unsatisfied claim against a licensed manufacturer, retailer, broker, or installer if the unsatisfied claim results from a violation of: (1) this chapter; (2) a rule adopted by the director; (3) the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section 5401 et seq.); (4) a rule or regulation of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or (5) Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce Code. (b) The department is not liable to the consumer if the manufactured homeowner consumer claims program does not have the money necessary to pay the actual damages determined to be payable. The director shall record the date and time of receipt of each verified complaint and, as money becomes available, pay the consumer whose claim is the earliest by date and time to have been found to be verified and properly payable.