Pass-Through Utility Charges in Alaska Mobile Home Parks

If you rent a mobile home or a lot in a manufactured housing park in Alaska, utility billing can sometimes be confusing. Many renters want to know: can parks charge pass-through utilities in Alaska? Understanding your rights—and the rules parks must follow—can help you avoid unfair charges and take steps if you think your landlord is overcharging you.

What Are Pass-Through Utilities?

"Pass-through utilities" means when the landlord collects payments for utilities (like water, sewer, gas, or electricity) based on either your individual usage or a share of group usage. The cost is then "passed through" from the utility company to the tenant. In Alaska, these practices are regulated by Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 3: Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)^[1] and additional state utility rules.

Rules for Charging Utilities in Alaska Mobile Home Parks

• Disclosure: Your landlord must clearly state in your rental agreement which utilities you are responsible for and how charges are calculated.^[1]
• No Hidden Fees: Landlords can't add extra profit or surcharges beyond what the utility company actually charges. If you pay the park, the amount must reflect the true bill.
• Billing Transparency: You are entitled to see a copy of the utility bill if billed indirectly through the park.^[2]
• No Arbitrary Charges: Fees and shared costs must fairly relate to actual usage or units occupied, not arbitrary splits.

Under Alaska's landlord-tenant laws, your lease or rental agreement is the controlling document. If you pay the utility company directly, the park cannot add their own fees. If you pay the park, they must document how costs are shared and cannot profit from these charges.

What to Do if You Suspect Overcharging

If you think your landlord or park is adding extra fees or not providing proper billing:

• Request a written breakdown of charges and a copy of the original utility bill.
• Review your lease for specific language on utilities.
• Contact the Alaska Department of Law Consumer Protection Unit to file a complaint if necessary.

Key Forms for Alaska Mobile Home Park Renters

• Tenant Complaint Form (Consumer Protection)
  Consumer Complaint Form
  Use this form if you believe your landlord is violating utility billing laws or your rental agreement in Alaska. Submit to the Department of Law with copies of your bills and written requests.
• Notice of Termination or Rent Increase (No official number)
  Landlord/Tenant Notice Templates
  Refer to this resource for templates you can adapt to formally dispute illegal utility charges or lease terms.

Who Oversees Mobile Home Park Disputes in Alaska?

Formal disputes between landlords and tenants, including those involving mobile home parks and utility charges, are handled by the Alaska District Court (also called "Landlord-Tenant Court"). You can file an action if informal resolutions and complaints do not work.

For consumer complaints, the Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection Unit assists renters.

Relevant Legislation

• Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03)
• Landlord and Tenant Act: What it means to you

Your specific rights regarding utility passthroughs are mainly described throughout Alaska Statutes AS 34.03.090 and related sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord add extra fees on top of the utility bill in Alaska?
   No, landlords may only charge the amount for utilities actually paid to the provider—no markup is allowed under Alaska law.
2. What if my rental agreement does not mention utilities?
   If your lease is silent on utilities, you may not be legally responsible unless state law assigns specific utility responsibility to tenants or landlords. Clarify with your landlord and review Alaska Statutes for guidance.
3. How should mobile home park utilities be divided?
   Charges must be based on either metered usage or a fair split (for example, by occupancy), and the method must be clearly explained in your rental agreement.
4. Where can I file a complaint about unfair utility charges?
   You can file a complaint with the Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection Unit using their official complaint form.
5. Is there a limit to how much a park can charge me for utilities?
   The total must not exceed the amount paid to the utility company, divided fairly among tenants based on usage or agreement terms.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alaska Renters

• Alaska mobile home parks can only pass through actual utility costs—no surcharges are allowed.
• Your lease must clearly explain any utility responsibilities.
• If you believe you’re being overcharged, request documentation and know you have the right to file a complaint with the state.

Staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect yourself from utility billing problems in Alaska’s mobile home parks.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection Unit – for complaints and legal information
• Alaska Court System Self-Help Center – Landlord & Tenant Section
• Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03)

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1. Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 3 – Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; see especially Section 34.03.090
2. Landlord and Tenant Act: What it means to you (Alaska Department of Law, 2023 edition)

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