Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in Arkansas

If you rent a space for your manufactured or mobile home in Arkansas, it’s important to understand what a mobile home lot fee is, what it typically covers, and your legal rights. This article breaks down the essentials of lot fees for mobile home communities in Arkansas so you can confidently manage your rental situation.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee, also called lot rent or pad rent, is the monthly payment renters make to the owner or manager of a mobile home park for leasing the space where their mobile or manufactured home sits. In Arkansas, this fee is separate from any mortgage or financing payments you make for your home itself.

What Does the Lot Fee Typically Cover?

The lot fee usually covers the right to occupy and use the land, plus some shared amenities and services. However, exactly what’s included can vary by community and must be spelled out in your lease agreement.

• Use of the designated lot for your home
• Access to park amenities (playgrounds, parking, laundry facilities, etc.)
• Basic maintenance of shared spaces
• Trash collection (in some parks)
• Water and sewer services (in some parks)

Your lease should clearly state any utilities or services that are included in your lot rent. If unsure, ask for a breakdown in writing before signing.

Typical Mobile Home Lot Fees in Arkansas

Lot fee amounts can vary widely in Arkansas depending on location, park amenities, and services provided. As of this year, most mobile home lot fees in Arkansas range from $200 to $450 per month, but prices in urban areas or higher-end communities may be higher.

Remember: Lot fees are separate from your home loan or rental payments if you are renting the mobile home itself.

How Are Lot Fees Regulated?

Arkansas does not have a statewide board or tribunal specifically for residential tenancies. However, mobile home park landlord-tenant relations are primarily governed by the Arkansas Manufactured Home Park Residency Act.^[1] This law covers topics like leases, rent increases, and eviction protections for mobile home park residents.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Before you sign a lease, it’s vital to read and understand your rights and responsibilities regarding lot fees:

• Lease Agreement: Your lease will state the lot fee amount, payment due dates, late fees, and what is included.
• Rent Increases: While there is no statewide rent control in Arkansas, park owners must give at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing your lot rent (unless your lease states otherwise).
• Maintenance: You are usually responsible for maintaining your own lot, while the park owner must keep common areas safe and maintained.
• Eviction: Nonpayment of lot rent can lead to eviction, but written notice is required. The process is detailed in state law and your lease.

Relevant Official Forms for Arkansas Mobile Home Renters

• Arkansas Notice to Quit (Form number varies) – Used if the park owner seeks to end your tenancy for nonpayment or another legal reason. You may receive this form if you do not pay your lot fee on time. More info and a template can be found at the Arkansas Judiciary Forms Library.
• Complaint for Unlawful Detainer – If an eviction proceeds to court, your landlord may file this complaint with the court. Details are available from the Arkansas Judiciary (see circuit court information).

If you receive official forms or eviction notices, respond promptly and seek help if you need it.

How to Respond to a Notice for Nonpayment

If you receive a Notice to Quit for unpaid lot fees, here’s a quick overview of your steps:

• Read the notice carefully for deadlines.
• Pay the full amount if possible before the deadline.
• Contact your landlord in writing if there is a dispute.
• Seek legal aid if you risk eviction and cannot pay.

FAQ: Arkansas Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Renters

1. What happens if I can't pay my lot fee on time?
   If you miss a payment, your landlord can begin the eviction process by giving you a written Notice to Quit. You may have a short time to pay and stay before court action is taken.
2. Are utilities included in my Arkansas lot fee?
   It depends on your lease agreement. Always check your contract to see which utilities, if any, are covered by the lot fee.
3. How much notice must my landlord give before raising my lot rent?
   Arkansas law requires at least 60 days’ written notice before any rent increase, unless your lease specifies a different notice period.
4. What can I do if my park owner does not maintain common areas?
   You should first notify the owner in writing. If the problem isn’t fixed, consider contacting Arkansas Legal Services for guidance.
5. Where do I file a complaint if I believe my rights are being violated?
   While Arkansas does not have a specific landlord-tenant board, you may address issues through local courts or seek assistance from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Mobile Home Renters

• Lot fees cover the land your home sits on and sometimes shared amenities or services.
• Always read your lease to know what is (and isn’t) included.
• Lot rent increases require written notice, and you have rights during any eviction process.

Understanding your obligations and the laws around lot fees in Arkansas helps ensure you are treated fairly and remain in good standing as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Attorney General’s Office – Landlord-Tenant Rights
• Legal Aid of Arkansas – Free legal help and information
• Arkansas Circuit Courts Directory – Where eviction cases are handled
• Arkansas Manufactured Home Park Residency Act (see official legislation)

---

1. Arkansas Manufactured Home Park Residency Act, Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 17
2. Arkansas Judiciary Forms Library
3. Legal Aid of Arkansas
4. Arkansas Attorney General – Landlord/Tenant Rights

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations