Colorado Park Utility Charges: Pass-Through Rules for Renters

Living in a mobile home park in Colorado brings unique questions about utility charges and your responsibilities as a renter. Many renters wonder if park owners can pass utility costs through to residents, and what protections the law provides. This article breaks down Colorado's rules on pass-through utilities for mobile home park residents and covers your rights, official complaint forms, and resources for support.

Understanding Pass-Through Utility Charges in Colorado Mobile Home Parks

Pass-through utility charges mean that the cost for things like water, sewer, gas, or electricity is billed directly to the resident by the park owner — often reflecting the park's own bills from the local utility provider. Colorado law sets specific requirements for this practice to protect tenants and ensure transparency.

Is Pass-Through Utility Billing Allowed?

• Yes, but only under Colorado law: Mobile Home Park Act (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-216).
• Park owners must bill residents only for the actual utility charges, without any markups or added fees for profit.
• Utility charges must be itemized and based on a method that is fair, accurate, and described in your written lease agreement.
• Any change in utility rate or how utilities are billed must be provided in writing at least 60 days before it takes effect.

In summary, while parks can charge pass-through utility fees, there are safeguards to prevent overcharging and ensure clarity.

What Does the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act Say?

• Park owners must provide copies of the utility rate or bill upon request.
• Residents have the right to challenge unexplained or excessive charges.
• If you believe you're being overcharged or billed incorrectly, you can file a formal complaint or request mediation.

The main governing legislation is the Mobile Home Park Act, which outlines your rights related to utility billing in Colorado mobile home parks.^[1]

How to Address Concerns About Pass-Through Utility Charges

If you think charges are unfair or not properly documented:

• Request a copy of the master utility bill and billing breakdown from your park owner or manager.
• Check your written lease for the methods and formulas described for dividing utility costs.
• If disputes persist, consider mediation or file a formal complaint with Colorado's official housing agency.

Official Forms for Filing a Complaint

• Mobile Home Park Dispute and Complaint Form (No specific number)
  • When to use: If you believe your park owner is overcharging, failing to provide utility bills, or not following the pass-through rules
  • How to use: Complete and submit the form online or by mail to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs: Mobile Home Park Oversight Program
  • Official source: Mobile Home Park Complaint Process
• Mediation Request Form
  • When to use: When you and the park management disagree on a utility billing issue and want to resolve it with a neutral third party
  • How to use: Request mediation through the resources on the Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program

Who Handles Disputes? The Tribunal for Colorado Renters

In Colorado, complaints related to mobile home park utility charges or disputes are handled by the Mobile Home Park Oversight Program (MPHOP) within the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

Relevant Colorado Tenancy Legislation

Your rights as a mobile home park resident are covered by the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-200.1 et seq.). It defines what is allowed regarding rent, utilities, and dispute resolution.^[1]

FAQ: Pass-Through Utility Charges for Colorado Renters

1. Can a Colorado mobile home park owner make a profit from utility pass-through charges?
   No. Under the Mobile Home Park Act, park owners can only charge residents for the actual, proportional cost of utilities. Markups or profit are not allowed.
2. What should I do if I'm charged too much for utilities?
   First, ask for an itemized bill and the master utility invoice. If it is not provided or you still believe there is a violation, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
3. Do park owners have to notify me before changing how utilities are billed?
   Yes. Written notice is required at least 60 days before any change to the rate or method of billing utilities is implemented.
4. Is submetering (individual meters) required in Colorado mobile home parks?
   No. Submetering is allowed but not required by law. If your park uses submeters, methods must be clearly explained in your lease.
5. Can I seek help if my park owner will not resolve a utility billing dispute?
   Yes. You may request state-run mediation or file a complaint with the official Mobile Home Park Oversight Program.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mobile Home Park Oversight Program (MPHOP) – Handles disputes, mediation, and complaints about park practices in Colorado
• Colorado Mobile Home Park Complaint Process – File utility billing complaints online or by mail
• Colorado Mediation Services for Park Residents – Free or low-cost mediation with park owners
• For legal aid: Visit Colorado Legal Services for free or low-cost assistance

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1. Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-200.1 et seq.)
2. Colorado Mobile Home Park Oversight Program

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