Pass-Through Utility Charges for DC Mobile Home Park Renters

If you live in a mobile home or manufactured housing community in the District of Columbia, you may wonder whether the park can charge you for pass-through utilities such as water, electricity, or gas. Understanding the rules for these charges is crucial to protecting your rights as a renter in DC.

What Are Pass-Through Utility Charges?

Pass-through utility charges refer to costs for services like electricity, water, or gas that your landlord or park owner passes directly to you, the resident, rather than including them in your rent. These may be billed at cost or with an added administrative fee.

Are Pass-Through Utilities Allowed in DC Mobile Home Parks?

In the District of Columbia, mobile home park owners may only pass through utility costs to residents if:

• A written lease agreement specifies this arrangement
• The amount charged does not exceed the utility company's bill for actual usage
• Charges comply with DC's Manufactured Housing Act

Park owners cannot bill residents more than what the utility company charges, nor can they introduce utility pass-through charges mid-lease without consent. Any increase or new fee must follow lease renewal rules and proper notice requirements established by DC law.

Your Rights and DC Rent Control Rules

The District of Columbia applies rent control and utility billing regulations through both the Manufactured Housing Act and Rental Housing Act of 1985. Many provisions protecting renters in apartments also apply to those in manufactured housing communities.

• Utility cost increases must be reasonable and detailed in writing
• Any separate utility charge may be treated like a rent increase for notice and challenge purposes
• Disputes over pass-throughs can be brought before the Rental Accommodation Division at the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Official Forms for Utility and Rent Disputes

Two official forms may help mobile home park residents:

• Tenant Petition Form (RAD Form 1)
  Use if you believe utility charges or rent increases are unlawful, or your lease terms are being violated.
  Example: You receive a sudden new utility bill without lease consent — you can petition the Rental Accommodation Division.
  Download Tenant Petition Form (RAD Form 1)
• Notice of Adjustment of General Rent Ceiling (RAD Form 8)
  Used by owners to notify renters of proposed increases. Not typically filled by tenants, but renters should receive this notice 30 days in advance.
  See Notice Form (RAD Form 8)

Filing a Tenant Petition is the main recourse for renters challenging new or increased pass-through utility costs.

How to File a Tenant Petition in DC

If you wish to challenge a utility pass-through, here are the steps:

• Download the Tenant Petition Form (RAD Form 1)
• Complete all sections about your tenancy, the nature of the dispute, and attach any utility bills or lease documents
• Submit the form to the Rental Accommodation Division at DHCD, online, by mail, or in person
• Wait to be contacted regarding a hearing; prepare copies of bills, your lease, and correspondence

This process can help you resolve disputes over unapproved or unreasonable utility charges from your mobile home park.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my mobile home park bill me separately for utilities in DC?
   Only if your lease specifies it, and you cannot be charged more than the utility company bills for your unit or lot.
2. What do I do if I get a utility bill I've never agreed to?
   You can dispute the charge in writing, negotiate with the park, or file a Tenant Petition with DHCD's Rental Accommodation Division.
3. How much notice must I get before a utility charge is added or increased?
   At least 30 days' written notice, and only at lease renewal unless you consent otherwise.
4. Is there a government board for rental disputes in DC?
   Yes, the Rental Accommodation Division (RAD) at DHCD processes petitions and oversees manufactured housing protections.
5. Where can I find DC's laws on mobile home parks and utilities?
   DC's Manufactured Housing Act and Rental Housing Act cover your rights and utility regulations.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for DC Mobile Home Park Renters

• Utility pass-through charges are legal only if agreed to in your written lease, billed at cost, and properly disclosed.
• Any change or increase requires written notice and compliance with DC law.
• You can file a petition with DC's Rental Accommodation Division if you face unapproved or excessive utility charges.

Knowing your rights gives you the confidence to address utility billing issues with your park owner or seek help if necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rental Accommodation Division (RAD) at DC DHCD
  Handles rent and utility charge disputes for mobile home parks: (202) 442-9505.
• Tenant Petition Form (RAD Form 1)
• DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA)
  Provides legal guidance and advocacy: (202) 719-6560.
• Review the full Manufactured Housing Act and Rental Housing Act for in-depth legal protections.

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1. DC Manufactured Housing Act (DC Official Code § 42–3201 et seq.), see full text
2. Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Official Code § 42–3501 et seq.), view statute
3. Rental Accommodation Division, DC Department of Housing and Community Development, official RAD page
4. Tenant Petition Form (RAD Form 1), download here

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