Georgia Mobile Home Park Pass-Through Utility Rules Explained

If you’re renting space in a Georgia mobile home park, understanding how utility charges work is essential. Many renters wonder if park owners can charge tenants for utilities like water, gas, or electricity with added fees. This article explains what “pass-through utilities” mean in Georgia, the rules around these charges, and what renters should know about their rights and protections.

What Are Pass-Through Utilities?

Pass-through utilities are utility charges billed by the park owner or landlord to the resident, based on the amount of the service used. Typically, the landlord gets one bill (e.g., for water) and then charges tenants for their portion, instead of each home having a separate utility account.

Georgia Law on Utility Charges in Mobile Home Parks

Georgia law allows landlords to charge tenants for utilities, but there are legal requirements. Park owners:

• Can charge tenants for actual utility consumption, such as water, gas, or electricity, if provided in the lease.
• Must not add extra fees, surcharges, or ‘markups’ to the utility bill unless specifically stated in the rental agreement.
• Must provide a clear explanation of how charges are determined, especially if the utility is submetered or divided proportionately among tenants.

For more details, renters can review Georgia’s landlord-tenant rules under the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7).¹

Submetering and Utility Division

In some parks, homes have individual meters (submetering). Otherwise, utilities might be divided evenly among tenants, or based on each household's estimated use. Landlords must explain their method in your lease or a written policy.

If you feel your utility charges are unclear or unfair, you can request a written breakdown from the park owner. Clear, itemized billing is your right under Georgia law.

How to Address Disputes or Overcharges

It’s not uncommon for renters to question utility bills. If you disagree with charges, follow these steps:

• Ask your landlord for a written, itemized statement showing how your utility share was calculated.
• Review the utilities section in your written lease or rental agreement.
• If your concerns aren’t resolved, consider sending a written request for clarification (note: Georgia does not have a specific government-issued form for this; use a dated letter for your records).
• File a complaint or seek legal help if you believe charges are unfair, unclear, or violate your rental agreement.

The Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division is the main state office handling consumer complaints and tenant-landlord issues.

Relevant Forms for Georgia Renters

• Consumer Complaint Form (Georgia Department of Law)
  Submit Consumer Complaint Online
  Use this form if you need to report an unresolved dispute about utility charges in your mobile home park. Example: A renter submits this after trying to resolve a billing problem with the landlord and receiving no response.

Which Tribunal Handles Georgia Rental Disputes?

Georgia does not have a separate residential tenancy board. Most disputes go to the local county Magistrate Court. You can find contact information at the Georgia courts directory.²

If you believe you’re being overcharged for utilities, gather copies of your lease, recent bills, and any communication with the park owner. Having complete records helps if you need to file a complaint or seek legal advice.

FAQ: Pass-Through Utilities in Georgia Mobile Home Parks

1. Can my landlord charge me more than the actual cost of utilities?
   Generally, landlords cannot add extra fees or markups to utility charges unless it’s clearly stated in your lease.
2. What should I do if I think my utility charges are incorrect?
   Request a written breakdown from your landlord first. If it’s not resolved, consider filing a complaint with the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division.
3. Who do I contact about utility billing disputes in a mobile home park?
   Start with the park owner, then the Georgia Department of Law if you need help. In some cases, you can take the matter to your county Magistrate Court.
4. Can the park owner disconnect my utilities for non-payment?
   No, Georgia law requires proper written notice and due process before any shutoff. Sudden disconnection is illegal in most situations.

Conclusion: What Georgia Mobile Home Renters Should Remember

• Georgia law allows pass-through utilities but protects renters from unfair markups or unclear billing.
• Review your lease for all utility charge details and request explanations if charges aren’t clear.
• Official government help is available if you face ongoing issues with your landlord regarding utilities.

By understanding your rights and what steps to take, you can protect yourself from unexpected or unfair utility costs in your mobile home park.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Department of Law – Consumer Protection Division (file a complaint about utility billing or tenant rights)
• Georgia Magistrate Court Directory (find your local court for rental disputes)
• Georgia Legal Services Program (free legal help for eligible tenants)

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1. Georgia Landlord and Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7)
2. Official Georgia Courts Directory

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