Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees in Hawaii

Renting a mobile home space in Hawaii involves more than just your monthly rent. If you’re a tenant in a manufactured housing community, you may encounter a mobile home lot fee. This fee covers the cost of leasing the land or lot where your mobile or manufactured home is placed. Knowing what is included and your legal protections in Hawaii can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

In Hawaii, a mobile home lot fee is the amount you pay to occupy a parcel of land within a mobile home or manufactured housing park. You pay this fee even if you own your home, but rent the land where it sits. The lot fee typically covers:

• The right to use the land for your mobile or manufactured home
• Utility access (sometimes separate or partially included)
• Shared amenities and upkeep (such as road maintenance, landscaping, or common areas)

This fee is separate from utilities or maintenance costs for your individual home, which can vary by park and landlord agreement.

Typical Costs of Mobile Home Lot Fees in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the nation's most expensive places to live, and mobile home lot fees reflect local market conditions, location, and park amenities. While fewer mobile and manufactured home parks exist compared to other states, lot fees generally range from $500 to $1,200 per month in popular or more urban locations. Some factors that may affect your cost:

• Park location, proximity to beaches or cities
• Security and park amenities (clubhouses, laundry, recreation areas)
• Lot size and level of privacy

Check your lease agreement and ask your landlord for a detailed breakdown of what the lot fee covers before signing.

Lot Fee Increases and Your Rights

In Hawaii, rent—including lot fees—may only be increased according to the terms in your lease. State law requires landlords to give written notice for any rent increase. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 521-21, at least 45 days’ advance written notice is required before any increase for month-to-month tenancies. For fixed-term leases, any lot fee increase must follow the schedule and conditions set out in your rental agreement.¹

If you believe a rent increase is not allowed under your lease or you do not get proper notice, you may have grounds for dispute. The Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant program can advise on your rights and responsibilities.

Key Forms Used By Renters for Lot Fees in Hawaii

• Notice of Rent Increase — No specific form required in Hawaii: Landlords must provide a written notice to increase rent. For example, if your mobile home lot fee is set to rise, your landlord must give you a letter (in writing) with at least 45 days’ notice for a month-to-month rental. If you receive such a letter and believe the increase is too high or not allowed, keep a copy for your records and use it if you seek mediation or report an issue.
• Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint (Office of Consumer Protection): If you wish to file a complaint about an illegal lot fee increase, you can use the Consumer Complaint Form provided by the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. This form is used to open a dispute with your landlord for various issues, including fee disputes. Download and submit via the official site.
• Request for Mediation (Mediation Centers of Hawaii): Mediation services are available for landlord-tenant disputes. Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary Self-Help Landlord-Tenant Resources for guidance on requesting mediation (no specific state-wide form number—contact your local center).

Always keep copies of notices, written agreements, and complaints submitted regarding your lot fee and tenancy.

Where to Get Help: Hawaii Tribunal and Legislation

In Hawaii, the official agency handling residential tenancy issues is the Residential Landlord-Tenant program within the Office of Consumer Protection. They provide mediation, answer questions, and investigate complaints. All rights and responsibilities are governed by the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Chapter 521).²

FAQ: Mobile Home Lot Fees and Your Rights in Hawaii

1. Can my landlord raise my mobile home lot fee at any time?
   Landlords must give at least 45 days’ written notice before increasing lot fees on month-to-month agreements. In fixed-term leases, increases can only happen as scheduled in your contract.
2. What should I do if I believe my lot fee increase is unfair or not allowed?
   Document the notice, review your lease, and contact the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant program. Consider filing a complaint or requesting mediation if needed.
3. Does the lot fee include utilities and maintenance?
   This depends on your lease agreement. Some lot fees cover shared utilities and park maintenance, while others bill separately. Always confirm before signing.
4. Where can I get official help if I have a dispute about my lot fee?
   You can contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection or request mediation through a local mediation center.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Mobile Home Renters

• Mobile home lot fees pay for the land and amenities where your home sits—costs and what’s included vary by park and agreement.
• Hawaii law requires written notice before raising lot fees, and the right steps if you need to dispute a change.
• Help is available from the Residential Landlord-Tenant program, mediation services, and official complaint forms.

Understanding your rights and carefully reviewing your lease is the best way to protect yourself as a renter in a mobile home park.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Program — Main tribunal for tenancy disputes and information.
• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code — Full text of HRS Chapter 521.
• Consumer Complaint Form — File an official housing complaint online.
• Hawaii State Judiciary Landlord-Tenant Self-Help — Info and local mediation contacts.
• Landlord-Tenant FAQs — Common questions answered by the State of Hawaii.

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1. HRS Section 521-21 — Hawaii rent increase notice laws
2. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Ch. 521)

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