Illinois Rules for Pass-Through Utility Charges in Mobile Home Parks

If you rent a lot in a mobile home park or manufactured housing community in Illinois, you may have questions about utility charges that are billed by your park owner or management. Understanding the law and your rights helps you avoid unwarranted charges and resolve billing disputes effectively.

Your Utility Rights in Illinois Mobile Home Parks

Park owners in Illinois often supply utilities—like water, sewer, gas, or electric—to renters. Sometimes, instead of having a direct account with the utility company, you may receive a bill from the landlord or park based on your actual usage, a shared meter, or a flat-rate arrangement. These are known as "pass-through" utility charges.

What Are Pass-Through Utilities?

Pass-through utilities means your landlord pays the utility provider and then charges you, the resident, separately. This is common in mobile home parks because lots may not have separate utility meters.

Illinois Law on Pass-Through Utility Charges

In Illinois, The Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act regulates the relationship between park owners and mobile home tenants¹. Landlords can charge for utilities as a separate fee, but there are important restrictions:

• The method of utility billing (individual meters, allocation, or flat fee) must be stated in your lease.
• Charges must be for actual utility costs only. Park owners cannot add extra fees or markups.
• Upon request, you have the right to review the utility bills from the provider for verification.
• If the park allocates charges (i.e., not metered individually), the method must be described in writing and be fair and reasonable.

If your lease agreement includes pass-through utility charges, review it to see the type of billing and your rights to dispute errors.

What Happens If You Dispute a Utility Charge?

If you believe the utility charges are unfair, excessive, or incorrectly calculated, you can:

• Request to see the park's original utility bill from the provider.
• Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for manufactured home complaints—especially for water, sewer, or habitability concerns.
• File a formal complaint in court if you believe the landlord is violating the law or your lease.

Forms for Illinois Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Mobile Home Park Complaint Form
  When to use: If your complaint involves health, sanitation, or habitability (like utility shutoffs or unsafe conditions), file this with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
  Download the Mobile Home Park Complaint Form
  Example: If sewer service is interrupted or billed incorrectly, attach proof, describe the utility issue, and submit the form as directed.
• General Complaint—Small Claims
  When to use: If seeking a refund or damages from incorrect utility charges, you may file a small claims complaint in your local county circuit court.
  Find General Complaint Forms at the Illinois Courts Website
  Example: Attach your lease, communication with the landlord, and bills showing the dispute, and file with the court clerk.

Where to Resolve Disputes

The Illinois Circuit Court system handles mobile home tenancy disputes, including those about utility charges².

Key Legislation Protecting Illinois Mobile Home Renters

• Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act (765 ILCS 745)

This law spells out landlord obligations around utility billing, lease terms, and fair practices for residents in mobile home parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my mobile home park in Illinois charge me extra fees on top of actual utility costs?
   No. Under state law, park owners can only recover the actual charges paid to the utility provider, not a profit or surcharge.
2. Do I have a right to see the original utility bill?
   Yes. You may request to inspect the park's utility bills from the provider if utilities are passed through to residents.
3. What if I don't have an individual utility meter?
   The park must disclose the method for allocating utility costs in your lease and ensure the process is fair and based on reasonable criteria.
4. Who should I contact if my utilities are incorrectly shut off?
   Start with your park owner or manager, then file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health for health/safety issues.
5. Which laws protect me as a renter in an Illinois mobile home park?
   The Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act provides the primary protections for rent, utilities, and park conditions.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Illinois Mobile Home Renters

• Park owners in Illinois can charge pass-through utilities only for actual costs, with no markups.
• Your lease should state how utilities are billed; you have the right to review original bills.
• If you believe you have been overcharged or utilities are unfairly managed, file a formal written complaint or contact IDPH for assistance.

Understanding your rights helps you navigate utility billing and avoid unfair charges in your Illinois mobile home park.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Department of Public Health – Manufactured Home Parks Unit (handles complaints about park health, sanitation, and utilities)
• Illinois Circuit Courts (official tribunal for mobile home tenancy disputes)
• Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act (Illinois Statute)
• Illinois Legal Assistance Providers (for free or low-cost legal services)

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1. Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act (765 ILCS 745)
2. Illinois Circuit Courts information – Residential Tenancy Disputes

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