Pass-Through Utility Charges in Louisiana Mobile Home Parks

If you rent a mobile home lot or live in a manufactured housing community in Louisiana, it is common to wonder about utility charges passed along by the park management. Understanding pass-through utilities and your rights is important, especially with rising costs and changing regulations.

What Are Pass-Through Utilities?

Pass-through utilities are charges for services like electricity, water, sewer, or gas that the park owner pays to a utility provider and then bills directly to renters. This is common in mobile home parks where utilities may be master-metered in the park’s name and then allocated to residents based on usage, lot size, or a fixed rate.

Laws on Pass-Through Utility Charges in Louisiana

In Louisiana, regulations on how mobile home park landlords charge for utilities are mainly governed by contract (your lease or rental agreement) and general consumer protection laws. There is no specific statute prohibiting pass-through utility charges, but certain requirements apply:

• Disclosure: The lease must state who is responsible for paying utilities and the method of calculation.
• Fairness: Charges must not exceed the actual cost from the utility provider unless otherwise agreed.
• Written Notice: Any changes to utility charges generally require written notice, as outlined in your lease or under Louisiana Civil Code.

For more, see the Louisiana Civil Code Articles on Lease Law.^[1]

Are Master Metered Utility Bills Allowed?

It is legal in Louisiana for a park to have a single master meter and then bill residents individually. The park must use a clear, transparent method to allocate costs. This should be described in your lease agreement.

Common Pass-Through Utilities

• Water and Sewer
• Electricity
• Gas (Propane, Natural Gas)
• Trash and Sanitation

Key Renter Rights and Steps

If you are concerned about or disagree with a utility charge:

• Request a breakdown of utility bills and the calculation method from your landlord.
• Review your lease agreement for any clauses on utilities or service charges.
• Request in writing that any errors or unexplained charges be clarified.
• If you believe the park is overcharging, you can contact the Louisiana Public Service Commission or file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.

Official Forms and Where to File a Complaint

• Louisiana Public Service Commission Utility Complaint Form
  When to use: If you suspect your utility charges are unfair or not in accordance with state rules.
  How: Fill out and submit the LPSC Utility Complaint Form online or by mail.
• Louisiana Consumer Protection Complaint Form
  When to use: For unfair billing or landlord disputes over utilities.
  How: The form can be accessed on the Attorney General’s official website.

Tribunal for Disputes: Residential rental disputes—including those in manufactured housing—are generally handled by Louisiana District Courts. Tenants may also contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for certain park maintenance issues.

Relevant Louisiana Legislation

• Louisiana Civil Code: Lease Law
• Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Statute

FAQ: Pass-Through Utilities in Louisiana Mobile Home Parks

1. Can my mobile home park charge me for utilities separately from rent?
   Yes, as long as your lease states how these utilities will be billed. Charges must reflect actual costs or the agreed calculation method.
   
2. Do I have to pay for utilities if they're in the park's name?
   Usually yes, if your lease requires it. Ask for billing details and the breakdown if you’re unsure.
   
3. What can I do if I think I’m being overcharged?
   Request a written explanation from your landlord. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Louisiana Public Service Commission or Attorney General.
   
4. Does the law limit how much the park can charge for utilities?
   There are no set limits, but landlords can only charge what is reasonable based on the utility provider’s actual bill—unless another method is agreed in your lease.
   

Summary: What Louisiana Mobile Home Renters Should Know

• Louisiana allows mobile home parks to pass through utility costs if disclosed in the lease.
• Always ask for a copy of the utility breakdown and check the fairness of the charges.
• If you have concerns, you can file a formal complaint using the state’s official complaint forms.

In doubt, read your lease and contact a Louisiana agency for clear guidance and fair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Public Service Commission Utility Complaints
• Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection
• Louisiana District Courts Official Website
• Louisiana Housing Corporation – Renters Resources

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1. Louisiana Civil Code Articles on Lease Law [La. Civ. Code arts. 2668–2729]
2. Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Statute [La. R.S. § 9:3251 et seq.]

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