Pass-Through Utility Charges in Maine Mobile Home Parks

If you rent a lot in a Maine mobile home park, you may have questions about utility charges — especially when it comes to "pass-through" costs. Understanding your rights under the law helps you ensure park owners are billing you fairly, while also knowing what is allowed. This guide explains what Maine law says about utility billing in mobile home parks and what you can do if you have concerns.

Utility Charges in Maine Mobile Home Parks: What Are Pass-Through Utilities?

“Pass-through utilities” means utilities (like water, sewer, electricity, or gas) that are separately metered or submetered, and park owners bill tenants only for what they actually use — not a flat or estimated fee. This is different than a situation where utilities are bundled into the rent at a pre-set amount.

Can Park Owners Charge Pass-Through Utilities?

In Maine, mobile home park owners can charge tenants for utilities on a pass-through basis if the utilities are individually metered or submetered. However, there are legal protections and requirements:

• The charges must reflect the true cost the park owner pays to the utility provider. Owners cannot add extra “service charges” unless specifically allowed by contract or law.
• The method for calculating pass-through utility charges must be explained in writing to the tenant. This is usually in your lease or rental agreement.
• Any change in the way utilities are billed (for example, moving from included utilities to pass-through billing) is considered a "substantial modification" to your lease, and the owner must follow formal notice procedures.^[1]

Notice Requirements for Changes to Utilities or Bills

Under Maine’s mobile home park laws, park owners who wish to change the method or amount of utility charges must give proper written notice:

• At least 30 days’ advance written notice is required for any proposed change to rental terms — including utility charges.^[2]
• For any rent increase (including utilities), the park owner must comply with the notice requirements found in Maine law and may only increase charges once in a 12-month period.

Relevant Legislation Covering Pass-Through Utility Charges

The Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Section 9094 covers rent and utility changes in manufactured housing communities. This section provides protections around fees, utility pass-throughs, and notice requirements. Read the full law for more details on your rights as a mobile home tenant.

How to Address Utility Charge Concerns in Your Park

If you have reason to dispute a utility charge or believe the park owner isn’t following Maine law:

• First, ask your landlord for a written breakdown of utility charges and the invoice from the utility company, if possible.
• If you suspect illegal charges or improper notice, you can contact the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or file a complaint with the Maine AG Consumer Complaints Office.
• If you need to formally dispute a charge or action, you may use official forms provided by the Maine Manufactured Housing Board (the state’s regulatory tribunal for these issues).

Key Official Forms for Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Manufactured Housing Complaint Form
  When and How to Use: File this form if you believe your park owner has violated laws regarding utility charges, notice, or other park regulations. For example, if you receive a utility bill with extra unauthorized fees or not enough notice, complete this form and submit it to the Maine Manufactured Housing Board.
  View or download the Manufactured Housing Complaint Form
• Residential Lease Agreement (not a formal government form, but legally required)
  When and How to Use: Your signed lease should spell out how utilities are billed. If you need to review or negotiate terms, always ask for a written copy and keep it for your records.

Dispute Resolution and Oversight: Maine Manufactured Housing Board

The official state tribunal for mobile home and manufactured housing disputes is the Maine Manufactured Housing Board. The Board is responsible for handling complaints about overcharges, improper notice, and other park-owner conduct under Maine law.

The Board can review your complaint, order corrective action, or schedule a hearing if a formal dispute arises.

1. Are there limits on how much park owners can charge for utilities?
   Maine law states that tenants can only be charged for the actual cost of their utilities, plus any allowed fees. If pass-through billing is used, charges should reflect what the owner pays the utility provider, not extra profit.^[1]
2. Do I have to pay a utility bill if I didn’t get proper notice of the new charge?
   If your lease was changed without at least 30 days’ written notice, or billing methods changed without consent, you may have grounds to dispute those charges. Seek assistance from the Maine Manufactured Housing Board if this happens.
3. What do I do if the utility charge seems unfairly high?
   Request an itemized bill and copies of the park owner’s utility invoices. If the charges still seem excessive or unclear, file a complaint with the Manufactured Housing Board.
4. Can the park make me pay a flat fee instead of actual usage?
   Unless your lease or Maine law allows it, park owners cannot force a flat fee if utilities are individually metered or submetered. Charges should be based on your real usage.
5. Who can help if my park owner isn’t following the law?
   You can contact the Maine Manufactured Housing Board for dispute resolution, or file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Key Takeaways for Maine Mobile Home Renters

• Park owners can charge pass-through utilities, but only if the fees reflect the actual direct cost and are properly explained.
• Notice is required for any change in utility billing or costs — typically at least 30 days in advance in writing.
• If you believe charges are unfair or the rules are not being followed, use official forms and contact state agencies like the Manufactured Housing Board for help.

Review all notices, keep copies of bills, and seek clarification anytime your lease terms change regarding utilities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Manufactured Housing Board – Handles complaints, provides information, and oversees park regulations.
• Maine Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division – File complaints and learn more about your rights.
• MaineHousing – State housing agency with programs and resources for renters.
• Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Chapter 953 (Manufactured Housing) – Complete, up-to-date laws on mobile home park operations.

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1. Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Section 9094
2. Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Section 9097 (Notice Requirements)

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