Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in Maine

If you live in a manufactured housing community (also called a mobile home park) in Maine, you may have questions about what a lot fee is, what it typically costs, and what your rights are as a renter. Understanding these fees can help you budget confidently, respond to rent increases properly, and know where to turn if you need help navigating your rental situation in Maine.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee is the amount you pay for renting the space—called a "lot"—where your manufactured or mobile home sits. This is different from rent you might pay for an apartment or a house, because you may own your mobile home but still rent the land underneath it.

• This fee usually covers the right to keep your home in the park and use its utilities and amenities.
• In some cases, water, sewer, trash, or road maintenance may be included.
• It's important to check your rental agreement for a detailed list of what's covered by your lot fee.

Typical Lot Fee Costs in Maine

Lot fees can vary across Maine, depending on the community, location, and included services. According to recent data from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry:

• Lot fees often range from $300 to $500 per month, but can be higher or lower.
• These rates can change yearly, especially if the park faces increased utility or maintenance costs.
• Any increase in your lot fee must comply with state notice requirements, discussed below.

Your Rights Regarding Lot Fee Increases

Maine's manufactured housing law sets certain protections for renters:

• Your landlord must give you at least 30 days' advance written notice before increasing the lot fee.
• This notice must be delivered to you personally or sent by mail.
• Lot fee increase rules are governed by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 953 - Manufactured Housing Community Law.¹

What Your Mobile Home Lot Fee Covers

Exactly what is included in your lot fee depends on your rental agreement and the park's policies. In Maine, most lot fees cover:

• The right to use and occupy a specific lot in the community
• Access to roads and common areas
• Basic maintenance of the park's infrastructure

Some parks also include trash removal, water, and sewer in the lot fee, while others bill these separately. Be sure to review your lease or ask your landlord to clarify.

Official Forms for Maine Mobile Home Park Renters

It’s important to use the correct forms if you want to address lot fee disputes, provide notice, or seek mediation:

• Form Name: Summary of Park Rules Disclosure (No official form number)
  When/How Used: Park owners must provide this disclosure to all renters at the beginning of their tenancy. It summarizes your rights and the community's rules.
  Download from the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection
• Form Name: Complaint Form (Manufactured Housing Board)
  When/How Used: Used if you need to file a formal complaint about park conditions, fee disputes, or rule violations.
  File a complaint (Maine Manufactured Housing Board)

These forms help ensure that your concerns are officially recorded and processed.

How Can Renters Respond to Unfair Lot Fees or Increases?

If you believe a lot fee increase is unfair or was not properly noticed, you have a few options under Maine law:

• Contact your landlord or management in writing to ask for clarification or dispute the increase.
• Consider seeking mediation through the Maine Manufactured Housing Board—the official body for manufactured housing issues in Maine.²
• If informal resolution fails, submit a formal complaint using the Complaint Form listed above.

Tip: Never withhold payment of your lot fee without first seeking legal guidance—nonpayment could risk eviction under state law.

Relevant Legislation for Maine Mobile Home Lot Fees

The primary legislation covering your rights and obligations is the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 953 (Manufactured Housing Community Law). This law covers:

• Notices for lot fee increases
• Rental agreements and disclosures
• Eviction protections and procedures

Official enforcement and dispute resolution are handled by the Maine Manufactured Housing Board.

FAQ: Maine Mobile Home Lot Fees and Your Rights

1. What happens if I can't pay my lot fee on time?
   If you miss a lot fee payment, your landlord is required to follow Maine eviction laws. They must provide you with a written notice before starting eviction. Contact your park manager immediately to discuss payment options and avoid legal trouble.
2. Can my landlord raise the lot fee at any time?
   No, your landlord must give you at least 30 days' written notice of any increase, as required by Maine law.
3. Does the lot fee include utilities?
   It depends on your lease. Some parks include utilities in the lot fee, while others bill separately for water, sewer, or trash. Check your rental agreement for details.
4. What should I do if I dispute a lot fee increase?
   Start by discussing the issue with your landlord. If you can't resolve it, consider mediation or file a complaint with the Maine Manufactured Housing Board.
5. Who can help me if I have a problem with my landlord or the park?
   You can contact the Maine Manufactured Housing Board or the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection for assistance with manufactured housing issues in Maine.

Key Takeaways for Maine Mobile Home Renters

• Lot fees cover your right to keep your home on park land—always check your lease for what's included.
• Landlords must give 30 days' written notice before any fee increase.
• For disputes, seek help from the Maine Manufactured Housing Board using official forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Manufactured Housing Board – Official tribunal for park disputes, complaints, and mediation.
• Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection: Manufactured Housing Resources – For forms, consumer protection, and informational guides.
• General legal questions: Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free legal help for Maine renters (including mobile home tenants).

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1. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 953 – Manufactured Housing Community Law
2. Maine Manufactured Housing Board – Official Tribunal

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