Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees in Maryland: Costs & Rights

Many Maryland residents live in mobile home parks, sometimes called manufactured home communities. If you rent a space (lot) in one of these parks for your mobile home, you may have questions about the costs, especially the mobile home lot fee, and what your rights are as a tenant. This guide explains typical fees, Maryland regulations, and where to turn for help if issues arise with your landlord or park management.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee (sometimes called a lot rent or ground rent) is the regular payment you make to the owner or manager of a mobile home park to rent the land where your mobile or manufactured home sits. In Maryland, this fee covers access to the lot, but usually does not include utility costs, taxes on your home, or maintenance of your actual mobile home structure.

What Does the Lot Fee Usually Cover?

• Exclusive use of your assigned lot in the park
• Access to shared park amenities (roads, community facilities, etc.)
• Certain property maintenance (like common area landscaping, snow removal in communal spaces)

Each park may include or exclude specific services. Always review your rental agreement to confirm what's included in your lot fee.

Average Lot Fees and Additional Costs in Maryland

Lot fees in Maryland vary significantly depending on location, size of the lot, and park amenities. Recent data from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development shows:

• Monthly lot fees typically range between $400 and $800
• Some parks require additional fees for water, sewer, trash, or amenities
• Utility payments may be paid directly by you or passed through from the park

Be sure to ask your landlord or park manager for a full list of all regular and potential one-time charges.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Lot Renter in Maryland

Maryland provides specific legal protections for renters in manufactured home communities through the Maryland Manufactured Homes Act (Maryland Code, Real Property §8A)¹. These rules cover your tenancy, notice periods for rent increases or termination, and prohibit unfair or retaliatory action by park owners.

How Much Notice for Lot Fee Increases?

• Landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice before raising your lot fee.
• This notice must state the new fee and the date it takes effect.
• You have the right to accept the new terms or choose to end your tenancy with proper notice.

Eviction Protections

You cannot be evicted simply for challenging a rent increase or asserting your rights. Evictions must follow specific legal processes outlined in the Manufactured Homes Act.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Failure to Pay Rent - Mobile Home Park (Form DC-CV-081): Used by landlords to request court action if a renter falls behind on lot fees. Renters may use this form for reference if they receive notice.
  Official form: Failure to Pay Rent - Mobile Home Park (DC-CV-081)
  Example: If you’re served with this form, review it carefully and respond as instructed; you may attend the court hearing to explain your side.
• Complaint Form - Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: For reporting unfair, deceptive, or retaliatory practices by a park owner or manager.
  Official form: Maryland Consumer Complaint Form
  Example: If you believe your lot fee was raised unlawfully or you are being harassed for asserting your rights, you can file this complaint online or by mail.

Where to Resolve Disputes

Mobile home lot fee disputes or eviction hearings are handled by the Maryland District Court. If you face eviction, you have the right to a court hearing and to present your case. For issues of unfair practices, contact the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

FAQ: Mobile Home Lot Fees in Maryland

1. Can my landlord raise my mobile home lot fee at any time?
   No. Your landlord must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing lot fees, as required by Maryland law.
2. What if I can’t afford a sudden lot rent increase?
   You can discuss your concerns with the landlord, seek mediation, or consult resources like Maryland Legal Aid. If you can’t agree, you may choose to give proper notice to leave the park.
3. Are utilities included in my lot fee?
   Usually, utilities are charged separately. Some parks include certain services in the lot fee, so check your agreement for details.
4. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice for unpaid lot rent?
   Don’t ignore it. Read the notice, gather your records, and attend any scheduled court hearing—you have the right to present your case.
5. Do I need to use a special form to complain about unfair lot fee increases?
   Yes. Maryland’s Consumer Protection Complaint Form can be used to report unfair lot fee practices to the Attorney General’s office.

Conclusion: What Maryland Mobile Home Renters Should Remember

• Your mobile home lot fee largely covers the land, not your utility costs.
• Lot fee increases require at least 60 days’ advance written notice under Maryland law.
• If you face a dispute or eviction threat, you have a right to a court hearing—don’t hesitate to seek legal help.

Stay informed of your rights and always keep copies of agreements and official notices for your records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Mobile Home Community Program
• Maryland District Court – Tenant/Landlord Resources
• Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (complaints and information)
• Maryland Legal Aid (free or low-cost legal support for renters)

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1. Maryland Manufactured Homes Act (MD Code, Real Property §8A)
2. Maryland Judiciary – Failure to Pay Rent (Mobile Home Park Form DC-CV-081)
3. Maryland Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Complaint Form

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