Can Mobile Home Parks Pass Through Utility Costs in Mississippi?

If you rent a lot or a manufactured home in Mississippi, understanding whether your park can charge you separately for utilities—also known as pass-through utilities—is important. This article explains what Mississippi law says about utility charges in mobile home parks, how billing should work, which protections you have, and the official steps you can take if you have a dispute.

Understanding Pass-Through Utilities in Mobile Home Parks

"Pass-through utilities" typically means you receive a separate bill for utilities like water, sewer, electricity, or gas—directly or indirectly—from your park, on top of rent. In Mississippi, whether and how a park can charge for these utilities depends on:

• Your lease or rental agreement
• The billing arrangement between the park and utility companies
• Relevant state and local regulations

Always check your lease first. Mississippi law requires that utility charges be clearly outlined in your rental agreement. If not clearly stated, you have the right to ask for clarification or documentation from your park management.

What Does Mississippi Law Say About Utility Charges?

Currently, Mississippi does not have a separate statute specifically governing utilities in mobile home parks. However, general landlord-tenant law applies, as outlined in the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] This law requires that:

• Any fees, rents, or charges—including utility costs—must be disclosed in writing in your lease.
• Landlords or park managers cannot change utility billing practices or rates without proper advance notice.
• “Unreasonable” or excessive fees may be challenged if they go against the lease terms.

If the park buys utilities in bulk and resells them to you, the amount charged should reflect only your actual usage, plus any reasonable administrative fees listed in your agreement. Seek clarification in writing if your bill seems unclear or higher than expected.

How Utility Billing Should Be Handled

• You have the right to see billing calculations, especially if you are expected to pay based on individual or submetered usage.
• If your utilities are not separately metered, the law expects costs (where allowed) to be allocated fairly and explained clearly.
• If a charge seems unjustified, you should request written clarification.
• Landlords must not disconnect utilities as a form of retaliation or to force you out (self-help eviction).

For more details, see Mississippi’s laws regarding landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities from the Mississippi Bar.

Action Steps if You Dispute a Utility Charge

• Request a written explanation or itemized bill from your park manager.
• Check your lease to confirm what kinds of utility charges are allowed.
• If the dispute continues, you may submit a complaint to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or seek mediation through the relevant city or county authorities.
• If utilities are unlawfully disconnected, contact local authorities or the Mississippi Public Service Commission immediately.

Official Forms for Utility and Tenant Disputes

• Mississippi Consumer Complaint Form
  Download the official form here.
  Use this form if you have a dispute about utility charges that can't be resolved directly with your landlord or park owner. For example, if your park is overbilling or disconnecting utilities illegally, fill out and submit this form to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

For general landlord-tenant disputes—including issues around charges, evictions, or repairs—Mississippi does not have a dedicated housing tribunal. Such cases are usually handled by the Justice Court or County Court in your area. Find your local court using the Mississippi Judiciary’s Justice Court directory.

FAQ: Pass-Through Utility Charges in Mississippi Mobile Home Parks

1. Can my mobile home park change how utilities are billed without notice?
   Landlords and park managers must provide advance notice before changing utility billing practices, as required by the lease and Mississippi law.
2. Am I required to pay utility charges not listed in my lease?
   No. Only charges or fees specifically listed in your written lease agreement can be enforced.
3. What should I do if my utilities are disconnected by the park?
   Contact your local authorities and the Mississippi Public Service Commission immediately, as landlords cannot legally disconnect utilities to force tenants out.
4. Can the park add "administrative fees" for utility billing?
   Administrative fees are only allowed if clearly disclosed in your lease; they cannot be excessive or unfair.
5. Which official agency handles mobile home park and utility disputes in Mississippi?
   Most disputes are handled in local courts (Justice or County Courts) or through the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for unfair practices.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Utility charges must be clearly stated in your lease and billed fairly.
• You have the right to request itemized utility bills and documentation.
• Use the Consumer Complaint Form if you face unfair utility practices that you cannot resolve with your park.

Understanding your rights with utilities helps protect you from unfair charges and ensures stable services in your mobile home park.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – File complaints about unfair utility or park practices.
• Mississippi Justice Court Directory – Find your local court for landlord-tenant disputes.
• Mississippi Bar Landlord-Tenant Law Guide – Learn more about your basic rights as a renter.
• Mississippi Public Service Commission – Report utility disconnections or issues with utility providers.

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8, Mississippi Code Annotated)

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