Pass-Through Utility Charges in Missouri Mobile Home Parks

Many renters in Missouri mobile home and manufactured housing parks are concerned about pass-through utility charges—fees that cover utilities like water, sewer, or trash billed by the park to residents. Understanding how these charges are regulated, and what rights you have, is important for a fair rental experience.

Understanding Pass-Through Utility Charges

Pass-through utilities refer to the practice of a mobile home park owner billing tenants for actual utility costs, either individually metered or allocated among units. Missouri law does not set detailed regulations specifically for utility pass-through in mobile home parks. However, basic rules from state landlord-tenant laws and the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) still apply.

What Does Missouri Law Say?

• No Statewide Cap on Charges: Missouri does not have a law limiting how much a landlord can charge as a utility pass-through, unless local ordinances restrict specific fees.
• Requirement for Written Leases: Any utility charges must be spelled out clearly in your rental or lot lease agreement.
• Transparency: Landlords must explain how your charges are calculated if utilities are not individually metered. Always request a written breakdown if fees seem unclear.
• Allocation Methods: Charges might be based on submeter readings, occupancy, or unit square footage when separate utility meters are not installed.

If you ever feel utility pass-through fees are unfair or excessive, you may contact the Missouri Attorney General's office or file a complaint with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates utility providers.

Your Rights and Best Practices

Missouri renters have the right to:

• Receive a copy of the lease that details all charges, including utilities
• Request an itemized utility bill if one isn't provided
• Dispute charges you believe are inaccurate or do not reflect your usage
• File a complaint to the appropriate regulatory body if utilities are used as a way to unfairly increase rent

Missouri Official Forms for Utility and Lease Concerns

• Consumer Complaint Form (Missouri Public Service Commission)
  When to use: If you have a dispute regarding regulated utility charges (like electricity or water billed by a utility company, not just the landlord), you can file a complaint here.
  Missouri PSC Consumer Complaint Form.
• Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form (Attorney General)
  When to use: If you believe the landlord is violating the lease by overcharging or misrepresenting utility costs, or refusing to supply required disclosures.
  Missouri Attorney General Tenant Complaint.

To use these forms, gather all supporting documents (leases, utility bills, written communication) and submit online or by mail as directed on the official site.

Where Can You Get Help With Disputes?

The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) is the main tribunal overseeing regulated utility matters for renters. While PSC can help with water, sewer, or electric provided by utility companies, unregulated utilities billed directly by landlords fall under the authority of the Missouri Attorney General and local courts.

The relevant tenancy laws are primarily found in the Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441 – Landlord and Tenant and Chapter 700 – Manufactured Homes and Mobile Homes¹.

FAQ: Pass-Through Utilities in Missouri Mobile Home Parks

1. Can my landlord add utility fees to my rent without notice?
   If your lease does not mention utility pass-through charges, your landlord cannot add them unless you sign a new agreement specifying these fees.
2. What can I do if I believe the pass-through charge is unfair or not based on my usage?
   Request an itemized bill and a clear explanation. If the dispute isn’t resolved, file a complaint with the Missouri Public Service Commission or the state Attorney General.
3. Are there protections against utility shutoffs?
   Yes, for utilities provided by regulated companies, you are protected by rules from the Missouri PSC, which require notice before discontinuing service.
4. Does the PSC handle all mobile home park complaints?
   No, the PSC only handles disputes involving regulated utility providers. Lease and overcharge issues fall to the Missouri Attorney General or courts.
5. Is my landlord allowed to profit from reselling utilities?
   Missouri law does not specifically ban landlords from marking up utility costs unless local ordinances apply. Always ask for transparency and itemization.

Key Takeaways

• Renters in Missouri should receive full disclosure of all pass-through utility charges in their lease.
• Always request detailed billing and, if needed, use official complaint forms to resolve disputes.
• You may contact the Missouri PSC or Attorney General for help, depending on the nature of your utility or lease issue.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) – Utility service regulation and complaints
• Missouri Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Law & Complaints
• Missouri Housing Development Commission – Rental Assistance
• Missouri Landlord-Tenant Statutes

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441 – Landlord and Tenant; Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 700 – Manufactured Homes and Mobile Homes
2. Missouri Public Service Commission
3. Missouri Attorney General Tenant Resources

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