Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in Missouri

Many Missouri residents choose mobile or manufactured homes for their affordability and flexibility. If you rent space in a mobile home park, it's important to understand what a mobile home lot fee is, how much these fees typically cost in Missouri, and your rights as a renter under state law. Here, we break down the essentials, including applicable forms, legislation, and where to turn for help.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee, sometimes called lot rent or space rent, is the monthly charge you pay to occupy a plot in a mobile home park. This fee typically covers the land your home sits on and may include basic utilities or maintenance of common areas. However, it generally does not include the cost of your mobile or manufactured home itself.

What Does a Lot Fee Typically Cover in Missouri?

Missouri law does not require lot fees to include any particular services. In most parks, your lot fee may cover:

• Use of the land your home sits on
• Maintenance of park roads and common areas
• Water, sewer, or trash pickup (only if specified in your lease)
• Park amenities like laundry, clubhouse, or recreation areas (if available)

Always check your lease agreement closely to find out exactly what is included in your monthly payment.

How Much Are Mobile Home Lot Fees in Missouri?

Lot fees vary widely across Missouri, with monthly charges typically ranging from $250 to $500 depending on the location, park amenities, and whether utilities are included. There is currently no state law that sets a maximum lot fee. Increases are usually subject to the terms outlined in your lease agreement and must comply with state landlord-tenant law, including proper notice periods.

Your Rights When Renting a Lot in Missouri

Missouri provides legal protections for tenants renting lots in mobile home parks under the Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act and the broader Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law¹.

• Written Lease: You have the right to a written lease outlining lot rent, services, and park rules.
• Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before a lot rent increase².
• Eviction Protections: Park owners must follow legal procedures for eviction—typically requiring a valid reason ("just cause"), such as nonpayment of fees or violation of park rules.
• Utility and Service Disruptions: Landlords cannot shut off essential services as a form of retaliation.

Key Forms for Missouri Mobile Home Renters

• Missouri Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form 441.060): This official form is used by either the landlord or tenant to end a tenancy. Tenants typically use it when they wish to leave the mobile home park. For example, if you plan to move your home out of the park, you would complete this form and deliver it per the notice period in your lease. See official form and statute.
• Complaint Form – Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection: If you face unfair housing practices or fee disputes with the park manager or owner, you can submit a consumer complaint online through the Attorney General’s website. This is commonly used if you’ve unsuccessfully tried to resolve the issue directly. Submit a complaint online.

How to Respond to a Lot Fee Increase

If you receive a notice that your lot fee is increasing, here’s what you should do:

• Review your lease agreement and Missouri’s 60-day notice requirement.
• Check that the increase complies with your contract and the law.
• Contact your landlord in writing if you believe the increase is invalid or if proper notice wasn’t given.
• If unresolved, seek help from the Missouri Attorney General’s office or local tenant advocacy groups. In urgent situations, you may also contact the Missouri Judiciary’s civil court system.

Useful Missouri Tribunals and Agencies

The Missouri Courts (Judiciary) handle disputes related to evictions, rent payments, and landlord-tenant disagreements for manufactured housing and mobile home parks. Small claims courts are often a helpful venue for addressing unresolved disputes.

FAQ: Missouri Mobile Home Lot Fees and Rights

1. What does my Missouri mobile home lot fee include?
   It usually covers your use of park land, basic maintenance, and sometimes utilities or shared amenities. Check your lease for details.
2. How much notice must a landlord give for a fee increase?
   Missouri law requires a minimum of 60 days’ written notice for any lot rent increase in a mobile home park.
3. Can I be evicted for not paying a lot fee?
   Yes. If you do not pay your fee, your landlord must follow state eviction laws. You still have the right to proper notice and due process.
4. What should I do if fees rise too quickly or unfairly?
   Write to your landlord for clarification. If that does not resolve the issue, file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General or seek legal help.
5. Where can I get help with a dispute?
   Contact the Missouri Attorney General, local legal aid, or your nearest county courthouse for support with lot fee disputes or other mobile home issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Missouri Mobile Home Renters

• Mobile home lot fees in Missouri cover your land use; amounts can vary and require 60-day notice before increases.
• Your rights are protected by Missouri statutes—always ask for a written lease and keep copies of notices or communications.
• When in doubt, contact official agencies or submit complaints using state-approved tools.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Attorney General – Consumer Protection (file complaints, request mediation, and get information)
• Missouri Judiciary (for small claims cases, eviction hearings, or disputes)
• Legal Services of Missouri (free or low-cost legal aid for housing issues)
• Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act (full statute text)

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1. For full legislative details, see the Missouri Mobile Home Park Landlord-Tenant Act (700.010–700.115) and Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law.
2. Notice requirements: Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 441.005.

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