Can a Nebraska park owner charge me for utilities not mentioned in my lease?

No, Nebraska landlords may only require renters to pay for utilities if it is clearly outlined in the written rental agreement.

What should I do if I think my utility charges are too high?

Ask your landlord for itemized bills and a breakdown of charges, then, if not resolved, submit a complaint to Nebraska state agencies.

Does Nebraska law cap what I can be charged for utilities?

Only the actual cost billed by the utility provider can be passed through, with no extra administrative fees allowed.

Which court handles disputes over mobile home utilities?

The Nebraska County Court - Landlord Tenant Division hears disputes about rent, utilities, and other tenancy issues.

Am I responsible for park-wide repairs to utility lines?

Unless the lease states otherwise, the park owner is responsible for repairs to communal utility lines.

Nebraska Mobile Home Utility Pass-Through Laws Explained

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Nebraska published June 21, 2025

If you rent a mobile or manufactured home lot in Nebraska, you may be wondering whether the park owner can charge you directly for utilities like water, sewer, or electricity—also known as "pass-through" utilities. Navigating these rules is critical for renters who want to understand their monthly charges, avoid unfair billing, and know where to turn if concerns arise. Nebraska law provides clear guidance on how park owners must handle utility charges, and being informed helps you make decisions with greater confidence.

What Are Pass-Through Utility Charges?

Pass-through utilities refer to when a landlord or park owner charges a tenant for utility services (such as water, sewer, or trash) that are provided to the property, often based on usage or a split share of the bill, rather than as part of the regular rent. These charges can be itemized separately or included in the rent—state rules affect how this must be done.

When Can Nebraska Mobile Home Parks Charge for Utilities?

Under Nebraska law, manufactured home park owners can require tenants to pay for utilities as long as:

The obligation to pay utilities is clearly outlined in your written rental agreement.
Parks must provide actual bills or a written statement that shows how charges are calculated if the bill is split among tenants.
The landlord cannot arbitrarily add charges or inflate costs beyond what the utility company actually billed for the property.

This guidance comes from Section 76-1451 of the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which requires disclosure and transparency about how charges are set. You can read the official law directly within the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 76-1451.^[1]

Required Written Notice and Billing Practices

The written lease should clearly show:

Which utilities you (the renter) are responsible for
Whether these utilities will be billed to you directly by the utility company, or by the park as a pass-through charge
How your share of utility costs will be calculated (if the utility is split among tenants, it must be a reasonable and fair method)

Relevant Forms for Utility Billing Disputes

If you have a concern about how utility charges are calculated, or you believe you are being charged incorrectly, you can formally raise the issue with your landlord or—if unresolved—seek assistance through the housing authority or legal channels.

Nebraska Tenant Complaint Form
When to use: If you've discussed your utility billing concern with your landlord and did not receive a response or resolution, this complaint form can be filed with the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services.
Example: You receive a higher than expected water bill and the park owner does not provide documentation explaining the charge. You can submit the Tenant Complaint Form to trigger a state review.
File a Housing Complaint
Notice to Landlord of Utility Dispute (no set form; written notice is valid under state law)
When to use: Before escalating to state agencies, renters should notify the landlord in writing (letter or email) about the dispute related to utility charges. Clearly explain the concern and ask for itemized documentation.
Example: You notice your charges are based on a percentage that does not correspond to your home's size or occupancy. You write your landlord, requesting a breakdown of the calculation method and supporting documentation.

If ever in doubt, always request a written breakdown of your utility charges. Documentation helps protect your rights and provides a record if you need to escalate the issue.

How to Challenge Unfair Pass-Through Bills

If you suspect a pass-through utility fee is incorrect or unreasonable, take these steps:

Review your rental agreement to confirm what utilities you agreed to pay and how they are to be calculated.
Ask your landlord for copies of the original utility bill and the calculation for your share.
Send a written Notice of Dispute to your landlord if there are discrepancies.
If no resolution is reached, consider filing a complaint with the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, or consult the Nebraska County Court - Landlord Tenant Division (the tribunal that hears rental disagreements).

If mediation or court action becomes necessary, the Nebraska County Court system can review evidence and make an impartial decision.

Key Nebraska Law: The Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

All mobile home and manufactured housing tenancies in Nebraska are covered by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2] Section 76-1451 addresses utility billing and what must be included in your lease. This act is enforced in state County Court.

FAQ: Nebraska Mobile Home Utility Rights

Can a Nebraska park owner charge me for utilities not mentioned in my lease?
If a utility is not listed in your written rental agreement, the landlord generally cannot require you to pay for it.
What should I do if I think my utility charges are too high?
First, ask your landlord for a copy of the original utility bill and a breakdown of how your share was calculated. If you are unsatisfied, submit a written dispute and contact the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services for help.
Does Nebraska law cap what I can be charged for utilities?
Landlords may only pass through actual costs of utilities, and must not inflate the charges beyond what was billed by the utility provider. Administrative or extra fees are not allowed.
Which court handles disputes over mobile home utilities?
The Nebraska County Court - Landlord Tenant Division is responsible for hearing disputes between renters and landlords about rent, maintenance, and utility charges.
Am I responsible for park-wide repairs to utility lines?
Unless otherwise stated in your lease, repairs to communal or park-wide utility lines are typically the responsibility of the park owner.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Mobile Home Renters

Parks can only charge you for utilities if the arrangement is disclosed in a written rental agreement and billed fairly.
Always request and keep records of how your share of utility bills is calculated.
If you believe you’re being overcharged, follow the proper process and seek help from Nebraska’s housing authorities or the courts.

Staying informed about local rules helps protect your rights and ensure fair billing in your mobile home park.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Nebraska County Court – Landlord Tenant Division: Handles all landlord-tenant legal matters statewide.
Nebraska Tenant Complaint Form (Official State Form): Submit housing complaints, including utility billing disputes.
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Housing Assistance: Help with emergency housing or advocacy resources.
Legal Aid of Nebraska: Offers free or low-cost legal advice to renters across the state.