Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees in Nebraska

If you live in a manufactured or mobile home community in Nebraska, you may be paying something called a lot fee. It's important to know what this means for your lease, your rights, and your responsibilities as a renter, especially when it comes to costs, rent increases, and park rules. This guide covers the essentials, using official Nebraska resources and current housing laws.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee—sometimes called lot rent or ground rent—is the amount you pay to the community owner or landlord for the right to place your mobile or manufactured home on a specific plot of land (the lot) in a mobile home park. In Nebraska, this fee usually covers:

• Access to the park's land
• Use of common park amenities (playgrounds, roads, parking, etc.)
• Basic services like trash pickup and snow removal (if provided)

It's important to note that the lot fee is separate from your utility costs or mortgage payment on your mobile home, if you own it. You may still be responsible for your own water, sewer, power, or gas bills.

Typical Lot Fee Costs in Nebraska

Lot fees in Nebraska can vary by location, the age and quality of the community, and amenities offered. While there is no statewide maximum cap on lot fees, renters typically see:

• Average monthly lot fees ranging from $250 to $500
• Higher fees in communities with extensive shared amenities
• Separate charges for utilities or infrastructure upgrades

Your lease agreement should clearly state your lot fee amount and what it covers.

Nebraska Laws Protecting Mobile Home Renters

In Nebraska, mobile home park tenant rights are mainly governed by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act ¹. These laws lay out how lot fees can be charged, notice requirements for increases or eviction, and your right to a safe, fair rental experience.

Key Rights for Mobile Home Renters

• Landlords must provide at least 60 days written notice before increasing a lot fee
• Rent (including lot fee) can only be increased at the end of your lease term, unless your lease states otherwise
• You cannot be evicted or have your tenancy ended without a valid, legal reason and proper notice
• Security deposits are limited (usually one month's rent/lot fee)

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Understanding and using the correct forms is crucial to protecting your rights as a renter.

• Notice to Quit (Eviction Notice) – Often used by landlords, it gives notice of lease violation or termination. If you receive this, respond as soon as possible. You may contact the court or legal aid for help. See the Nebraska Judicial Branch – Landlord/Tenant Forms for templates and guidance.
• Complaint/Petition for Restitution (Nebraska Form CC 4:5) – If you face eviction, this is the form a landlord may file in court to regain possession. If you wish to respond, you should review official tenant defense documents and answers.
• Request for Return of Security Deposit – If you move out and the landlord doesn’t return your deposit within 14 days, you may use this form. Download the Request for Return of Security Deposit (Form CC 6:6) and submit to your landlord, keeping copies for your records.

The Nebraska Judicial Branch handles residential landlord-tenant disputes for the state, including mobile home lot fee cases.

Tips for Renters

Handling Lot Fee Disputes

If you disagree with a fee increase or believe you have been overcharged, consider the following steps:

• Review your rental or lease agreement for the terms on lot fees and increases
• Contact your landlord in writing with your concerns
• Seek free advice from Legal Aid of Nebraska or file a complaint with your local housing authority if issues are unresolved

Common Questions about Mobile Home Lot Fees in Nebraska

1. Can my lot fee go up at any time?
   In Nebraska, your landlord must provide at least 60 days written notice before increasing the lot fee, and it usually cannot increase mid-lease unless your lease says so.
2. What does my lot fee cover?
   Typically, your lot fee covers the land your home sits on and access to shared community areas, but always check your lease for specifics.
3. Can I be evicted for not paying my lot fee?
   Yes, non-payment of lot fees is a valid reason for eviction, but your landlord must give written notice and follow Nebraska legal procedures.
4. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can charge for the lot fee?
   Nebraska does not set a maximum lot fee, but any increases must comply with notice requirements and anti-discrimination laws.
5. Where can I get help if I have a dispute about my lot fee?
   You can contact the Nebraska Judicial Branch or Legal Aid of Nebraska for advice or dispute resolution.

Key Takeaways

• The mobile home lot fee in Nebraska is the monthly payment for use of land and community amenities in a park.
• Landlords must give at least 60 days notice of any lot fee increase, and comply with all lease and legal protections.
• Help is available; contact Legal Aid or the Nebraska courts with any serious disputes or concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Judicial Branch – Landlord/Tenant Resources: Official forms, eviction answers, and self-help guides for renters.
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: Free or low-cost legal assistance for renters and mobile home residents.
• Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services: Housing: Links to renter protection programs and housing assistance.

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1. Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449).
2. Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act.

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