Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in New Jersey

If you’re renting a spot for your mobile or manufactured home in New Jersey, it’s important to understand what a mobile home lot fee is, what it covers, and your rights and responsibilities. This guide outlines key details about lot fees, typical costs, and what the law says to help you make informed decisions and know where to turn if questions or problems arise.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee is the regular payment (often monthly) you make to the owner of a mobile home park in exchange for the right to keep your mobile or manufactured home on their land. The lot fee typically covers the use of the land, park maintenance, certain utilities, and access to shared amenities. Lot fees do not include rent for the mobile home itself if you own your home; you’re only paying for the land.

What the Lot Fee Usually Covers

• Space for your mobile/manufactured home
• Maintenance of common areas (roads, landscaping)
• Garbage pickup and sometimes water/sewer
• Access to utilities (sometimes billed separately)

Be sure to review your written lease agreement for details about what’s included. In New Jersey, landlords are required to provide a written lease for mobile home park residents^[1].

How Much Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee in New Jersey?

Lot fees in New Jersey vary based on location, park amenities, and what’s included. According to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), average lot fees can range from $500 to $1,000 per month, but may differ across regions and parks. Always review your lease and ask the park owner for a written breakdown of charges.

Can Lot Fees Be Increased?

New Jersey law offers some protections for mobile home renters. Under the Mobile Home Park Rights Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8C), park owners must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before increasing lot fees. If you’re under a lease, rent cannot be increased during the lease term except as agreed in the contract^[2].

Your Rights As a Mobile Home Lot Renter

The New Jersey Mobile Home Park Rights Law protects renters and outlines the landlord’s obligations, including:

• Maintenance of infrastructure and common areas
• Honoring written lease terms
• Following legal procedures for eviction or lot fee increases

If you believe your rights are being violated, you may file a complaint with the Department of Community Affairs Mobile Home and Rooming House Bureau.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint Form – Mobile Home and Rooming House Bureau: Use this form if you have concerns about park management, violations of the lease, nonpayment of utilities, or unsafe conditions.
  View and download the official complaint form.
  Example: If your landlord fails to repair a broken sewer line, fill out and submit this form to the DCA for investigation.

Dispute Resolution: Where to Turn

If you cannot resolve an issue directly with the park owner, disputes can be heard by the New Jersey Special Civil Part (Landlord-Tenant Section) of the Superior Court. This tribunal considers cases involving lot fee disputes, eviction, and other landlord-tenant matters.

FAQ: Mobile Home Lot Fees in New Jersey

1. Can my landlord raise my mobile home lot fee at any time?
   Landlords must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before increasing lot rent, and not during the fixed term of a lease.
2. What if my lease does not cover certain utilities?
   You may be responsible for paying directly, but the lease should clearly state what is or is not included. Ask the park manager for clarification.
3. How do I file an official complaint about my lot or park owner?
   Fill out the Mobile Home and Rooming House Bureau Complaint Form and submit it to the DCA. The form and instructions are available on the official DCA page.
4. Who can help me if I’m facing eviction from my mobile home lot?
   The New Jersey Special Civil Part (Landlord-Tenant Section) handles eviction cases. You may also contact renter advocacy organizations for support.
5. Is the landlord required to give me a written lease?
   Yes, New Jersey law requires a written lease between mobile home park owners and tenants.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Lot fees cover land rent and often some community services—review your lease for exact details.
• Landlords must follow legal requirements about fee increases and lease terms.
• New Jersey agencies and courts can provide help if disputes arise—don’t hesitate to seek support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NJ Department of Community Affairs – Mobile Home Info & Complaints
• New Jersey Special Civil Part (Landlord-Tenant Section)
• Legal Services of New Jersey – Manufactured/Mobile Home Advice
• NJ Mobile Home Park Rights Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8C)

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1. NJ Mobile Home Park Rights Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8C)
2. NJ DCA Park Owner and Operator's Guide

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