Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in Ohio

If you rent space in a manufactured home community in Ohio, understanding your lot fee is essential. The lot fee covers leasing the land beneath your mobile or manufactured home—separate from the cost of owning your home itself. This article explains what a mobile home lot fee is, the typical costs and rules in Ohio, your legal protections, and where to turn for help if you have problems with fees or related complaints.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee is the monthly rent you pay for a plot of land in a manufactured home park. This fee is for the land use, not for ownership of the home itself. In Ohio, the lot fee usually covers:

• The space where your home is located
• Access to park amenities (like roads, playgrounds, or community centers)
• Maintenance of common areas
• Basic infrastructure (such as water, sewer, and possibly trash service)

Be sure to check your written lease to see exactly what is included in your lot fee.

How Much Do Lot Fees Typically Cost in Ohio?

Costs can vary widely depending on the community location, amenities, and demand. As of 2024 in Ohio, monthly lot fees most commonly range between $250 and $600. Some communities may charge more or less. It's important to review your lease agreement, as fees should be stated clearly.

Your Rights as a Mobile Home Lot Renter in Ohio

Ohio law gives renters protections regarding lot fees and residency in manufactured home parks. Key rules include:

• Written Lease/Agreement Required: You are entitled to a written rental agreement outlining fees, responsibilities, and all rules (Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.38).
• Rent Increases: Landlords (park operators) must give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing your lot fee (ORC 4781.39).
• Fee Disputes: You have the right to dispute illegal or excessive charges through official complaint processes.
• Eviction Limits: Park operators can only evict you for specific legal reasons and must follow legal notice requirements (Ohio Manufactured Homes Law).

What Should a Lot Fee Include?

Your lot fee should be itemized in your lease. If you are charged additional amounts (for example, for pets, storage, or utility pass-throughs), these must also be clearly outlined. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from your park operator or seek advice if you’re being charged for unclear or extra items.

Official Forms for Ohio Mobile Home Lot Renters

• Ohio Complaint Form for Manufactured Home Park Residents (no standard statewide number):
  Use this form if you believe your park operator is violating the law regarding lot fees, maintenance, or other responsibilities. Example: If you receive a sudden lot fee increase without a 30-day written notice, you may file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Manufactured Home Program.
  Download the official complaint form (PDF).
• Demand for Compliance or Possession Form:
  Used when either you or the park operator believe the other party has violated the lease (for example, late payment of lot rent). This is a required legal step before starting eviction or other action. For details, see the process outlined in ORC 4781.43. Usually, the park operator prepares this, but you may wish to use similar written notice if the landlord is not maintaining the commons areas as required.

Ohio Tribunal Handling Manufactured Home Tenancy Issues

The Ohio Department of Commerce, Manufactured Home Program is the primary government authority handling manufactured home park resident complaints, including lot fee disputes and park compliance problems.

Courts of common pleas in your county may ultimately handle legal actions like eviction or collection of unpaid lot fees. For more details, visit the Ohio Supreme Court: Find Your Local Court.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation for Ohio Lot Renters

• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4781: Manufactured Homes
• Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Chapter 5321)

Both sets of laws outline your rights and obligations as a park resident and renter in Ohio. These are updated regularly—always check the latest version for changes in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is included in a typical mobile home lot fee in Ohio?
   Lot fees generally include the land lease, park maintenance, and use of community amenities, but can vary by park.
2. Can my landlord raise my lot fee without notice?
   No. Ohio law requires at least 30 days’ written notice before any lot fee increase.
3. What should I do if my lot fee suddenly increases?
   First, ask your landlord for a written explanation and check your lease. If you didn’t receive proper notice or believe the increase is unlawful, you may file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Commerce.
4. What if my lease does not specify the lot fee?
   All lot fee terms must be written in your lease. If not included, you can request a revised lease or contact the Manufactured Home Program for help.
5. Is eviction possible if I fall behind on lot fees?
   Yes, but only after proper notice and an opportunity to remedy the issue. The landlord must follow Ohio’s legal eviction process.

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

• Understand exactly what your lot fee covers—always check your written lease.
• Ohio law requires fair notice and clear rules around lot fees in manufactured home parks.
• Use official forms and resources for complaints or disputes to protect your rights as a renter.

Knowing your rights helps you avoid unexpected charges and resolve issues more confidently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Department of Commerce, Manufactured Home Program: Licensing, complaints, and park regulation
• Download Complaint Form for Manufactured Home Park Residents (PDF)
• Find Your Local Ohio County Court: For eviction hearings or rental disputes
• Ohio Legal Help: Renters' Rights: Plain-language guides and assistance (nonprofit, government-partnered)

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1. Ohio Revised Code Section 4781.38 – Residential Lease Agreements
2. ORC 4781.39 – Fee Increase Notification
3. ORC 4781.43 – Compliance and Possession Proceedings
4. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord-Tenant Act
5. Ohio Department of Commerce: Manufactured Home Program

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