Can my park owner charge me more for utilities than what they pay the provider?

No. Pennsylvania law only allows passing along the actual, reasonable utility costs—not more than what the park owner is billed.

What if my lease doesn’t mention utility charges?

If utilities aren't described in your lease, your landlord should not bill you for them separately. All billing practices must be stated in the lease.

How can I check if I’m being billed fairly for utilities?

Ask for copies of the main utility bills and any breakdowns showing your portion. You can also check meter readings for accuracy.

Who do I contact for help with a utility billing dispute?

For most disputes, contact the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). For lease or contract issues, contact your local magisterial district court or a renter advocate.

Does the PUC cover all utilities in mobile home parks?

The PUC oversees many (like electric, water, gas) but not all utilities (such as some trash collection). Check directly with them for your specific case.

Pass-Through Utility Charges for Mobile Home Renters in Pennsylvania

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

If you rent a lot or home in a Pennsylvania mobile home park, you may have questions about how utility charges are handled—especially the so-called "pass-through" charges where the park bills you for utilities such as water, sewer, or trash that aren't directly billed by the utility company. Understanding your rights as a renter, the landlord's obligations, and what state law says can help you protect yourself from unfair charges and resolve disputes effectively.

Understanding Pass-Through Utility Charges in Pennsylvania

A "pass-through utility charge" is when your landlord or park owner bills you for utilities provided to your lot or home, instead of the utility company billing you directly. This is a common practice in many mobile home parks, but it is governed by Pennsylvania law to help ensure fairness.

Pennsylvania Law on Utility Charges in Mobile Home Parks

In Pennsylvania, utility billing practices in mobile home parks are regulated under the Mobile Home Park Rights Act (MHPR Act, 68 P.S. §§ 398.1–398.10), along with other state utility codes. The central requirements include:

The rental agreement (your lease) must clearly state how utilities are billed and what you are responsible for paying.
Any utility charges must reflect the actual, reasonable cost, and cannot be used as a means of increasing rent in disguise.
If individual meters are used, you should only be charged for what you actually use.
Landlords must follow Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulations, especially for billing, notice of service changes, and dispute resolution.

If you believe charges are unfair or not transparent, you have the right to ask for documentation and file a complaint.

Your Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

Disclosure: Landlords must provide details in writing about each utility billed as a pass-through.
No Hidden Costs: Utility charges cannot be inflated beyond actual expense. It is illegal to disguise rent increases as increased utility pass-throughs.
Notice of Changes: Landlords must give at least 30 days’ advance written notice of any utility billing changes.
Access to Bills: You can request to see the source bills justifying the charges, especially if you suspect overcharging.

Questions about your bill? If you’re unable to resolve a dispute with your park owner, you can contact the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), which handles utility billing complaints concerning mobile home parks.

Tip: If you think you are being overcharged on utilities, always request to see copies of the primary utility statements and meter readings. Keep copies of any communications for your records.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

PUC Informal Complaint Form (Download PDF)
When to Use: If your park owner will not address clear overcharge or utility billing disputes, submit this form to the PUC. For example, if you request bills and your landlord refuses or if you are billed for utilities not covered by your lease.
How to File: Complete the form with details about the issue and send it to the PUC address found on the form.

If a dispute cannot be resolved through the PUC process, the matter may escalate to the relevant magisterial district court. Be sure to maintain a record of all communications and documents submitted or received.

Action Steps if You Dispute a Utility Charge

Review your lease and any park rules carefully to confirm what utilities you are responsible for.
Request a breakdown or documentation of the charges from your park owner in writing.
If you disagree with the charges and cannot resolve the dispute directly, file an informal complaint with the PUC using their consumer complaint portal or the printable complaint form above.
Keep records of all correspondence and payments.
If needed, seek assistance from a local legal aid or housing advocacy organization.

Acting quickly and documenting every step can help ensure your rights are protected and may speed up the resolution process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my park owner charge me more for utilities than what they pay the provider?
No. Under Pennsylvania law, landlords can only pass along actual, reasonable utility costs, not more than what the provider bills them.
What if my lease doesn’t mention utility charges?
If utility charges are not disclosed in your lease, your landlord should not bill you for them separately. All billing practices must be spelled out in your rental agreement.
How can I check if I’m being billed fairly for utilities?
Request copies of the master utility bills and calculations for your share. You can also ask to review meter readings if your lot or unit is individually metered.
Who do I contact for help with a utility billing dispute?
For most billing disputes, contact the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. For lease violations or other unresolved issues, your local magisterial district court or a housing advocate can help.
Does the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) cover all utilities?
The PUC covers certain essential services (like water, electricity, and gas), but not all (such as trash in some cases), so check with the PUC if you’re unsure.

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Mobile Home Renters

Park owners may only pass through actual utility costs, not additional fees.
Your lease must clearly disclose all utilities and billing methods.
If billing seems unfair, request records and, if necessary, file a complaint with the PUC.

Staying informed about your rights and documenting any issues can help you resolve utility billing disputes and maintain a good tenancy experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC): Main agency for utility dispute resolution. Visit the PUC website.
Mobile Home Park Rights Act (MHPR Act): Read the full text: Mobile Home Park Rights Act.
Informal Consumer Complaint Form (PUC): Download the form.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania: Assistance for mobile home residents. Visit Legal Aid SEPA.

Mobile Home Park Rights Act (MHPR Act), 68 P.S. §§ 398.1–398.10; see official state legislation.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: PUC Home and consumer complaints page.
PUC Informal Complaint Form: official PDF form.