Rhode Island Rules on Pass-Through Utilities for Mobile Home Renters

Are you a mobile home park resident in Rhode Island and wondering about your rights regarding utility charges? This article explains whether mobile home park owners can pass through utility costs to renters, outlines your protections under Rhode Island law, and provides steps you can take if you believe you’re being charged unfairly.

Understanding Pass-Through Utility Charges in Rhode Island

Pass-through utilities are charges for services like water, electricity, or sewer directly billed from the utility company but collected by your park management or landlord. While it’s common for landlords to bill these costs, Rhode Island law has specific requirements to ensure fairness and transparency for residents of mobile and manufactured home parks.

What Rhode Island Law Says About Pass-Through Utilities

The major law governing mobile homes in Rhode Island is the Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act.^[1] Under this law:

• Utility charges must be clear and separate: Rental agreements must clearly state any utility fees in addition to rent.
• Utilities cannot be marked up: Park owners may charge residents only the actual amount billed by the utility provider—no extra fees or surcharges are allowed.
• Accurate billing required: Park owners must provide a copy of the original bill from the utility company upon your request.

This means your mobile home park cannot make a profit from pass-through utilities and must be upfront about all utility costs at the time you enter your lease or rental agreement.

Key Requirements for Utility Charges

• Any change or addition in how utilities are billed requires written notice from the park owner.
• Utility charges must correspond directly to your usage (when individually metered) or must follow the method described in your lease.
• If billed utilities are not clearly itemized or seem inflated, you can request proof from your park management.

What to Do If You Dispute a Utility Charge

If you believe your park owner is overcharging you for utilities or not following the stated rules, Rhode Island offers protections and a formal process to dispute these charges:

• Start by submitting a written request to your park owner for an explanation and copies of utility bills.
• If issues remain unresolved, you have the right to file a formal complaint or pursue mediation.

Relevant Forms for Mobile Home Renters

• Complaint Form for Manufactured Home Parks (No formal number) – Use this form to file a complaint about unfair utility charges or other park owner conduct.
  Example: If you are charged extra for water service above what the local utility charges, fill out this form and submit it to the Manufactured Home Parks Arbitration Program.
  Download the Manufactured Home Parks Complaint Form

Which Agency Handles Disputes?

The Rhode Island Manufactured Homes Arbitration Program is the official body for resolving disputes between mobile home park residents and owners in Rhode Island. This program helps mediate and arbitrate issues such as improper utility charges.

Applicable Rhode Island Legislation

Your rights are specifically protected under the Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act. This law spells out landlord and tenant obligations for mobile and manufactured homes, including utility billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my park charge me more for utilities than what the utility company charged them?
   No, they may only pass through actual charges and cannot add surcharges or administrative fees.
2. What should I do if I think my utility bill is too high?
   Request a copy of the original bill from your park owner. If there’s a difference, you can file a formal complaint for review.
3. Does my park have to show me the utility bill if I request it?
   Yes, under Rhode Island law, you have the right to inspect any utility bill you are being charged for.
4. Who enforces these rules in Rhode Island?
   The Manufactured Homes Arbitration Program handles disputes, with oversight from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
5. Can utility costs be changed without notice?
   No. Park owners must provide written notice before changing the way utilities are billed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Manufactured Homes Arbitration Program (RI Department of Business Regulation): Handles complaints and disputes for mobile home residents.
• Rhode Island Attorney General – Consumer Protection Unit: Provides consumer rights guidance and can assist with utility issues.
• Rhode Island Housing: Information on renter support, financial assistance, and tenant rights in Rhode Island.

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1. Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act – Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 31-44.1
2. Manufactured Homes Arbitration Program – RI Department of Business Regulation
3. Manufactured Home Parks Complaint Form

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