Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in South Carolina

Understanding mobile home lot fees is essential for any renter of manufactured or mobile homes in South Carolina. These fees can significantly impact your monthly living expenses and your rights as a resident of a mobile home park. This article explains what a lot fee includes, how it is regulated, and what legal protections South Carolina renters have if disputes or increases arise.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee is the monthly charge a renter pays to lease land within a mobile home park. If you own your manufactured or mobile home but rent the land it sits on, the lot fee covers the right to keep your home in that particular space. For many renters, this fee does not include utilities, maintenance, or park amenities—those might be billed separately.

• Lot rent is distinct from owning the home itself; you pay for use of the land and access to shared infrastructure.
• Fees often vary based on park location, amenities, utility arrangements, and demand.

Sometimes, additional charges such as garbage collection, water, and sewer services are included. Always review your lease agreement to understand which costs are covered.

Average Costs for Lot Fees in South Carolina

In South Carolina, typical mobile home lot fees range from $300 to $600 per month, but this can increase with location, amenities, or park improvements. There is currently no statewide cap on lot rent increases, but your lease agreement should specify how much notice must be given before a lot fee is raised.

• Your landlord must provide written notice before any rent increase, typically at least 30 days before the new rate takes effect.
• If the mobile home park is subject to changes—like improvements or new amenities—these may come with added costs.

South Carolina Laws and Tenant Protections

South Carolina regulates mobile home lot rentals under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This law spells out your rights and responsibilities as a renter—including what notices landlords must provide, your protections from unfair eviction, and recourse if lot fees are increased improperly.¹

• Most leases require a written agreement specifying the exact lot rent and payment terms.
• Landlords are required to maintain the common areas and essential utilities serving lots.
• Eviction for nonpayment must follow strict notice requirements.

When Can Your Lot Fee Increase?

There is no state agency that directly sets lot rent or regulates the amount of increase for mobile home parks. However:

• Your lease should state the required notice period for any fee change—commonly a minimum of 30 days.
• If your lease is month-to-month, changes must still comply with written notice requirements.

If you believe a rent increase violates the lease or state law, you may contact the South Carolina Magistrates Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes including mobile home lot rent issues.²

Required Forms for Tenants

• Rule to Show Cause (Form SCCA/702)
  When used: If you face eviction for nonpayment of lot rent and believe it is unjust, you can use this form to request a court hearing.
  Example: If served with an eviction notice and you believe the fee increase was improper or not properly noticed, submit this form at your county magistrates court.
  Access Rule to Show Cause Form SCCA/702
• Complaint (Landlord-Tenant) (Form SCCA/734)
  When used: If you wish to formally dispute a landlord's action such as improper lot fee increases or failure to maintain common areas, this form initiates the process in magistrates court.
  Example: You file this form if the landlord fails to address your written complaint about sudden increases without proper notice.
  Download Complaint Form SCCA/734

Tips for Renters: Protecting Your Rights

• Request all changes to lot fees or park rules in writing.
• If you receive a notice of eviction or a fee increase you believe is unfair, seek assistance promptly.

Always know where to turn—your rights as a mobile home lot renter are protected, but action is often required quickly to preserve those protections.

FAQs About Mobile Home Lot Fees in South Carolina

1. How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising my lot rent?
   Most leases and state law require at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
2. Does the lot fee include utilities in South Carolina?
   Usually, lot rent is for the land only. Some parks include basic utilities, but this should be outlined in your lease agreement.
3. What can I do if my landlord raises my lot fee without proper notice?
   You can file a complaint or request a hearing at your local magistrates court using the official forms named above.
4. Is there a cap on how much my lot rent can increase?
   No. South Carolina does not cap lot rent increases, but landlords must provide proper notice as required by your lease and state law.
5. Can I be evicted immediately for not paying a sudden rent increase?
   No. The landlord must follow legal notice procedures and eviction can only be enforced after court approval if you do not pay.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Mobile home lot fees are recurring charges for leasing land; they can change but only after proper notice.
• South Carolina law does not limit lot rent increases, but your lease and the law demand written notice and clear communication.
• Magistrates Court is the main venue for tenant-landlord disputes, and renters can use official forms to seek justice.

Understanding your lease and knowing where to seek help are the best ways to protect your home and your rights as a lot renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Carolina Magistrates Court – Find your local court for tenant-landlord complaints and hearings
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full text of the legislation
• South Carolina Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help to eligible renters

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1. South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Title 27, Chapter 47
2. South Carolina Magistrates Court – Landlord/Tenant Disputes

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