Can my landlord increase my mobile home lot fee at any time?

Landlords can only increase lot fees if they provide written notice at least 30 days before the new fee takes effect, unless your lease says otherwise.

What if my lot fee covers services that aren’t being provided?

Notify your landlord in writing if services aren't provided. If unresolved, you may file a complaint with the local authority or General Sessions Court.

Who enforces mobile home park rental laws in Tennessee?

The General Sessions Court in your county oversees landlord-tenant disputes, including those involving mobile home park rentals.

Are there limits to how much my lot rent can increase each year?

Tennessee law does not set limits on rent increases but requires proper notice and prohibits discriminatory or retaliatory increases.

Can I withhold payment if my landlord doesn’t provide agreed services?

It is risky to withhold payment. Use legal channels—notify your landlord in writing and contact the court if unresolved.

Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in Tennessee

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

If you rent space for your mobile home in Tennessee, it's important to understand what a mobile home lot fee is, what it covers, and what your rights are as a tenant. Tennessee law offers protections for renters of manufactured and mobile home lots. Below, you’ll find clear and up-to-date guidance about mobile home lot fees, typical charges, and where to turn for help if you have issues with rent increases, maintenance, or eviction.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee, sometimes called "lot rent," is the regular amount paid by the tenant to a landlord or mobile home park owner for the right to use a specific lot or space on which a mobile or manufactured home is located. This fee is separate from the cost of owning or renting the mobile home itself. Even if you own your manufactured home, you may lease the land it sits on and pay a monthly lot fee to the park owner.

What Does the Lot Fee Cover?

Lot fees in Tennessee can include more than just the space itself. Depending on your lease agreement, the fee may also cover:

Trash collection
Water and sewage access or hookups
Landscaping or park upkeep
Maintenance of common areas
Access to amenities (if offered, such as pools or clubhouses)

Always check your rental agreement to see exactly what is included in your monthly lot fee.

Typical Lot Fee Costs in Tennessee

The average mobile home lot fee in Tennessee varies depending on location, amenities, and the specific park. While prices can change, tenants typically pay anywhere from $250 to $500 per month. Some upscale parks or those near cities may charge more. Any changes to lot fees (such as a rent increase) must follow state notification rules laid out in tenancy law.

Your Rights and Protections as a Mobile Home Lot Tenant

Tennessee’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) protects many renters, including those in manufactured home communities located in counties with a population over 75,000. URLTA establishes rules for:

Lease requirements and fair notice for rent increases
Eviction processes
Maintenance responsibilities for both landlord and tenant

Official rental agreements must specify the lot fee, the included services, and any responsibilities around utility payment. If your landlord changes the lot fee, they must give written notice at least 30 days before the change takes effect .

Key Forms for Mobile Home Lot Renters

Tennessee Notice of Rent Increase: Used by park owners to officially notify tenants of a change in rent. Landlords should provide this form (or a written notice with similar information) at least 30 days in advance.
See more guidance and a sample format at the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance housing FAQ.
Complaint to Enforce Landlord Obligations: If maintenance or essential services included in your lot fee are neglected, you can submit a complaint to your local housing authority or circuit/general sessions court. For a template and process details, review the Tennessee General Sessions Court Complaint Form (General Sessions Form F).

If you are served with a notice of eviction, the process—including your rights to respond or appear in court—is managed through your county’s General Sessions Court, which acts as the main tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee.

Can Your Lot Fee Be Increased?

Yes, but only with proper written notice. Tennessee law requires landlords to give written notice at least 30 days before increasing the lot fee, unless your lease says otherwise. If you think an increase is unfair or you haven’t received enough notice, document your communications and request clarification in writing.

A good habit: Always keep copies of your lease, payment records, and any letters or forms exchanged with your landlord.

If You Have a Problem: Steps to Take

If you have concerns about lot fee increases, services not being provided, or possible eviction:

Review your lease to see what your responsibilities are and what’s included in your lot fee.
Request in writing any missing information or clarification from your landlord or park manager.
If needed, file a written complaint with your local housing authority or in General Sessions Court.

If the matter goes to court, you may need to complete and file the appropriate form (such as General Sessions Form F) and participate in court proceedings. For a full guide, see the section below on resources and help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord increase my mobile home lot fee at any time?
Landlords can only increase lot fees if they provide written notice at least 30 days before the new fee takes effect, unless otherwise stated in your lease agreement.
What if my lot fee covers services that aren’t being provided?
If included services (like water, sewage, or trash) are not supplied, notify your landlord in writing. If the issue isn’t fixed, you can file a complaint with the local housing authority or General Sessions Court using an official complaint form.
Who enforces mobile home park rental laws in Tennessee?
The General Sessions Court in your county is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant issues, including complaints by manufactured home lot tenants.
Are there limits to how much my lot rent can increase each year?
No specific legal limits exist on rent increases under Tennessee law, but landlords must give the required written notice and cannot raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
Can I withhold payment if my landlord doesn’t provide agreed services?
Not without risk. Instead, notify your landlord in writing and, if unresolved, seek help from the court. Withholding rent can lead to eviction. Always use legal channels.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Landlord-Tenant FAQ – Official guidance for renters
Tennessee General Sessions Courts – Filing complaints, eviction protections
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) – Main Tennessee tenant law
Local Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands – Free advice and tenant representation
HUD Tennessee Renting – Federal resources for mobile home and manufactured housing tenants