Can my landlord charge me extra fees on top of the actual utility cost?

No, Texas law does not allow landlords to add extra fees or make a profit on pass-through utility charges for mobile home park tenants.

Does my landlord have to provide proof of the utility bill?

Yes, landlords must give renters a statement showing how utility charges are calculated and what the actual provider billed the park.

What do I do if I think I'm being overcharged for utilities?

Ask your landlord for a detailed bill in writing. If the issue isn't resolved, you can file a complaint with the Texas Public Utility Commission or TDHCA.

Is there a legal limit to utility charges in Texas mobile home parks?

Yes. Landlords cannot charge more than the actual cost from the utility company, allocated according to your lease.

Where do I file utility billing disputes in Texas?

Disputes can be filed with the Texas Public Utility Commission or the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Pass-Through Utility Charges in Texas Mobile Home Parks

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

If you rent a mobile home lot in Texas, understanding how park owners charge for utilities is crucial. Many tenants have questions about what is legal when it comes to "pass-through utilities"—charges for water, sewer, electricity, or gas that the park does not directly meter but passes on to the tenant. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid unfair charges and seek help if something seems wrong.

What Are Pass-Through Utilities for Mobile Home Parks?

Pass-through utilities refer to utility costs that a mobile home park owner or landlord charges you in addition to rent, usually for water, sewer, gas, or electricity that is provided through the park's master meter. Often, these utilities are not separately metered for each home, so the park divides the bill among tenants or charges by some other formula.

Are Pass-Through Utility Charges Allowed in Texas?

In Texas, mobile home park owners are permitted to charge tenants for utilities as a pass-through, but there are clear rules on how this must be done. The main law covering this is the Texas Property Code, Chapter 94, which specifically protects manufactured home tenants.^[1]

Billing Disclosure: The landlord must clearly state in your lease how utilities will be billed and collected.
Method of Allocation: If utilities are not submetered, charges may be based on formulas such as number of residents, lot size, or rental units. This method must be disclosed in writing before you sign your lease.
Detailed Billing: When the park bills you, the statement must show exactly how your share was calculated.
No Markups: The landlord may not add extra charges, service fees, or make a profit on these utilities—they can only pass on the actual cost they pay to the utility company. (See Texas Property Code § 94.203)

Required Forms: Notices and Complaints

In some cases, you may want to challenge a utility bill or file a complaint if you believe the charges are unfair. In Texas, two key forms are relevant for renters in mobile home parks:

Utility Complaint Form (PUCT - Form CIURF01):
- When to use: If you believe you were improperly billed (for example, if charges are not calculated as required by law), submit this form to the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC).
- Example: A tenant receives a monthly water bill much higher than others in the park, despite similar usage, and can't get a clear explanation from the landlord.
- PUC Water Utility Complaint Form (Official site)
Texas Tenant Complaint Form (TDHCA):
- When to use: For broader complaints about landlord practices, including utility overcharges, use this form from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
- Example: A renter is charged mysterious "administrative fees" every month in addition to water and sewer usage.
- TDHCA Tenant Complaint Form (Official site)

How Are Disputes Handled?

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a dispute about pass-through utility bills, you may contact:

In some cases, issues can be heard in the local Justice of the Peace Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes involving manufactured homes in Texas.

Key Texas Laws Covering Utility Charges

These provide the framework for how utility billing must be handled legally for renters. Always request a copy of your utility billing arrangement before signing any lease.

Tip: If you are ever unclear about a utility charge, request written clarification and keep records of all utility bills and communications.

FAQ: Pass-Through Utilities for Texas Manufactured Home Renters

Can my landlord charge me extra fees on top of the actual utility cost?
No, in Texas manufactured home parks, landlords may not add extra service fees or make a profit on pass-through utilities. They can only recover the amount billed to them by the provider.
Does my landlord have to provide proof of the utility bill?
Yes, your landlord must provide a detailed statement—showing the total bill, method of allocation, and your share—when charging you for utilities.
What do I do if I think I'm being overcharged?
Start by requesting details from your landlord in writing. If not resolved, you may file a complaint using the relevant PUC or TDHCA forms found above.
Is there a limit to what my landlord can charge for utilities?
Yes, your landlord cannot charge more than what the utility provider charges the park, allocated by the method disclosed in your lease.
Where do I file a dispute about utility billing?
Utility billing disputes can be submitted to the Texas Public Utility Commission or the TDHCA, depending on the issue.

Key Takeaways for Texas Mobile Home Park Renters

Landlords must use transparent, legally approved methods to allocate utility costs and can only pass along the actual charges paid.
Always review and save all utility bills and lease details—these are your main protections if a dispute arises.
If you feel you’ve been overcharged or unfairly billed, you have official complaint options through Texas agencies.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA): Renter Support – Guidance and complaint forms for manufactured home tenants.
Texas Public Utility Commission: Utility Complaint Center – For questions and complaints about electric, water, or sewer bills.
Read Texas Property Code Chapter 94 – The main law for mobile home park tenants’ rights.
Justice of the Peace Courts Directory – For local court assistance with rental disputes.

Texas Property Code, Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies
Texas Public Utility Commission, see consumer complaint resources
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – Tenant Rights