Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees and Costs in Texas

If you rent a space for your mobile or manufactured home in Texas, you may be responsible for a monthly lot fee in addition to other costs. Understanding these fees and your rights helps ensure you are treated fairly and know what to expect as a renter.

What Is a Mobile Home Lot Fee?

A mobile home lot fee, sometimes called lot rent or site rent, is the monthly payment a tenant makes to a mobile home park owner for the right to place and live in a manufactured home on that property. This fee is separate from any payment you make to finance or own your mobile home itself.

What Does the Lot Fee Typically Include?

The lot fee generally covers:

• Use of the land (your home's physical location)
• Park maintenance and landscaping
• Access to common areas and amenities
• Road upkeep within the community

It does not usually include utilities like water, electricity, or sewage, which may be billed separately. Some parks offer bundled utility plans; always review your lease for details.

Average Mobile Home Lot Costs in Texas

Lot rental costs in Texas vary based on location, amenities, and market rates. In 2024, average mobile home lot fees in Texas range from approximately $350 to $600 per month in most areas, with possible higher costs near cities or in premium communities¹.

Before signing your lease, ask for a written breakdown of the lot fee, what it includes, and any extra fees or charges you may encounter.

Texas Tenant Rights: Lot Fees, Leases, and Increases

Tenants renting a mobile home lot in Texas are protected under the Texas Property Code Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies.²

• Your lot fee and any increases must be clearly stated in your lease agreement.
• Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice for any lot fee increase.
• You cannot be evicted or penalized for questioning or disputing lot fee charges, as long as you follow proper legal steps.

Paying and Disputing Lot Fees

If you disagree with your lot fee or believe you're being overcharged for services, you have options:

• Request a written statement or breakdown from your landlord.
• Communicate concerns in writing and keep copies for your records.
• If informal solutions fail, you may file a complaint or take legal action through your local justice court.

Important Texas Forms and Where to File Issues

For mobile home tenants, Texas does not use a single standard dispute form. However, these tools and agencies are key:

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division: This agency oversees Texas manufactured home community regulations.
  • To report violations or park problems: use the Manufactured Housing Consumer Complaint Form (TDHCA MHD Complaint Form).
  • Example usage: If a park is not providing required amenities or is improperly charging you fees, fill out this form and submit as directed.
• Justice of the Peace Courts: These local courts handle most disputes between mobile home lot renters and park owners, including contested fees, evictions, and rental terms. Find your court via the official Texas Justice Courts directory.

For details on your rights and local processes, refer to Texas Property Code Chapter 94, which specifically protects manufactured home renters in Texas.

Steps if You Need to File a Manufactured Housing Complaint

• Download and complete the TDHCA MHD Consumer Complaint Form.
• Attach supporting documents, such as lease agreements, fee statements, and written communications.
• Submit the form by mail, email, or fax as listed on the form instructions.
• Keep a copy for your records and follow up with the TDHCA as needed.

A Justice of the Peace Court can also be approached for enforcement if disputes with the landlord persist without resolution.

FAQs: Mobile Home Lot Fees for Texas Renters

1. Can my landlord raise my lot fee at any time?
   Landlords must give you at least 60 days’ written notice before raising the lot fee, per Texas Property Code Chapter 94.
2. What if I think my lot fee is unfair or includes charges not in my lease?
   Ask for clarification in writing from your landlord. If problems continue, submit a complaint to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs or seek help from your local Justice of the Peace Court.
3. Who do I contact to report unsafe conditions or illegal fees in my mobile home community?
   File a report with the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division using their official complaint form.
4. Is the cost of utilities included in my lot fee?
   Usually, utilities are billed separately. Your lease agreement should list what is and is not included.
5. What official law protects mobile home renters regarding lot fees in Texas?
   Texas Property Code Chapter 94 covers the rights of manufactured home park renters.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Mobile home lot fees are a separate, recurring payment for the space your home occupies in a park.
• Leases and fee increases are regulated by Texas Property Code Chapter 94.
• Tenants can use state forms and justice courts to address disputes over fees and services.

By understanding what a lot fee includes and your rights under Texas law, you are better equipped to manage your housing costs and respond to any problems.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division: Official state agency for tenant complaints and information.
• TDHCA MHD Consumer Complaint Form: For reporting violations or lot fee disputes.
• Justice of the Peace Court Directory: Find your local court to file tenant complaints or disputes.
• Texas Property Code Chapter 94 – Manufactured Home Tenancies: Read the current rights and obligations for Texas mobile home renters.

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1. See average Texas lot fees: TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division.
2. See Texas law: Texas Property Code Chapter 94.

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