Virginia Mobile Home Lot Fees: Costs and Renter Rights

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Virginia published June 21, 2025 Flag of Virginia

Understanding the costs and rights associated with renting a mobile home lot in Virginia is essential for renters. As lot fees can impact your budget and housing stability, it’s important to know what these fees cover, how much you might pay, and what legal protections are in place under Virginia law.

Understanding Mobile Home Lot Fees in Virginia

If you rent space in a mobile home park (sometimes called a manufactured home community), you likely pay a separate fee for the lot—the ground your home sits on. This lot fee is different from renting an apartment or the home itself. The fee typically covers the land, and sometimes utilities and park services.

What Is Included in a Lot Fee?

  • Space rental for your mobile/manufactured home
  • Common area maintenance (roads, lawns, park amenities)
  • Trash removal and utility hookups (if specified in your lease)

Always check your lease agreement—Virginia law requires that park owners put all financial terms in writing. If utilities or services are billed separately, this should be clearly stated.[1]

How Much Do Lot Fees Cost in Virginia?

Lot fee amounts can vary statewide depending on the park’s location, amenities, and market demand. In 2024, typical lot fees in Virginia range from $350 to $700 per month, but can be higher in urban areas or parks with additional services. There are currently no statewide rent caps on lot fees in Virginia, but any rent or fee increase must be provided with at least 60 days’ written notice.[1]

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Rent Increases and Notice Requirements

  • 60-day advance written notice is required before increasing the lot fee.
  • The increase must not violate any rental or lease agreement.

If you receive a notice of rent or fee increase, check the notice for the date of effect and compare it with your current agreement. The increase must be fair and non-retaliatory as defined under the Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act.

Fees vs. Other Charges

Alongside the lot fee, you might have additional charges like utility payments, security deposits, or late fees. All these charges must be detailed in your lease. The park landlord cannot charge new or hidden fees after you sign your agreement unless you agree in writing.

Your Rights and Protections as a Renter

The Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (VMHLRA) provides specific protections for mobile home renters, including:

  • The right to a written lease with all terms
  • Advance notice for any fee or rent increase
  • Prohibition against retaliatory or discriminatory fee increases
  • Clear access to dispute resolution procedures

Virginia’s General District Court handles landlord-tenant disputes, including cases involving manufactured home lots.[2]

Keep copies of all communications and your signed rental agreement. This documentation can help if you need to resolve a dispute about fees, increases, or services.

Disputing Improper Lot Fee Charges

If you believe you have been charged an incorrect fee, or have not received proper notice of an increase, you can take these steps:

  • Write to your landlord or manager requesting clarification or correction of the fee
  • If not resolved, consider filing a complaint in writing
  • If needed, submit a case in Virginia General District Court

Official Forms for Lot Rental Disputes

  • Unlawful Detainer (Form DC-421)
    Used when a landlord files for eviction due to nonpayment or alleged lease violation, including failure to pay lot rental fees. As a renter, you can respond using this form if served.
    Download Unlawful Detainer (DC-421)
  • Request for Tenancy Hearing
    Used to schedule a hearing if you want to dispute a fee, rent increase, or eviction. Contact your local General District Court to access this request form and learn about filing procedures.
    Locate Your Local General District Court

Submit all forms directly to the clerk’s office of your local General District Court. Always bring copies for your own records.

FAQ: Mobile Home Lot Fees in Virginia

  1. How much can my mobile home lot fee increase in Virginia?
    There is no statewide limit on the amount, but landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before any increase.
  2. What does my lot fee cover?
    Lot fees generally cover the ground rental, common area maintenance, and sometimes basic utilities. Review your lease for exact details.
  3. Can I be evicted for not paying my lot fee?
    Yes, failure to pay authorized lot fees may lead to eviction, but you must be given proper notice and may respond in court.
  4. How can I dispute a lot fee increase or charge?
    You can first ask your landlord for clarification in writing. If not resolved, file a complaint or request a hearing at your local General District Court.
  5. Where do I find official forms related to lot rent or eviction?
    Download forms like the Unlawful Detainer (DC-421) from the Virginia Courts website or get them from your local General District Court clerk’s office.

Key Takeaways for Virginia Mobile Home Renters

  • Lot fees are separate from your home and must be clearly stated in your lease.
  • Increases require 60 days’ written notice by law.
  • You have the right to dispute unfair or unclear charges using official forms and resources.

Staying informed about your rights and required procedures helps protect your home and finances if you rent a mobile home lot in Virginia.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act – see Code of Virginia Title 55.1, Chapter 13
  2. Virginia General District Court: Landlord-Tenant Disputes

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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