Lot Rent Explainer

What Lot Rent Usually Funds

Lot rent is your monthly site lease payment. Here's what it typically covers:

• Use of the homesite — the land your manufactured home sits on (site lease)
• Road maintenance and community lighting — keeping streets safe and accessible
• Upkeep of common areas and amenities — clubhouse, pool, playgrounds, landscaping
• Snow removal or landscaping for common areas — varies by park and climate
• Community management and operations — office staff, maintenance coordination, enforcement

Important: Exact inclusions vary by park. Always request a written breakdown.

Often NOT Included

These costs are usually separate from lot rent. Budget for them monthly:

• Home maintenance — roof, skirting, HVAC, steps/railings are your responsibility
• Utilities — water/sewer, electricity, gas, trash (unless the park specifies they're included)
• Personal property insurance — coverage for your home and belongings
• Yard care on your lot — mowing, trimming, landscaping (unless specified in your agreement)
• Amenity fees — some parks charge extra for pool, gym, or clubhouse access
• Pet fees or deposits — monthly pet rent or one-time deposits
• Parking fees — additional vehicles, trailers, or covered parking may cost extra

See our Hidden Costs guide for a complete list of surprise expenses.

Questions to Ask (Get Answers in Writing)

Before you sign, clarify these details with park management:

1. What's included in lot rent? Trash? Water/sewer? Snow removal?
2. How are utilities billed? Flat rate, included, or sub-metered?
3. Are there amenity, pet, or additional vehicle fees? How much and when are they due?
4. How often does lot rent change? What's the notice period for increases?
5. Any community-wide projects planned? Could they affect your costs in the next 12 months?

Pro Tip: Ask for a sample monthly statement from a current resident (names redacted). It shows real costs, not estimates.

Compare Parks Apples-to-Apples

Use this explainer when shopping communities. A lower lot rent isn't always cheaper if utilities, fees, and amenities cost more elsewhere.

Total monthly cost = lot rent + utilities + fees + insurance + maintenance reserve

Download our budget calculator (CSV) to track actual expenses.