Which utilities are included in lot rent, which you pay separately, and how to calculate your true total monthly cost at any Maryland park.
Lot rent is only part of the picture. Depending on which utilities are included in your monthly lot rent, your true all-in housing cost can vary by $150–$400 per month. Understanding what's included — and what isn't — is essential before you sign a lease.
Maryland mobile home park lot rents vary significantly in what they include. At minimum, lot rent covers the right to occupy the land your home sits on. Beyond that, it depends entirely on the park. Here's what's commonly included:
| Utility/Service | Usually Included | Usually Separate |
|---|---|---|
| Trash collection | ✅ Most parks | Some smaller parks |
| Road maintenance | ✅ All parks | — |
| Common area maintenance | ✅ All parks | — |
| Water | ⚠️ Some parks | Many parks |
| Sewer/Septic | ⚠️ Some parks | Many parks |
| Electric | ❌ Rare | Almost always separate |
| Natural gas/propane | ❌ Rare | Almost always separate |
| Cable/internet | ❌ Very rare | Almost always separate |
| Lawn care (your lot) | ❌ Rarely | Your responsibility |
Always ask before signing: "What is included in the lot rent?" Get the answer in writing in your lease. A park that charges $500/month with water and sewer included may be a better deal than one charging $475/month where you pay water ($40–$80/mo) and sewer ($30–$60/mo) separately.
Electric is almost always paid separately in Maryland mobile home parks. BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Edison are the main Maryland electric utilities. Average monthly electric costs for a mobile home in Maryland range from $80–$200/month depending on season, home size, and heating system. Older homes with poor insulation can cost significantly more.
Homes with gas heating or gas appliances pay separately for natural gas (in urban/suburban areas) or propane (common in rural areas). Average heating costs in Maryland run $60–$150/month in winter months. Propane can be more expensive than natural gas — budget accordingly if your home uses propane.
When not included in lot rent, water typically costs $20–$60/month for an average mobile home in Maryland. Some parks bill water through a master meter and charge residents based on usage; others have residents set up accounts directly with the municipal water utility.
Sewer fees, when separate, typically run $20–$50/month. Parks on septic systems may include this in lot rent or charge a flat monthly fee.
Internet is almost always a separate expense. In Maryland, Xfinity (Comcast), Verizon Fios, and various rural broadband providers serve mobile home parks. Average internet cost: $40–$90/month. Availability varies — some rural parks have limited options.
Here's how to calculate your real all-in monthly cost when comparing parks:
| Expense | If Included in Lot Rent | If Separate (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Lot rent | Your monthly amount | Your monthly amount |
| Water | $0 | +$30–$60 |
| Sewer | $0 | +$25–$50 |
| Trash | $0 | +$20–$35 |
| Electric | $0 (rare) | +$80–$200 |
| Gas/Propane | $0 (rare) | +$40–$150 |
| Internet | $0 (very rare) | +$40–$90 |
Under Maryland law, a park owner cannot use utility shutoffs as a tool to pressure or evict you. If a park provides utilities and shuts them off improperly, you have the right to seek emergency injunctive relief through the District Court and may be entitled to damages. If you believe your utilities have been wrongfully shut off, contact Maryland Legal Aid immediately at (800) 639-6137.
Browse our directory and call parks directly to ask about what's included in lot rent.
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