If you’re a tenant in a mobile home park or rental property in Texas and your landlord raises the rent unexpectedly—or in a way that feels unfair—you have the right to question it.
The best way to protect yourself legally is by documenting your concerns in writing.
Whether it’s an excessive rent hike, lack of proper notice, or a rent increase during a fixed lease term, a formal rent dispute letter shows you’re serious, informed, and trying to resolve things peacefully.
⚖️ Texas Law Note: Texas does not have rent control laws, but landlords must follow lease terms and give proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month leases).
✉️ What to Include in a Rent Dispute Letter:
Your letter should be polite, professional, and fact-based. Here’s what to include:
- Your name, address, and contact info
- Landlord’s name and address
- Date of the letter
- Clear subject line (e.g., “Dispute of Rent Increase Notification”)
- Reference to your lease agreement
- Details about the rent hike (amount, date effective)
- Why do you believe it’s excessive or unfair
- Any relevant laws or lease clauses
- Request for resolution or documentation
- Your signature and a copy for your records
✅ Sample Rent Dispute Letter Template (Texas)
📌 Note: Replace all text in [brackets] with your actual information.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
To:
[Landlord’s Full Name or Property Manager]
[Landlord’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Proposed Rent Increase
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to formally dispute the proposed rent increase outlined in your notice dated [Insert Notice Date], which states that my monthly lot rent will increase from $[Current Rent] to $[New Rent], effective [Effective Date].
While I understand that rent increases may occur periodically, I believe this particular increase is excessive and inconsistent with the terms of my current lease agreement dated [Lease Start Date].
As per the lease, rent adjustments require at least [Number of Days, typically 30] days’ written notice and should be reasonable and justified.
Additionally, I have reviewed comparable rates in similar communities within the area, and the proposed increase appears to exceed standard market adjustments, which typically range between [3–8%].
Unless there have been significant upgrades or services added to the park, I respectfully request a reconsideration of this increase.
I would appreciate it if you could provide written justification for this increase and confirm whether it aligns with community-wide adjustments or specific improvements to my lot.
I would prefer to resolve this matter amicably and continue to be a responsible tenant in good standing.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
(Signature if submitting hard copy)
📎 Additional Tips:
- Send via certified mail or email to have proof of delivery.
- Keep a copy of your letter and any response from the landlord.
- If the landlord refuses to respond or retaliates, you can:
- Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or local tenant advocacy groups
- File a complaint with your city’s housing office (if applicable)
🧠 Final Thoughts
Even though Texas favors landlord-friendly policies, tenants still have rights—especially when it comes to fairness, lease agreements, and proper notice.
A well-written letter puts pressure on the landlord to justify rent changes and shows that you know your rights.
If things escalate, this letter becomes vital evidence should you ever need to take legal action.