If you’re living in a mobile home park in Texas, rising lot rents might be eating into your budget. With no statewide rent control, it’s fair to ask: Can you negotiate lot rent in Texas?
The answer? Yes, you absolutely can — and in some cases, you should.
While Texas law doesn’t guarantee you the right to a reduced lot rent, negotiation is not only legal — it can also be surprisingly effective when done strategically.
Let’s break it down.
🔍 What Is Lot Rent and Why It Matters
Lot rent is the monthly fee you pay to lease the land under your mobile home in a manufactured housing community (MHC). This fee often includes:
- Land lease
- Common area maintenance
- Trash pickup
- Water/sewer (in some parks)
- Security or amenities (like pools or playgrounds)
While you may own your mobile home, you don’t own the land — and that gives park owners significant leverage when it comes to rent increases.
💬 Can You Legally Negotiate Lot Rent?
Yes — Texas law does not prohibit lot rent negotiation.
In fact, under Texas Property Code Chapter 94, there is no set formula for how much rent must be or how much it can increase — this opens the door for renters to advocate for themselves.
Most lot rent terms are dictated by the lease agreement, not by statute. And before signing or renewing a lease, both parties can negotiate terms, including:
- Monthly rent amount
- Fee structures
- Duration of rent freeze
- What utilities are included
⚠️ Important: Once a lease is signed, it becomes legally binding — so negotiating afterward becomes harder unless the landlord voluntarily agrees.
🤝 When to Negotiate Lot Rent
📅 Before You Sign or Renew a Lease
This is your best opportunity. Landlords are most open to discussion when trying to keep tenants or fill vacancies.
💸 After a Rent Hike Notice
If you get a 60-day rent increase notice, respond quickly and professionally. This might open up a conversation for reconsideration — especially if:
- You’ve been a long-term tenant
- You always pay on time
- Other tenants are also upset (group negotiation is stronger)
🏘️ When Amenities or Conditions Decline
If the park removes services (e.g., laundry room, security patrol), you may have a valid reason to request a rent reduction.
🧠 Tips for Successfully Negotiating Lot Rent
- Do Your Homework
- Compare lot rents in nearby parks
- Document what your current rent includes
- Review your lease terms and prior increases
- Approach Professionally
- Use polite language
- Frame the conversation around fairness and loyalty
- Suggest a mutually beneficial solution
- Put It in Writing
- Even if discussed verbally, follow up in writing
- A formal letter shows seriousness
- Use Facts, Not Emotions
- Show comparable lot rents
- Mention cost-of-living trends
- Note community maintenance issues if relevant
- Be Ready to Compromise
- They may not eliminate the increase, but might reduce it or delay it
- Some parks offer incentive-based rent reductions (e.g., longer lease = lower rent)
📝 Sample Lot Rent Negotiation Letter (Texas)
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[Your Full Name]
[Address in Park]
[City, TX ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To: [Park Manager Name]
[Park Name]
[Park Address]
Subject: Lot Rent Negotiation Request
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I’ve been a resident of [Park Name] since [Year] and have appreciated the community and amenities provided.
However, I recently received a notice indicating a rent increase from [$Current Rent] to [$New Rent], effective [Date]. I would like to formally request a reconsideration of this increase.
Given my long-term tenancy, consistent payment history, and the current local rental market, I believe a reduced or staggered increase may be fairer and more sustainable.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
👨⚖️ What Landlords Might Say — And How to Respond
| Landlord Says | Your Response |
| “It’s company policy.” | Ask for a written copy of the policy. Many large park owners still make exceptions. |
| “Everyone’s rent is going up.” | Mention your history and ask why uniform increases apply despite individual differences. |
| “We’re making improvements.” | Ask for a breakdown of those improvements and whether they benefit your section. |
⚠️ What You CANNOT Do Legally
- Refuse to pay the increased rent without negotiating or getting it in writing — this could result in eviction.
- Withhold rent unless allowed under law (such as for repair disputes under certain conditions).
- Retaliate by damaging property or breaking lease rules — this weakens your legal standing.
🧩 What If They Say No?
If the park refuses to negotiate:
- Ask if you can extend your current lease at the old rate temporarily
- Consider joining with neighbors to make a group request
- Look into filing a formal complaint if the increase feels retaliatory (e.g., if you recently filed a code violation)
You can file complaints with:
✅ Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA)
📞 877-313-3023 | 🌐 https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/manufactured-housing/
✅ Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
📌 Final Thoughts
While Texas mobile home laws give landlords broad discretion over lot rent, that doesn’t mean you have to accept every increase without question.
Negotiating your rent:
- Is legal
- Is sometimes effective
- Shows that you’re an informed tenant
And remember — even if one negotiation fails, your efforts may open the door to better communication in the future or help others in your community.
📥 Related Resources:
👉What Is a Reasonable Lot Rent Increase in Texas?