📌 Overview
Living in a mobile home park in Texas gives you some rights—but also responsibilities.
If you’ve received a notice about a lot rent increase and are considering refusing to pay it, this article will walk you through the real consequences, legal risks, and your options.
Important: Texas does not have rent control laws, even for mobile home parks. That means landlords are allowed to raise the rent—as long as they follow proper notice procedures and don’t violate lease agreements.
⚖️ Is It Legal to Refuse a Lot Rent Increase?
You can refuse to pay the increased amount—but that doesn’t mean you’re protected. In most cases, refusing to pay the new rent is seen as a breach of contract or non-payment of rent, especially if the increase was done lawfully.
Let’s break it down:
✅ If You’re Month-to-Month:
- Your landlord only needs to give you 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- If you refuse to pay the new rent, your lease ends, and the landlord can begin eviction proceedings.
✅ If You Have a Fixed-Term Lease:
- The landlord cannot increase rent until your lease ends (unless your lease allows for mid-term adjustments).
- If they try to raise it mid-lease and you refuse, you may be within your rights to dispute it.
🚨 What Can Legally Happen If You Refuse?
1. You May Be Served an Eviction Notice
If you don’t pay the increased rent amount after the notice period, you are legally seen as delinquent. The landlord can:
- Issue a Notice to Vacate (usually giving you 3 days)
- File for eviction (called a forcible detainer lawsuit)
- Remove you through court-approved action (you cannot be locked out without a court order)
2. You Could Be Charged Late Fees
Many mobile home park leases include late payment penalties. If you pay the old rent instead of the new amount, the remaining balance may be considered unpaid, and late fees may apply.
3. You Risk Losing Your Home Site
Even if you own the mobile home itself, the lot is rented. If you are evicted from the lot, you may be forced to move your home, which can cost thousands of dollars and may not even be feasible.
4. It Can Affect Your Credit or Rental History
If you go to court or are evicted:
- The judgment may appear on your rental history reports
- It may make it harder to rent or lease another lot in Texas
- If money is owed, it can be sent to collections, hurting your credit score
💡 What Should You Do Instead?
Refusing to pay might feel like standing up for yourself, but in practice, it often backfires. Consider these options first:
✅ 1. Negotiate with the Landlord
- Ask if the increase can be phased in over time
- See if discounts are available for long-term tenants or seniors
- Request written justification (i.e., park improvements, market comparisons)
✅ 2. File a Formal Dispute Letter
Use a rent dispute letter to challenge unfair or unclear increases. This creates a paper trail and shows you’re not being difficult—you’re asking for fairness.
✅ 3. Check for Lease Violations
If your lease doesn’t allow mid-term increases, you have a strong legal ground to challenge the hike. Consult an attorney if unsure.
✅ 4. Get Legal Help
Organizations like Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Lone Star Legal Aid, or local housing authorities offer free legal assistance for qualified tenants.
📘 Real-World Example:
Maria, a 62-year-old mobile home owner in Central Texas, received a notice that her rent would go from $450 to $700 in 30 days.
She refused to pay the increase and continued paying $450. The park owner filed for eviction.
Because Maria had no lease and was month-to-month, the court sided with the landlord—even though the increase seemed excessive.
Maria had to move her home, which cost over $6,000.
Lesson: Even if the rent hike feels unfair, refusal rarely ends well without legal backing.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Refusing to pay a large rent increase in Texas can lead to eviction, fees, and major financial stress. However, you are not powerless.
If you act quickly—negotiate, document, and seek legal advice—you can often work out a solution or at least buy time to prepare.