Can a Massachusetts park force residents to buy fuel from one supplier?

Generally no. Under M.G.L. c.140 §32L(3), a park 'shall not impose any conditions of rental or occupancy which restrict the resident in his choice of a seller of fuel, furnishings, goods, services or accessories,' as long as the seller complies with applicable law and the community's approved rules. This is general information, not advice about a specific bill — consider consulting a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.

Must utility charges be disclosed in Massachusetts?

Yes. Under §32P, the written disclosure given before occupancy must include 'an itemized list of any charges or fees,' so utility-related charges have to be spelled out, and a non-uniform or non-conforming charge is unenforceable under §32L.

Mobile home utilities and fuel in Massachusetts

Q: Can a Massachusetts park overcharge for fuel from a central system?

No. Section 32L(3) allows a park to impose 'reasonable conditions relating to central fuel and gas meter systems in the community, provided, however, that the charges for such fuel shall not exceed the average prevailing price in the locality.'

Massachusetts's Manufactured Housing Community law, M.G.L. Chapter 140, does not set a detailed submetering formula, but it protects a resident's freedom to choose fuel and service suppliers, caps a park-run central fuel system at the local average price, and requires every charge to be disclosed. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone disputing a specific charge should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.

What the statute says

M.G.L. c.140 §32L(3) protects vendor choice and limits central fuel charges. A park "shall not impose any conditions of rental or occupancy which restrict the resident in his choice of a seller of fuel, furnishings, goods, services or accessories ... provided, however, that such seller is in compliance with applicable law and rules and regulations of the community." The same paragraph allows a park to "impose reasonable conditions relating to central fuel and gas meter systems in the community, provided, however, that the charges for such fuel shall not exceed the average prevailing price in the locality."

Disclosure is required by §32P, whose written statement before occupancy must include "an itemized list of any charges or fees." And under §32L, a charge that does not apply uniformly is presumed unfair (§32L(2)), and any charge that is "unfair or deceptive or which does not conform to the requirements of this section shall be unenforceable" (§32L(6)).

How it works in general

Residents generally may choose their own suppliers of fuel and other goods and services, as long as the supplier follows the law and the community's approved rules (which can include reasonable insurance requirements). Where the community provides a central fuel or gas-meter system, it may set reasonable conditions but cannot charge more than the average prevailing local price for the fuel. Every utility-related charge must be itemized in the written disclosure before move-in, and a charge that is non-uniform, unfair, deceptive, or simply not authorized by the statute can't be enforced. Rates of regulated utilities are overseen by the Department of Public Utilities.

Common scenarios

General examples Massachusetts park residents commonly encounter:

A park tries to require one heating-fuel dealer. Section 32L(3) protects the resident's choice of fuel seller.
A community's central propane system charges a premium. Its charge can't exceed the local average price (§32L(3)).
A utility charge isn't explained. Charges must be itemized in the §32P disclosure, and non-conforming charges are unenforceable (§32L(6)).

Other authorities that may apply

Title 32F–32S governs vendor choice, central-fuel pricing, and disclosure; a violation is an unfair or deceptive practice under c.93A (§32L(7)), and the Attorney General's manufactured-housing regulations (940 CMR 10.00) apply. The Department of Public Utilities regulates electric, gas, and water utilities and their rates, and the written disclosure and lease set the billing terms.