Mobile home utilities in Nebraska

Nebraska's Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act protects residents on utilities by requiring up-front written disclosure of rates and charges, limiting forced single-seller conditions, and capping any resulting charge at actual cost. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone disputing a specific charge should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Nebraska.

What the statute says

Disclosure comes first. Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1482 requires the landlord to "provide a written explanation of utility rates, charges, and services to the prospective tenant before the rental agreement is signed unless the utility charges are to be paid by the tenant directly to the utility company."

On forced sellers and cost, §76-1492(2) provides that a landlord "shall not impose any condition connected with the rental or occupancy ... which requires the tenant's exclusive use of a seller of fuel, furnishings, goods, services, or mobile homes unless such condition is necessary to protect the health, safety, aesthetic value, or welfare of mobile home tenants." A landlord "may impose reasonable requirements designed to standardize methods of utility connection and hookup," but if a condition results in charges, "the charges shall not exceed the actual cost incurred in providing the tenant with the goods or services." Section 76-1492(1) also requires the landlord to "maintain in good and safe working order ... all facilities supplied" and to "furnish outlets for provided utilities."

How it works in general

Before a Nebraska resident signs, the park must explain utility rates, charges, and services in writing (unless the resident pays the utility company directly). A park generally can't force residents to buy fuel or services from a single seller — only where health or safety genuinely requires it — and even then it can't charge more than the actual cost of the goods or services. The park must keep the utility facilities it supplies in good and safe working order and furnish the outlets. The park may set reasonable, standardized hookup requirements.

Common scenarios

General examples Nebraska park residents commonly encounter:

• A buyer isn't told how utilities are billed. The park must give a written explanation before signing (§76-1482).
• A park tries to require one fuel or service seller. That's barred unless health or safety requires it, and charges can't exceed actual cost (§76-1492(2)).
• A supplied utility hookup fails. The landlord must keep its facilities in good and safe working order (§76-1492(1)).

Other authorities that may apply

The Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act governs utility disclosure and the landlord's duties; the Nebraska Public Service Commission regulates jurisdictional utilities and their rates. The written rental agreement and the utility explanation set the billing terms. Federal law can apply in particular situations.