Can a Rhode Island park charge an entrance fee?

Generally no. Under R.I. Gen. Laws §31-44-3(8), 'a prospective resident shall not be charged an entrance fee for the privilege of leasing or occupying a ... lot, except as provided in §31-44-4.' A reasonable hook-up or maintenance fee that is detailed in the fee schedule is allowed and is not an entrance fee, and 'no fee shall be charged ... as a result of the resident's installation of cable television.' This is general information, not advice about a specific charge — consider consulting a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.

What is the security deposit limit in Rhode Island?

One month's rent, with interest. Under R.I. Gen. Laws §31-44-7.1, 'no deposit will be required which is more than the amount of one month's rent,' the deposit 'shall accumulate interest on an annual basis at the rate of three percent (3%),' and the park must return it with interest 'within thirty (30) days' or provide an itemized list of damages. Failure can mean damages up to twice the amount.

Can a Rhode Island park charge extra for additional people or pets?

Not for additional household members where there's bed space. Under §31-44-3(7), if there is sufficient certified bed space, 'additional rent or charges may not be imposed ... for any person or persons moving in with current resident owners.' A pet fee is allowed only if the park 'actually provides special facilities or services for pets,' and must reasonably relate to that cost (§31-44-3(11)).

Mobile home park fees in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 31-44) controls park fees closely: it bans entrance fees, caps late charges, limits the deposit, and bars several specific charges. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone disputing a specific charge should consider consulting a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.

What the statute says

Section 31-44-3(8) bars entrance fees: "A prospective resident shall not be charged an entrance fee for the privilege of leasing or occupying a ... lot, except as provided in §31-44-4." A "reasonable charge for the fair value of the owner's cost ... shall not be considered an entrance fee, but shall be deemed a hook-up fee or maintenance fee and shall be detailed in the fee schedule," and "no fee shall be charged ... as a result of the resident's installation of cable television." Section 31-44-3(7) bars extra charges for additional household members where bed space is sufficient, and §31-44-3(11) limits pet fees to parks that actually provide pet facilities. The fee schedule must be filed and posted (§31-44-3(10)), and all charges disclosed before the lease with a three-year history (§31-44-3(9)).

Late charges are capped by §31-44-7(6): no grace period "less than ... seven (7) day[s]" and no "late charge in excess of five percent (5%) of the monthly rent due."

The security deposit is governed by §31-44-7.1: "No deposit will be required which is more than the amount of one month's rent," it "shall accumulate interest ... at the rate of three percent (3%)," and on termination the park must "return the deposit along with accumulated interest within thirty (30) days" or provide an itemized list of damages, with double damages for noncompliance.

How it works in general

A Rhode Island park can't charge an entrance fee just for moving in — only a detailed, disclosed hook-up or maintenance fee — and it can't charge for installing cable, for additional household members where there's bed space, or a pet fee unless it actually maintains pet facilities. Every charge has to be in a filed, posted fee schedule and disclosed before the lease along with a three-year history of rent and charges. Late charges are limited to 5% of monthly rent after at least a seven-day grace period. The security deposit can't exceed one month's rent, earns 3% interest, and must come back (with interest) within 30 days of move-out or with an itemized accounting.

Common scenarios

General examples Rhode Island park residents commonly encounter:

A park tries to charge a move-in "entrance fee." Barred, except a disclosed hook-up or maintenance fee (§31-44-3(8)).
A deposit isn't returned. The park must return it with 3% interest within 30 days or itemize damages (§31-44-7.1).
A park charges extra for an additional household member. Barred where there's certified bed space (§31-44-3(7)).

Other authorities that may apply

The Mobile and Manufactured Homes Act (§§31-44-3, 31-44-7, 31-44-7.1) governs fees, late charges, and deposits; the Department of Business Regulation enforces it. The written lease and filed fee schedule define the remaining charges. Federal law can apply in particular situations.