Eviction Rights for Caravan and Mobile Home Residents in England

If you rent a caravan or mobile home in England, your rights and eviction protections can be different from those in regular houses or flats. Many people live in caravans, holiday parks, or mobile home sites as their permanent home. Understanding how and when you can be asked to leave—and what legal safeguards you have—can help you navigate difficult situations and avoid unfair treatment.

How Are Caravan and Mobile Home Residents Protected?

Caravan and mobile home residents usually fall under two main sets of legislation:

• The Mobile Homes Act 1983: Protects many residents of licensed residential park home sites.
• The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960: Applies to how sites are licensed and managed.

If you own your caravan/mobile home but rent (“occupy”) the pitch, the Mobile Homes Act 1983 often covers you. If you rent your caravan or live in holiday accommodation, your rights may be more limited—a key reason it's important to understand your own contract and the type of site where you live.¹

Can You Be Evicted from a Caravan or Mobile Home?

Your protection from eviction depends on your status. For many permanent park home residents, site owners cannot evict you without following strict legal procedures. In most cases:

• You must be given a written notice with reasons for eviction.
• The site owner must obtain a court order to evict you.
• Certain "excluded licences" (such as holiday-only caravan lets or informal pitches) may not have the same protections.

Unlawful eviction—such as removing your home without a court order or forcing you out—can be a criminal offence in England.²

Main Reasons a Caravan/Mobile Home Resident May Be Evicted

Under Section 4 of the Mobile Homes Act 1983, you can typically only be asked to leave for specific legal reasons, including:

• Not paying pitch fees (rent)
• Breach of your agreement (such as causing serious damage or nuisance)
• The site licence or planning permission has been revoked

Even then, the site owner must serve notice and follow the proper process before taking any further action.

How Does the Legal Eviction Process Work?

1. Written Notice of Termination

You must be served a written notice stating the grounds for eviction and giving at least 28 days to respond. Notices should clearly explain why the site owner wants to end your agreement.

2. Court Application

If you do not leave after the notice period, the owner must apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for England, or to the County Court, depending on the issue. In practice, eviction usually happens through the County Court, especially if an order for possession is sought.³

Official Forms and How They're Used

• Notice of Proceedings (there is no prescribed government form, but notices must comply with legal requirements):
  Example: If you are behind on your pitch fees, the site owner must serve a written "Notice of Proceedings," stating the breach and explaining your rights. If you resolve the issue during the notice period, eviction may be averted. For guidance, see Park Homes: Know Your Rights.
• Form N5B (Claim for Possession):
  Used by owners to apply for possession through the County Court if the notice period ends and no agreement is reached. More information is available at Evicting Tenants (GOV.UK).

Your Rights at a Tribunal or Court

Cases involving pitch fee disputes or other issues can also be brought to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). You have the right to present your case and be heard before any decision is made about eviction or your agreement.⁴

Immediate Action Steps if Facing Eviction

• Check your written agreement and clarify whether the Mobile Homes Act 1983 applies to you.
• Ask the site owner for written reasons if you receive a verbal notice.
• If served notice, respond promptly and get advice from a specialist service (see below).
• Keep all correspondence and written evidence.
• If you believe you're being threatened with illegal eviction, contact your local council's environmental health or housing department.

FAQ: Caravan and Mobile Home Eviction in England

1. Can my site owner remove my caravan or mobile home without a court order?
   No. In almost all cases covered by the Mobile Homes Act 1983, the site owner must obtain a court order to remove your home or evict you. Unlawful removal is a criminal offence.
2. What if I rent my caravan as a holiday let?
   Holiday lets are not usually protected by the Mobile Homes Act 1983. If you live on a holiday park or have an excluded licence, eviction protection is weaker—owners usually only need to give "reasonable notice." Always check your agreement.
3. Can I challenge a notice to leave my pitch?
   Yes. If you believe the grounds are unfair or not properly explained, you can challenge the notice at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or in court.
4. How much notice must I be given?
   If you are protected under the Mobile Homes Act, you must be given at least 28 days' written notice and allowed to respond. In other cases, "reasonable notice" may apply, depending on your agreement type.
5. Is there any official tribunal or help for resolving disputes?
   Yes. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in England handles most mobile home and park home disputes. See the section below for contact details.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Park Homes: Know Your Rights (GOV.UK) – Official guidance
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Handles eviction, fee, and agreement disputes in England
• Shelter England: Mobile and Park Homes – Renter-focused advocacy and advice
• GOV.UK: Mobile Homes Rights – Full overview of your rights
• Contact your local council housing department for support with illegal/urgent eviction

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1. See Mobile Homes Act 1983 (legislation.gov.uk).
2. Court and tribunal protection applies, per the relevant eviction sections of the Act.
3. See Property Chamber Tribunals and GOV.UK: Evicting tenants for court details
4. Dispute process: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

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