Living on a mobile home site brings specific rights and responsibilities for tenants and residents in England. This guide explains how site tenancies work, what protections residents have against unfair site rules, rent increases and eviction, and how to raise repair or safety concerns. It covers where to find official forms, how to apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for park home disputes, and when to contact local authorities. The language is plain and aimed at renters and mobile home residents, with practical steps you can follow to document problems, respond to notices, and protect your housing. If you are unsure about a notice or a contract term, this article explains your options in England.
What is a mobile home site tenancy?
A mobile home site tenancy (often called a park home or caravan site agreement) sets out the relationship between a resident and the site owner or site operator. Many protections for residents come from the Mobile Homes Act 2013 which updates how written terms, site rules and notices must be handled[1]. Tenancy length, service charges and possessions are all dealt with in the written agreement and by laws that apply to residential land in England, including some provisions of the Housing Act 1988 where relevant[3].
Key resident rights
Residents should know the basic legal protections that commonly apply on mobile home sites:
- You have the right to written site rules and clear terms in your agreement.
- The owner must keep mains services and site infrastructure safe and in repair.
- Service charges and fees must be reasonable and explained in writing.
- Owners normally need to follow legal procedures before seeking possession of your pitch.
Common problems and simple steps you can take
If you face rent increases, unfair rules, repairs not done or an eviction threat, follow straightforward steps to protect yourself.
- Document problems: take dated photos, keep repair requests and receipts.
- Check your agreement and site rules for notice periods and dispute clauses.
- Contact the site owner or manager in writing and keep a copy of any letters or emails.
- Respond quickly to any notice you receive and note all deadlines to avoid losing rights.
Official forms and when to use them
Below are the most relevant official forms and applications residents may need. Use these examples to decide when to act.
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — the application form to ask the tribunal to resolve park home disputes. Use this when the site owner refuses to follow the Mobile Homes Act, for example to challenge an unlawful site rule or an excessive service charge; you can apply to the tribunal to seek a legally binding decision. See the tribunal guidance for how to submit evidence and fees[2].
- Possession claim (County Court) — Form N5 — a court form the site owner may use to seek possession. If you receive a court possession claim, get legal advice promptly; you can respond to the claim and raise any defence about procedure or tenancy type.
- Written complaint / formal repair request — there is no single national form, but a dated written complaint stating the problem, the action you want and a reasonable deadline is required evidence if you later apply to the tribunal or court. For example: "Please fix the heating in my caravan by this date; if not, I will apply to the First-tier Tribunal."
How to prepare an application to the tribunal
When preparing an application, include your tenancy agreement, the site rules, copies of written requests, photos and a short timeline of events. Keep copies of everything and organise documents clearly so the tribunal can see facts at a glance.
What the tribunal and courts can decide
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can decide disputes about park home rules, whether site owner actions breach the Mobile Homes Act, and issues around service charges and pitch fee increases. Courts may handle possession claims and some contractual disputes where the tribunal is not the correct venue. If you go to tribunal, expect a written decision setting out findings and any orders.
FAQ
- Can a site owner increase my pitch fee without notice?
- No. Most agreements and the Mobile Homes Act require clear terms on increases and reasonable notice; check your written agreement and challenge any increase you consider unfair.
- What if repairs are not completed?
- Make a written request, keep evidence, and if the owner does not act you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order to carry out repairs or compensation.
- Can I be evicted without a court or tribunal order?
- Generally no. Site owners must follow legal possession procedures; illegal eviction is a criminal offence and you should seek help promptly.
- How long will a tribunal case take?
- Timings vary; simple matters may be decided within months, more complex cases take longer. Preparing clear evidence speeds up the process.
How-To
- Gather evidence: tenancy agreement, site rules, dated photos and copies of written requests.
- Check the tribunal guidance to confirm the correct application type and any fees.
- Complete the tribunal application form, attach supporting documents and provide a clear remedy you seek.
- Send copies to the site owner as required and keep proof of delivery.
- Attend any hearing (in person or remote) and present your timeline, witnesses and documents.
- Receive the written decision and follow any orders, or seek next steps if you intend to appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Always get and keep a copy of your written agreement and site rules.
- Document issues promptly with dated photos and written requests.
- Use the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for park home disputes when negotiation fails.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) on GOV.UK
- Mobile Homes Act 2013 on legislation.gov.uk
- Housing Act 1988 on legislation.gov.uk
