Eviction Rights for Caravan and Mobile Home Renters in Northern Ireland

Renting a caravan or mobile home in Northern Ireland can offer flexibility and affordability, but it also comes with unique rules—especially when it comes to eviction. Understanding your legal protections and what processes must be followed if a landlord or site owner wants you to leave is essential for every mobile home and caravan renter.

What Are Your Rights if Renting a Caravan or Mobile Home?

Caravan and mobile home renters have different rights compared to tenants in brick-and-mortar properties. Your situation depends mainly on where your home is located, the type of agreement you have, and whether you own or rent your caravan or mobile home. In Northern Ireland, much of this is regulated under the Caravan Sites Act 1968 and the Caravan Sites (Northern Ireland) Order 2006¹.

Key Differences for Caravan and Mobile Home Renters

• You may have a licence agreement instead of a tenancy agreement—this can affect your protection from eviction.
• If you live on a registered residential caravan site, you have some extra legal protections.
• Holiday caravans (used only for part of the year) are usually excluded from security of tenure laws.

Make sure you check your written agreement or licence, if you have one. If you’re unsure, organisations like nidirect's Private Renting advice can help clarify your status.

When Can You Be Legally Evicted?

If your caravan or mobile home is your permanent residence on a licensed residential site, you can only be lawfully evicted after the site owner follows the right process.

• A site owner must give you written notice to end your agreement.
• If you do not leave, the owner must obtain a possession order from a court—they cannot evict you themselves.
• For holiday lets or informal agreements, fewer protections may apply. Always get advice if you're in doubt.

Eviction Process and Notice Periods

The notice period and eviction process will depend on:

• Your agreement type (licence or tenancy)
• Whether you own your home or rent it
• The reason for eviction (e.g., site rules breach, rent arrears, redevelopment)

Typically, site owners must serve a written Notice to Quit. There is no single official form for caravan site notices, but the notice should clearly state:

• The reason for ending your agreement
• The date you are required to leave (check your contract for the required notice period—often a minimum of 28 days)

If you refuse to leave, the owner must apply to the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service for a possession order².

Forms and How They’re Used

• Notice to Quit: Written by your site owner, not an official government form. It should state the date and reason for eviction. If you receive one, use the time to seek advice or challenge the notice if you feel it is unfair.
• Possession Order Application (NI Courts): Used by site owners if you do not leave after being served notice. The application is made via the county court. See Evictions & Possession Orders guidance for details.

Your Protection Against Illegal Eviction

It is illegal for a site owner to force you out without a court order. Harassment, turning off utilities, or blocking entry are unlawful actions. If this happens, report it immediately to your local council’s Environmental Health or contact specialist advice services.

What If Your Site Closes or Is Redeveloped?

If the land is being redeveloped or your site is closing, longer notice periods may apply, and sometimes compensation may be possible. Refer to your agreement and check the Caravan Sites (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 for specific rights.

Where to Get Advice and Challenge Eviction

• Housing Rights NI offers free advice and support if you’re facing eviction.
• If you want to challenge an eviction, you may need to file a defence with the county court after the owner starts possession proceedings.

1. Can I be evicted from a caravan site without notice? No. A site owner must serve you written notice and apply for a possession order if you do not leave.
2. Do I have rights as a renter in a holiday caravan? Holiday lets have very limited rights; protections mainly apply to residential sites where the caravan is your main home.
3. Where do I challenge a possession order? Possession orders are handled by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.
4. What can I do if I’m harassed by a site owner? Report harassment to your local council’s Environmental Health department or seek legal advice.
5. Is there compensation if my site closes? Sometimes. Check your agreement and seek advice; compensation rights can be complex and depend on your length of stay and agreement terms.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

To sum up your rights and next steps as a caravan or mobile home renter in Northern Ireland:

• Eviction is a legal process; you cannot be forced off-site without proper written notice and a court possession order.
• Your agreement type (licence or tenancy) and whether the site is residential or holiday-focused affect your protections.
• Get advice quickly if you receive a notice or feel you are being treated unfairly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Housing Rights NI: Free, specialist housing advice for all renters in Northern Ireland.
• nidirect Private Renting: Official information and guidance on renting, agreements, and your rights.
• Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service: For court forms, possession proceedings, and legal action routes.
• Contact your local council (Environmental Health): For complaints about harassment or unsafe evictions.

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1. Caravan Sites (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
2. Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service

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