Eviction Rules for Caravan and Mobile Home Renters in Scotland

If you live in a caravan, mobile home, or on a residential park in Scotland, your rights and the rules for eviction differ from standard tenants in traditional rented properties. Knowing your legal protections can help you feel more secure and confident if you’re facing worries about moving, disputes, or threats of eviction.

Understanding Caravan and Mobile Home Occupancy in Scotland

Caravan and mobile home residents often have different arrangements from those living in a flat or house. Your rights depend on your status—whether you rent the caravan itself, or simply pitch it on someone else’s land. In Scotland, much of the law around this is framed by the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and, for longer-term residents, the Mobile Homes Act (Scotland) 2013.^1,2

Eviction rules vary depending on whether your caravan is your only or main home, and whether you are on a licensed residential site.

What Counts as a Residential Occupier?

If your caravan or mobile home is your main residence and is on a protected site (licensed by the local council as residential), you are considered a residential occupier and usually have additional rights, as outlined in the Mobile Homes Act (Scotland) 2013. If you only stay occasionally or on holiday, different rules may apply.

When Can You Be Evicted?

Eviction from a caravan or mobile home is only legal if strict procedures are followed. A site owner cannot simply ask you to leave or remove your home without proper notice and a court or tribunal order if you refuse to go. Key points include:

• Written notice must always be given.
• Valid reasons for eviction may be required, such as non-payment of pitch fees or breaking site rules.
• You cannot be forced out unless the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) grants an eviction order.³

Notice Requirements and Forms for Eviction

Before eviction action can be started, the site owner must give you a Written Statement of the Agreement (see section 1 of the Mobile Homes Act (Scotland) 2013). If your site owner wishes to evict, they must serve you with a proper written notice specifying the breach or reason and giving you at least 28 days to respond.

• Written Statement of Terms (no official form number): This document must be given to you by the site owner at the start of your agreement, outlining the site rules, charges, and your rights. You can view a sample template provided by Scottish councils here. Use: It is presented at the beginning of your agreement, and is referenced if there is any dispute or eviction process.
• Application to First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber): If a site owner wishes to evict, they apply to the Tribunal using the relevant application forms, such as the Application for Order to Terminate the Agreement and Remove Caravan. Use: If you are served papers, you will be informed by the Tribunal and can respond or attend a Tribunal hearing.

If you receive a notice or Tribunal papers, it is crucial to respond in time and seek advice. The Tribunal will consider your case before making any order.

Tip: Never move out until a Tribunal or court formally orders it. Leaving early may risk losing your rights.

Grounds for Eviction from a Caravan or Mobile Home

Common legal grounds for eviction under the Mobile Homes Act (Scotland) 2013 include:

• Serious or repeated breach of site rules or agreement (for example, not paying pitch fees, causing nuisance, or damaging property).
• The site requires the pitch for redevelopment or permanent closure (strict rules apply and alternative pitches may be offered).

The Tribunal must review all evidence, and you will have a chance to present your side.

Your Rights During the Process

• You are entitled to written notice and a fair hearing.
• You usually have at least 28 days to respond to any notice to leave.
• The Tribunal is independent and will ensure both sides are heard.
• You can present evidence and get legal or advocacy support.

What to Do if You’re Facing Eviction

Stay calm, read any paperwork carefully, and get advice as soon as possible. Your key steps are:

• Keep a copy of all notices and your written site agreement.
• Contact your council or a renters’ advice service for help with the legal process.
• If papers are filed with the Tribunal, prepare to attend the hearing and provide any evidence supporting your case.

FAQs: Caravan and Mobile Home Eviction in Scotland

1. Can I be evicted with no notice from a caravan or mobile home site?
   No, your site owner must give you written notice—normally at least 28 days—and then seek an order from the First-tier Tribunal before any legal eviction.
2. What can I do if I disagree with the reasons for eviction?
   You have the right to respond and present your evidence at the Tribunal hearing. You may wish to get support from an advocacy service or legal adviser.
3. Are eviction rules different for holiday parks?
   Yes, if you only use your caravan or mobile home for holiday purposes (not as your main residence), you usually have fewer legal protections. Check your contract carefully.
4. Which government body handles caravan and mobile home evictions in Scotland?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is responsible for hearing eviction and dispute cases involving residential mobile homes and caravan sites.
5. What official forms do I need to respond to an eviction attempt?
   You don’t need a specific form to respond as the Tribunal will send you instructions. However, keep all written correspondence and prepare to submit evidence to the Tribunal in advance of your hearing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Caravan and Mobile Home Renters

• If you live in a caravan or mobile home as your main home in Scotland, you have strong legal rights—eviction is only possible via written notice and a Tribunal order.
• Always ask for your Written Statement of Terms and seek advice as soon as you receive any eviction notice.
• You can get help from your local council, renters’ support services, and the official Tribunal if you are affected by eviction proceedings.

By understanding the eviction process and your rights, you can take action early and access the help you need to resolve disputes fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government: Caravans and Mobile Homes – Your Rights
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): For guidance and application forms
• Sample Written Statement of Terms from the Scottish Government
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Housing
• Local council housing or environmental health teams (find your council: MyGov.scot council search)

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1. Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960
2. Mobile Homes Act (Scotland) 2013
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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