Repair Obligations for Park Homes and Mobile Homes Scotland

Living in a park home or mobile home in Scotland brings specific repair questions. If you rent your home, your landlord or site owner usually has legal duties to keep it safe and wind- and watertight, and to maintain heating, plumbing and sanitation. This guide explains how those responsibilities work for tenants, how to ask for repairs in writing, what official forms you may use, and when to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). It uses plain language and practical steps so a tenant can take action confidently when repairs are needed or disputed in Scotland.

Your rights and landlord responsibilities

Under Scottish tenancy law the landlord must ensure the property meets basic repairing standards and is fit for habitation. The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and related regulations set out duties for landlords to keep installations for supply of water, gas and electricity, heating, sanitation and structure in repair, and to prevent damp and hazards. See the legislation and guidance for exact duties and timeframes.^[1]

Who usually pays for and arranges repairs

For most park homes and mobile homes the landlord or site owner is responsible for repairs to the home fabric and essential services. Tenants are generally responsible for minor day-to-day upkeep and any damage they or their visitors cause. If responsibility is unclear, check your written tenancy agreement and raise the issue in writing with the landlord or site operator.

Common repair problems in park and mobile homes

• Damp, condensation and mould that affect health or fabric of the home.
• No or faulty heating, especially in cold months.
• Leaks from plumbing, roof or external pipes causing water damage.
• Structural faults such as subsidence or significant movement in chassis or supports.
• Sanitation and sewage failures affecting use of bathroom or kitchen.

What to do first

Report problems to the landlord or site owner immediately and in writing. Give a clear description, dates, and ask for a reasonable timescale for repair. If there is an immediate safety risk (gas smell, exposed wiring, severe leak) call emergency services or your utility provider and inform the landlord straight away.

Official forms you may need

• Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — tenants use the tribunal application when a landlord repeatedly fails to carry out required repairs. Example: if heating is not repaired after a written request and the home is uninhabitable, a tenant can apply to the tribunal to enforce repairs. Official tribunal site ^[2]
• Private Residential Tenancy model information — Scottish Government guidance and the model tenancy content explain landlord and tenant responsibilities, and what must be included in your tenancy statement; use this when checking your agreement or arguing responsibility for repairs. Scottish Government guidance ^[3]
• Local authority reporting forms — where a repair raises health or safety issues you may also report problems to your local council’s environmental health department; follow the council process for inspection requests and complaints.

FAQ

Who is responsible for repairs in a rented park home?

Generally the landlord or site owner is responsible for structural repairs and essential services; tenants handle minor upkeep and damage they cause. Check your tenancy agreement and raise written requests if needed.

How long should I wait for a landlord to repair a problem?

You should allow a reasonable time depending on the severity: urgent safety issues need immediate action, serious failures (heating in winter, major leaks) should be dealt with within days, other repairs normally within a few weeks. If the landlord does not act, you can apply to the tribunal.

Can I withhold rent until repairs are done?

Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction; get advice and consider using the tribunal process or seeking a rent repayment order rather than withholding rent without legal advice.

How-To

1. Write to the landlord or site owner describing the repair, include date, photos and ask for a completion date.
2. Allow a reasonable time for the landlord to respond and carry out the repair, typically days for urgent faults and a few weeks for non-urgent works.
3. If the landlord does not act, prepare and submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) with your evidence.
4. Attend any tribunal hearing or provide written evidence; keep copies of all communications and receipts.
5. If the tribunal issues an enforcement order, follow the instructions and notify the tribunal if the landlord does not comply.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords usually must keep park and mobile homes wind- and watertight and in repair.
• Use official forms and the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) if repairs are not completed.
• Keep dated records, photos and written requests to support any complaint or tribunal case.

Help and Support / Resources

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – how to apply
• Scottish Government – Private Residential Tenancy guidance
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – full legislation

1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. [2] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
3. [3] Scottish Government: Private Residential Tenancy guidance