Living in a park home comes with specific rights and obligations that are outlined in an agreement with the park (or site) owner. This agreement ensures that both residents and park owners understand their responsibilities, covering topics like pitch fees, maintenance, and site rules.
Whether you have a written agreement or not, you still have legal protections as a park home resident. This guide explains your rights, obligations, and steps to take if you have concerns about your park home conditions.
Your Rights and Legal Agreement with the Park Owner
What Should Your Park Home Agreement Include?
Your written agreement with the park owner should outline:
- Your legal rights, including your right to keep your park home on its pitch.
- Rules, charges, and services provided by the park owner.
- Your obligations as a resident.
You have 28 days to review the agreement before signing it. This gives you time to seek legal advice if needed.
What If You Don’t Have a Written Agreement?
Even if you don’t have a written agreement, you still have legal rights and obligations as a park home resident. Your rights may vary depending on where you live:
- England: Follows the Mobile Homes Act for legal protections.
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Have different rules and regulations, so check local laws for details.
Keeping Your Park Home in Good Condition
As a park home resident, you are responsible for maintaining your home and surroundings. You must:
Repair your home when necessary to keep it in good condition.
Keep the exterior clean and tidy, including:
- Any fences or outbuildings you own.
- The pitch (the land your home sits on).
Failing to maintain your home may result in penalties or additional charges from the park owner.
Site Licence and Park Owner Responsibilities
What Is a Site Licence?
All privately owned park home sites must have a licence from the local council. This licence outlines:
- The maximum number of homes allowed on the park.
- Site services and amenities (such as water, electricity, and waste disposal).
- Health and safety conditions that must be met.
The park owner must display the licence clearly on the site for residents to see.
What to Do If You Have a Complaint About Park Conditions
If you have concerns about the park’s condition, services, or rules, follow these steps:
Step 1: Speak to the Park Owner
- Raise your concerns directly with the park owner.
- Many issues can be resolved through open discussion.
Step 2: Contact the Local Council
- If the park owner does not resolve the issue, contact your local council.
- The council has the power to enforce the site licence and ensure the park owner follows the law.
As a park home resident, it’s important to understand your rights and maintain your home properly. A written agreement with the park owner outlines your legal protections and responsibilities, but even without one, you still have basic rights.
If you have issues with the park’s conditions, always try to resolve them with the park owner first. If that doesn’t work, your local council can step in to ensure that the park owner follows licensing and safety regulations.
FAQ’s
What is a park home agreement?
A park home agreement is a contract between the resident and park owner outlining rights, obligations, rules, and charges.
Do I need a written agreement to have rights as a park home resident?
No, you still have legal rights as a park home resident even if you do not have a written agreement.
Who is responsible for maintaining a park home?
The resident is responsible for keeping their home in good condition, including repairs and maintaining the pitch.
What is a site licence for a park home?
A site licence is a permit issued by the local council that regulates the number of homes, amenities, and safety conditions in a park.
How do I complain about park home conditions?
First, speak to the park owner. If they do not resolve the issue, contact your local council to enforce the site licence conditions.