Renting a park home can be a great housing option, but it’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Whether or not you have a written contract, certain rules protect you and outline how long you can stay, when you can be asked to leave, and what happens in case of eviction.
Understanding Your Rent Contract
If you pay rent to a landlord for a park home, you have a rental agreement, even if it is not in writing. Your rights will depend on whether you have a written or verbal contract.
If You Do Not Have a Written Contract
Even without a written agreement, you should be allowed to stay for at least a year from the date you moved in.
If You Have a Written Contract
A written rental contract should clearly state:
How long you can stay in the park home.
Any rules you must follow.
Notice periods for ending your tenancy.
Even with a contract, your landlord can ask you to leave if:
The contract allows them to evict you with 4 weeks’ notice.
You break the terms of your contract (for example, failing to pay rent or damaging the property).
What Happens When Your Contract Ends?
When your rental period ends, your landlord can ask you to leave, but they must provide at least 4 weeks’ notice.
If you refuse to leave, the landlord can apply to the court for an eviction order, which legally forces you to move out.
What If Your Landlord Tries to Evict You?
If your landlord attempts to evict you, your rights depend on whether you live on a “protected site”.
What Is a Protected Site?
A protected site is a mobile home park that has planning permission for people to live there all year round.
Holiday parks are NOT protected sites, so tenants in these locations have fewer rights.
Your Right to Stay Depends On:
The terms of your rental contract.
Whether your home qualifies as a dwelling house under tenancy laws.
To be considered a dwelling house, your park home must:
Be your main residence (where you live most or all of the time).
Be connected to mains electricity or water.
Be too large to move easily (for example, it cannot be driven or towed away).
If your park home meets these criteria, you have more legal protection against eviction.
Types of Tenancy Agreements
The type of tenancy you have depends on when you moved in and started paying rent:
Before 15 January 1989 – You likely have a regulated tenancy, which offers stronger tenant rights and rent control protections.
On or after 15 January 1989 – You will have either:
An assured tenancy – More tenant rights, long-term security.
An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) – The most common rental agreement, usually with fixed-term contracts and easier eviction processes.
Renting a park home comes with specific rights and responsibilities. Whether or not you have a written contract, your landlord must follow legal eviction procedures. Your rights depend on where your home is located, whether it qualifies as a dwelling house, and what type of tenancy agreement you have. If you’re ever in doubt, check your rental contract, speak with your local council, or seek legal advice to protect your tenancy rights.
FAQ
Do I need a written contract to rent a park home?
No, even if you do not have a written contract, you still have legal rights as a tenant. You should be allowed to stay for at least a year from the date you moved in.
How much notice must my landlord give me to leave a park home?
Your landlord must give you at least 4 weeks’ notice before asking you to leave, unless your rental contract states otherwise.
What is a protected site?
A protected site is a mobile home park that has planning permission for residents to live there all year. Tenants on protected sites have stronger legal rights.
Can I be evicted from a park home?
Yes, but only if your landlord follows the proper legal process. If you are on a protected site, you have more rights against eviction.
What type of tenancy do I have in a park home?
If you moved in before 15 January 1989, you likely have a regulated tenancy. If you moved in after, you may have an assured or assured shorthold tenancy.