The House of Commons Library has just released a report entitled ‘The rights of residential and holiday mobile homeowners (England)’

It can be seen here, and says

The term mobile home covers a wide range of movable accommodation types—caravans, park homes, and lodges—that are typically sited on private land. Landlords or site owners may rent pitches to individuals who own their homes, or let out holiday units under contract.

1. Planning Permission: Your First Legal Obligation

• Ensure the site has valid planning permission:

  • Residential use allows year-round living.

  • Holiday use only sites may have occupation limits (e.g. 11 months/year).

• It is illegal to allow permanent residence on a holiday-only site. Enforcement action can be taken by the local planning authority.

✅ Action: Always verify and comply with site-specific planning restrictions.

2. Site Licensing Requirements

Under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, all mobile home sites (except a few exemptions) must be licensed by the local authority.

• Conditions can include:

  • Maximum number of homes allowed

  • Pitch spacing and access

  • Sanitation and amenities

  • Fire safety measures

✅ Action: Review your site licence regularly and ensure full compliance with all conditions.

3. Legal Agreements: Residential vs Holiday Use

Residential Mobile Homes (covered by the Mobile Homes Act 1983):

• Residents own the home but rent the pitch (often long-term).

• You must provide a written agreement with:

  • Pitch fee details and review terms

  • Rules on selling or gifting the home

  • Termination procedures (strict legal criteria)

❗You cannot evict residential mobile homeowners without due process through the First-tier Tribunal or county court.

Holiday Homes:

• Governed by contract law, not housing law.

• No tenancy rights—contractual terms set the duration and use.

• Pitch licences are typically seasonal and do not grant security of tenure.

4. Consumer Protection Obligations

You are considered a trader, so consumer protection laws apply—especially in the sale or lease of holiday units.

Key Legislation:

• Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Part 2): Bans unfair contract terms. Terms must be transparent and fair.

• Misrepresentation Act 1967: Holds you liable for any false or misleading statements made pre-contract.

• Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (in force from 6 April 2025):

  • Replaces the 2008 consumer protection rules.

  • Outlaws misleading selling and aggressive practices.

  • Enforced by Trading Standards and the CMA.

✅ Action: Ensure all marketing, contracts, and conduct are compliant with consumer law.

5. Disputes & Enforcement

• Residential agreements: Disputes can be taken to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

• Site licence breaches or harassment: Tenants can report you to the local authority.

• Consumer law violations: Investigated and enforced by Trading Standards or the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Support & Resources for Landlords

• LEASE Park Homes: Free advice for site owners and landlords.

• Your local council: For site licensing and planning issues.

• Landlord associations: May offer mobile home-specific support and legal templates.

Key Tips for Landlords

✅ Know the status of your site – residential or holiday – and stay within planning permission limits.
✅ Maintain a valid site licence and adhere to all conditions.
✅ Use properly drafted written agreements for pitch rentals.
✅ Stay compliant with consumer law, especially when selling or leasing holiday units.
✅ Keep records of all communications and contracts in case of disputes.