In the UK, over 20,000 people live in mobile homes - some by choice, others because it's their only affordable housing option. While a few rent, most own their homes, though the land beneath it is typically owned by someone else. Mobile homes offer an economical alternative to traditional housing, and many retirees choose this lifestyle, often selling their previous property to make the move.
Every park or mobile home site in the UK should have a licence to operate. This licence can only be issued once planning permission has been granted. Councils are required by law to grant a licence once permission is in place, and licenses generally remain valid for as long as the planning consent lasts.
What to consider when looking for a mobile home
When you buy or rent a mobile home, you need to think about:
what the home itself is like
what site the home is located on
what is the site like
whether the home and site comply with all the Councils licensing conditions (these should be displayed on the site in an accessible position)
If you are thinking of purchasing a park home, we strongly recommend that you obtain and Energy Performance Certificate and a structural report from a suitably qualified surveyor before purchasing.
You should ask to see a copy of the site or tenancy agreement that you will be required to sign.
Can I put a mobile home on my own land?
Even if you own the land, you will need planning permission and a site licence, which you can obtain by getting in touch with the Council.
Are there safety standards for mobile homes?
Yes. Park homes should be built to the British Standard - BS3632. Various schemes exist, such as the Gold Shield Ten Year Warranty, to ensure that park homes comply with these standards. Make sure that any mobile home you purchase is covered by a warranty.
A list of approved caravan, motor home and caravan leisure home models can be found on the National Caravan Council (NCC) website. The NCC has checked these models and approved that they comply with UK legislation ad safety regulations. They will carry a NCC approved sticker.
What are my rights if I buy or rent a mobile home?
Unfortunately, tenants and owners of mobile homes do not have as many rights as owners or tenants of "bricks and mortar" homes. This is because different laws apply to mobile homes.
Mobile Homes Act 2013
The Mobile Homes Act 2013 is designed to give greater protection to occupiers of residential mobile (park) homes.
The Mobile Homes Act covers a number of issues related to mobile homes such as:
security of tenure
the agreement between residents and owners
the sale of homes
Any resident who experiences problems relating to their agreement should obtain independent legal advice.
Park Home Site Rules
The site owner may set site riles on residential caravan sites. The Council does not enforce these rules, although some may be a duplicate of the site licence conditions. The site rules are part of the contract between the homeowner and site owner and supplement the Mobile Homes Act Agreement.
The Council is required to keep and publish a register of site rules. The rules that appear on our website Public Register of Protected Site Rules - Cornwall Council have been written by the site owners.
How do I make a complaint?
If you have a complaint concerning a mobile home site you should try to contact the site owner or manager in the first instance, to give them a chance to remedy the situation.
If your site is a member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA) or the National Caravan Council (NCC), you can take your complaint to these organisations and they will do their best to resolve the dispute.
If you rent your park home and have concerns over its condition you can also complain through Cornwall Councils housing complaints page.
We would like to encourage resident's one each site to set up a Qualifying Resident Association (QRA) if you have not done so already. For more information on QRA's please contact LEASE Park Home Advisory Service.
To help us maintain/update our park homes residents’ database, we’d like a record of your contact details. We will use what you tell us to keep in contact with you about matters relating to living on a Park Home site.