The legislation governing park homes and caravans is unique, complex and under review. Although every effort will be made to keep this information accurate and current it should only be seen as a guide. You should always make further enquiries from the council or the agencies included in the useful contacts for park home owners page before acting on it.
On 30 May 2008 the Government issued a consultation paper on dispute resolution between park home residents and park owners. This can be viewed at the Communities and Local Government (CLG) webpage on park home disputes (this page opens in a new window). You can have your say up to 22 August 2008, the document explains how to do this.
Caravan site licences
If you use land as a caravan site you will almost always need planning permission and a site licence from the council.
Every site licence will have site licence conditions attached to it.These conditions set out standards governing the layout of the park, provision of facilities and the maintenance of the park. We are responsible for ensuring that site licence conditions are met by the park owner.
In April 2008 the Government published new model standards for residential park home sites. These will be incorporated into Guildford Borough Council's standard conditions over time. If you want to view the new model standards they can be viewed at the CLG website (this page opens in a new window).
If you think you should have a site licence or if you want information about the licence for a particular park contact:
Private Sector Housing
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel:01483 444302
Fax: 01483 444844
Email:privatesectorhousing@guildford.gov.uk
Mobile Home Act agreements
If you live on a residential park home estate and you own the park home you are living in you are entitled to a Mobile Homes Act agreement. This is the contract between you and the park owner and it sets out both your responsibilities and those of the park owner.
There are some implied terms in all Mobile Home Act agreements, summarised here. You can view the full implied terms on the CLG website (this page opens in a new window).
We cannot enforce the terms of you Mobile Homes Act agreement for you. If you do not have an agreement or if the park owner is breaching a term in your agreement you should discuss this with your park owner. If you need advice about your rights you can obtain it from one of the national residents groups, or obtain legal advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau. CLG also produces a free booklet on mobile homes which you can download from the CLG website (this page opens in a new window).
Assured shorthold tenancies
If you rent a park home from a park owner you are likely to hold an assured shorthold tenancy even if you have not been given one. Providing you comply with the terms of your tenancy then your landlord cannot evict you without giving two months notice. Whatever the circumstances the park owner will need to obtain a possession order from the courts to make you leave. CLG also produces a free booklet on assured shorthold tenancies that you can download from the CLG website (this page opens in a new window) or obtain from the Council.
Security of tenure
A park owner can only require a resident to leave a residential park with a possession order from the courts.
Harassment and illegal eviction
We have powers to prosecute a park owner or their agent if they harass a park home resident or if they illegally evict them. If as a resident you feel that you are being harassed or that you may be illegally evicted it is important that you contact us straightaway.
When we investigate we need evidence of the offence. You should record what has happened as soon as possible.If anyone has witnessed what has happened ask them to keep a note as well.
Housing benefit
Subject to a test of resources, housing benefit can be claimed for the pitch fee due for the siting of a residential park home.
Legislation
In 1998 government set up a Park Homes Working Party to review the park homes industry. In conjunction with this the Government has also commissioned research, issued good practice guidance, carried out consultation and introduced new legislation. To obtain up to date information on the progress of the reforms visit the CLG website (this page opens in a new window) .
Please contact the Private Sector Housing team for more information:
Private Sector Housing
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel:01483 444302
Fax: 01483 444844
Email:privatesectorhousing@guildford.gov.uk