Park Home Owners’ Rights and Obligations

Living in a park home can be a pleasure if you understand park home owners’ rights and obligations. A park home is defined as a mobile home that is designed for permanent living and situated in a private park. Park homes offer a peaceful, secure and low-maintenance way of life for many people. However, it is important to be aware of your rights and obligations as a park home owner in the UK. In this article, we will outline the key points of your rights and obligations as they stand after 2013. (For information on park homes bought before 2013 see the government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/park-mobile-homes )

Rights of Park Home Owners:

As a park home owner, you have the right to live in your home all year round. You also have the right to sell your home and receive a fair price for it. The park owner cannot prevent you from selling your home and they do not have the right to vet or block the buyer of your home, except to ensure that the new owner meets the park’s rules and regulations. This is particularly important when it comes to age restrictions, vehicles and rules about pets.

For a more detailed account of the buying and selling of your park home and for details on the information that you should expect from the park and when, it may be worth consulting the UK government website here: https://www.gov.uk/park-mobile-homes

You have the right to be consulted by the park owner about any changes that will affect your home or the park as a whole. The park owner must provide you with at least 28 days’ notice of any proposed changes and you have the right to express your views on the matter.

Park home owners also have the right to form a residents’ association. This association can represent the views and interests of the park home owners to the park owner and other relevant parties.

Obligations of Park Home Owners:

As a park home owner, you have certain obligations to the park owner and your fellow residents. You must pay the pitch fee for the use of the land on which your home is situated. This fee covers the costs of maintaining the park and its facilities, such as roads, lighting, and communal areas.  You also have an obligation to maintain your home and pitch in good condition. This includes keeping the exterior of your home clean and tidy, and ensuring that any gas or electrical appliances are serviced regularly and in good working order. You must also ensure that your home complies with any relevant safety standards.

Park home owners are also expected to abide by the park’s rules and regulations. These rules may include restrictions on pets, noise levels, and the appearance of your home and pitch. They may also include the requirement to have park home insurance. It is important to read and understand these rules before moving onto the park.

Dispute Resolution:

If you have a dispute with the park owner or another park home owner, there are several options available to you. You can try to resolve the dispute informally by speaking with the other party or the park owner. If this does not work, you can use the park’s internal complaints procedure.  If the dispute cannot be resolved through the park’s complaints procedure, you can seek mediation. Mediation is a voluntary process where an independent third party helps the parties involved to find a mutually acceptable solution.  If mediation is not successful, you can take legal action. The first step is to seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in park home law. They can advise you on the best course of action to take. This is one reason you may want to consider legal expenses cover from Park Home Assist.

In summary: As a park home owner, you have the right to live in your home all year round, sell your home and be consulted about any changes that will affect your home or the park as a whole. You also have an obligation to pay the pitch fee, maintain your home and pitch, and abide by the park’s rules and regulations. If you have a dispute with the park owner or another park home owner, there are several options available to you for resolution. It is important to understand your rights and obligations as a park home owner to ensure that you can enjoy your home and community to the fullest.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

This is a marketing article from Park Home Assist, multi-award-winning providers of residential park home insurance.  If you would like to speak to an advisor regarding insurance for your park home, please contact our friendly team in our Northampton office on 01604 946 796.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

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Published – 02/06/23