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Why This Topic Matters

Thousands of people across Wales live year-round in park homes or static caravans, often on privately managed sites. The Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 strengthened residents’ rights by reforming site licensing, increasing enforcement powers for councils, and improving protection from unfair practices. Yet despite this progress, day-to-day problems still arise around pitch fees, site management, and sales. Understanding the law helps residents resolve disputes early and protect their long-term security.

The Law and Your Rights

If you live on a protected site, the site owner must provide you with a written statement setting out your key rights and obligations, including the right to station your home, pitch fees, maintenance terms, and the circumstances in which the agreement can be ended. Certain implied terms also apply automatically under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, as amended in Wales by the 2013 Act. These include long-term security of tenure, rules on pitch-fee reviews, consultation duties, and rights to sell or gift your home.

All residential sites must also be licensed by the local authority, and the owner or manager must pass a fit and proper person test. Councils can refuse or revoke licences, issue penalty notices, or take emergency action if serious breaches occur. These measures aim to ensure fair treatment and safe living conditions for residents across Wales.

Common Issues and Legal Protections

One of the most frequent concerns for park home residents is the pitch-fee review. In Wales, pitch fees are usually linked to inflation (measured by the Consumer Prices Index). If you disagree with a proposed increase, you can challenge it before the Residential Property Tribunal (RPT), which can hold or adjust the fee if the site owner’s evidence doesn’t justify the rise.

Another area of dispute involves the sale or gifting of homes. The law allows site owners to charge up to 10% commission on a sale, but they cannot unreasonably obstruct the process. Recent reforms simplified consent procedures to prevent abuse of power, although the fairness of the 10% commission rule continues to be debated.

Residents also face issues with site management and operator conduct. Harassment, poor maintenance, or unapproved rule changes can breach licence conditions and result in council enforcement. Forming a Qualifying Residents’ Association (QRA) allows residents to be formally consulted on site management and proposed changes, giving them a stronger collective voice.

Practical Steps for Residents

Before buying or moving onto a site, always ask to see the written statement, site rules, and the current licence. Ensure the paperwork complies with the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 and avoid proceeding if information is missing.

If your pitch fee increases, check the notice carefully and verify the CPI figure used. Respond in writing if you disagree and apply to the RPT within the specified time limits. Keep receipts or records of costs the operator claims have risen.

When selling or gifting your home, follow the statutory process, factor in the 10% commission, and use official forms to avoid disputes. You may also wish to join or form a QRA to improve communication with the site owner and strengthen residents’ consultation rights.

For serious concerns, such as licence breaches or harassment, contact your local council’s site licensing team. If the issue remains unresolved, the RPT can make a binding decision on pitch fees, termination, or other disputes.

How 18ËêÑÇÖÞÎçÒ¹¸£Àû Legal Advice Clinic Can Help

At 18ËêÑÇÖÞÎçÒ¹¸£Àû Legal Advice Clinic (BULAC), student advisors collaborate with solicitor supervision and offer free and confidential advice to local residents on issues such as:

• We can review your written statement or pitch-fee notice
• Explain your rights to sell or gift your home
• Outline how to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal if negotiation fails

To make an appointment, call 01248 388411 or email bulac@bangor.ac.uk.