Mobile homes and caravans

This section looks at the rights of people who live in caravans or mobile homes. Both terms are used interchangeably in this section. The legislation defines what is included when determining whether a structure is a caravan/mobile home or not. Rights depend on whether the caravan/mobile home is stationed on a protected site, and whether it belongs to an owner-occupier or is rented.

Definition of caravan/mobile home

The Caravan Sites Act provides the definition of 'caravan' and 'mobile home'. 

Definitions of occupier and site owner

This section looks at the definitions of site owner and occupier. 

Definition of protected site

A caravan site is a site where one or several caravans are stationed. A protected site is one that requires a site licence and has planning permission for use as a caravan site. 

Site licence conditions

This section explains the conditions for applying for and granting a site licence. 

Planning permission

This section discusses the need for planning permission when siting a mobile home on a piece of land. 

Protection from eviction

This section discusses the right of mobile home occupiers in relation to eviction. 

Mobile Homes Act 1983

This section discusses the rights of someone who owns a mobile home but rents the pitch on which it is sited. 

The written statement

This section discusses the right to a written statement and what this should contain. It discusses express and implied terms, and provides information on the duration of the agreement, terminating the agreement, and the rights to sell, gift and re-site the mobile home. 

Resolving disputes

Disputes may arise between mobile home occupiers and site owners on a number of issues concerning termination of agreements, serving of the written statement or applications to vary or delete express terms of the agreement. 

Succession

This section discusses the right to succeed to a mobile home under the Mobile Homes Act 1983. 

Rent (Scotland) Act 1984

This section discusses the protection offered to mobile home occupiers by the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984. 

Housing (Scotland) Act 1987

This section discusses the protection offered to mobile home occupiers by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987. 

Private renters in mobile homes

This section discusses the protection offered to mobile home occupiers by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988. 

Mobile homes without protection

This section discusses the common law protection that a mobile home occupier may have if s/he is not protected by statute. 

Pitch fee reviews

There is no statutory provision for the control of mobile home rents or pitch fees. Most written agreements contain an annual review of pitch fees on stated grounds. 

Enforcing repairs

This section discusses the rights that a mobile home occupier may have in relation to repairs. 

Housing Benefit

This section discusses how caravans are treated in relation to housing benefit.