Mobile Homes Act 1983
1983 c. 34
An Act to make new provision in place of sections 1 to 6 of the Mobile Homes Act 1975.
C1Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
E11F5Particulars of agreements
1
This Act applies to any agreement under which a person (“the occupier”) is entitled—
a
to station a mobile home on land forming part of a protected site; and
b
to occupy the mobile home as his only or main residence.
2
Before making an agreement to which this Act applies, the owner of the protected site (“the owner”) shall give to the proposed occupier under the agreement a written statement which—
a
specifies the names and addresses of the parties;
b
includes particulars of the land on which the proposed occupier is to be entitled to station the mobile home that are sufficient to identify that land;
c
sets out the express terms to be contained in the agreement;
d
sets out the terms to be implied by section 2(1) below; and
e
complies with such other requirements as may be prescribed by regulations made by the appropriate national authority.
3
The written statement required by subsection (2) above must be given—
a
not later than 28 days before the date on which any agreement for the sale of the mobile home to the proposed occupier is made, or
b
(if no such agreement is made before the making of the agreement to which this Act applies) not later than 28 days before the date on which the agreement to which this Act applies is made.
4
But if the proposed occupier consents in writing to that statement being given to him by a date (“the chosen date”) which is less than 28 days before the date mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or (b) above, the statement must be given to him not later than the chosen date.
5
If any express term—
a
is contained in an agreement to which this Act applies, but
b
was not set out in a written statement given to the proposed occupier in accordance with subsections (2) to (4) above,
the term is unenforceable by the owner or any person within section 3(1) below.
This is subject to any order made by the court under section 2(3) below.
6
If the owner has failed to give the occupier a written statement in accordance with subsections (2) to (4) above, the occupier may, at any time after the making of the agreement, apply to the court for an order requiring the owner—
a
to give him a written statement which complies with paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (2) (read with any modifications necessary to reflect the fact that the agreement has been made), and
b
to do so not later than such date as is specified in the order.
7
A statement required to be given to a person under this section may be either delivered to him personally or sent to him by post.
8
Any reference in this section to the making of an agreement to which this Act applies includes a reference to any variation of an agreement by virtue of which the agreement becomes one to which this Act applies.
9
Regulations under this section—
a
shall be made by statutory instrument;
b
if made by the Secretary of State, shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament; and
c
may make different provision with respect to different cases or descriptions of case, including different provision for different areas.
E2F51Particulars of agreements.
1
This Act applies to any agreement under which a person (“the occupier”) is entitled—
a
to station a mobile home on land forming part of a protected site; and
b
to occupy the mobile home as his only or main residence.
2
Within three months of the making of an agreement to which this Act applies, the owner of the protected site (“the owner”) shall give to the occupier a written statement which—
a
specifies the names and addresses of the parties and the date of commencement of the agreement;
b
includes particulars of the land on which the occupier is entitled to station the mobile home sufficient to identify it;
c
sets out the express terms of the agreement;
d
sets out the terms implied by section 2(1) below; and
e
complies with such other requirements as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
3
If the agreement was made before the day on which this Act comes into force, the written statement shall be given within six months of that day.
4
Any reference in subsection (2) or (3) above to the making of an agreement to which this Act applies includes a reference to any variation of an agreement by virtue of which the agreement becomes one to which this Act applies.
5
If the owner fails to comply with this section, the occupier may apply to the court for an order requiring the owner so to comply.
6
Regulations under this section—
a
shall be made by statutory instrument; and
b
may make different provision with respect to different cases or
descriptions of case, including different provision for different areas.
2 Terms of agreements.
1
In any agreement to which this Act applies there shall be implied the terms set out in Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act; and this subsection shall have effect notwithstanding any express term of the agreement.
2
F73
The court may, on the application of either party made within the said period of six months, by order vary or delete any express term of the agreement.
F73
The court may, on the application of either party made within the relevant period, make an order—
a
varying or deleting any express term of the agreement;
b
in the case of any express term to which section 1(6) above applies, provide for the term to have full effect or to have such effect subject to any variation specified in the order.
3A
In subsections (2) and (3) above “the relevant period” means the period beginning with the date on which the agreement is made and ending—
a
six months after that date, or
b
where a written statement relating to the agreement is given to the occupier after that date (whether or not in compliance with an order under section 1(6) above), six months after the date on which the statement is given;
and section 1(8) above applies for the purposes of this subsection as it applies for the purposes of section 1.
4
On an application under this section, the court shall make such provision as the court considers just and equitable in the circumstances.
F215
The supplementary provisions in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to this Act have effect for the purposes of paragraphs 8 and 9 of Part 1 of that Schedule.
2AF3Power to amend implied terms
1
The appropriate national authority may by order make such amendments of Part 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 to this Act as the authority considers appropriate.
2
An order under this section—
a
shall be made by statutory instrument;
b
may make different provision with respect to different cases or descriptions of case, including different provision for different areas;
c
may contain such incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional or saving provisions as the authority making the order considers appropriate.
3
Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2), an order under this section may—
a
make provision for or in connection with the determination by the court of such questions, or the making by the court of such orders, as are specified in the order;
b
make such amendments of any provision of this Act as the authority making the order considers appropriate in consequence of any amendment made by the order in Part 1 or 2 of Schedule 1.
4
The first order made under this section in relation to England or Wales respectively may provide for all or any of its provisions to apply in relation to agreements to which this Act applies that were made at any time before the day on which the order comes into force (as well as in relation to such agreements made on or after that day).
5
No order may be made by the appropriate national authority under this section unless the authority has consulted—
a
such organisations as appear to it to be representative of interests substantially affected by the order; and
b
such other persons as it considers appropriate.
6
No order may be made by the Secretary of State under this section unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
3 Successors in title
1
An agreement to which this Act applies shall be binding on and enure for the benefit of any successor in title of the owner and any person claiming through or under the owner or any such successor.
2
Where an agreement to which this Act applies is lawfully assigned to any person, the agreement shall enure for the benefit of and be binding on that person.
3
Where a person entitled to the benefit of and bound by an agreement to which this Act applies dies at a time when he is occupying the mobile home as his only or main residence, the agreement shall enure for the benefit of and be binding on—
a
any person residing with that person (“the deceased”) at that time being—
i
the widowF17, widower or surviving civil partner of the deceased; or
ii
in default of a widowF17, widower or surviving civil partner so residing, any member of the deceased’s family; or
b
in default of any such person so residing, the person entitled to the mobile home by virtue of the deceased’s will or under the law relating to intestacy but subject to subsection (4) below.
4
An agreement to which this Act applies shall not enure for the benefit of or be binding on a person by virtue of subsection (3)(b) above in so far as—
a
it would, but for this subsection, enable or require that person to occupy the mobile home; or
b
it includes terms implied by virtue of paragraph 5 or 9 of Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act.
4 Jurisdiction of the court.
The court shall have jurisdiction to determine any question arising under this Act or any agreement to which it applies, and to entertain any proceedings brought under this Act or any such agreement.
5 Interpretation.
1
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
F8“the appropriate national authority” means—
- a
in relation to England, the Secretary of State, and
- b
in relation to Wales, the National Assembly for Wales;
- a
“the court” means—
- a
in relation to England and Wales, the county court for the district in which the protected site is situated or, where the parties have agreed in writing to submit any question arising under this Act or, as the case may be, any agreement to which it applies to arbitration, the arbitrator;
- b
in relation to Scotland, the sheriff having jurisdiction where the protected site is situated or, where the parties have so agreed, the arbiter ;
- a
“local authority” has the same meaning as in Part I of the M1Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960;
“mobile home” has the same meaning as “caravan” has in that Part of that Act ;
“owner”, in relation to a protected site, means the person who, by virtue of an estate or interest held by him, is entitled to possession of the site or would be so entitled but for the rights of any persons to station mobile homes on land forming part of the site ;
“planning permission” means permission under F1Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or F2Part III of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;
“protected site” does not include any land occupied by a local authority as a caravan site providing accommodation for gipsies or, in Scotland, for persons to whom section 24(8A) of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 applies but, subject to that, has the same meaning as in Part I of the M2Caravan Sites Act 1968.
2
In relation to an agreement to which this Act applies—
a
any reference in this Act to the owner includes a reference to any person who is bound by and entitled to the benefit of the agreement by virtue of subsection (1) of section 3 above; and
b
subject to subsection (4) of that section, any reference in this Act to the occupier includes a reference to any person who is entitled to the benefit of and bound by the agreement by virtue of subsection (2) or (3) of that section.
3
A person is a member of another’s family within the meaning of this Act if he is his spouse, F18civil partner, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece; treating—
a
any relationship by marriage F19or civil partnership as a relationship by blood, any relationship of the half blood as a relationship of the whole blood and the stepchild of any person as his child; and
b
an illegitimate person as the legitimate child of his mother and reputed father;
or if they live together as husband and wife F20or as if they were civil partners.
F44
In relation to land in Scotland, any reference in this Act to an “estate or interest” shall be construed as a reference to a right in, or to, the land.
6 Short title, repeals, commencement and extent.
1
This Act may be cited as the Mobile Homes Act 1983.
(2) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 2 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.
3
This Act shall come into force on the expiry of the period of one week beginning with the day on which it is passed.
4
This Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1 Agreements Under Act
Part I Terms Implied by Act
Duration of agreement
1
Subject to paragraph 2 below, the right to station the mobile home on land forming part of the protected site shall subsist until the agreement is determined under paragraph 3, 4, 5 or 6 below.
2
1
If the owner’s estate or interest is insufficient to enable him to grant the right for an indefinite period, the period for which the right subsists shall not extend beyond the date when the owner’s estate or interest determines.
2
If planning permission for the use of the protected site as a site for mobile homes has been granted in terms such that it will expire at the end of a specified period, the period for which the right subsists shall not extend beyond the date when the planning permission expires.
3
If before the end of a period determined by this paragraph there is a change in circumstances which allows a longer period, account shall be taken of that change.
Termination by occupier
3
The occupier shall be entitled to terminate the agreement by notice in writing given to the owner not less than four weeks before the date on which it is to take effect.
Termination by owner
4
The owner shall be entitled to terminate the agreement forthwith if, on the application of the owner, the court—
a
is satisfied that the occupier has breached a term of the agreement and, after service of a notice to remedy the breach, has not complied with the notice within a reasonable time; and
b
considers it reasonable for the agreement to be terminated.
5
The owner shall be entitled to terminate the agreement forthwith if, on the application of the owner, F25the court is satisfied that the occupier is not occupying the mobile home as his only or main residence.F25the court—
- a
is satisfied that the occupier is not occupying the mobile home as his only or main residence; and
- b
considers it reasonable for the agreement to be terminated.
6
1
2
F29In subparagraph (1) above “relevant period” means the period of five years beginning with the commencement of the agreement and each succeeding period of five years.
F103
Sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) below apply if, on an application under sub-paragraph (1) above—
a
the court considers that, having regard to the present condition of the mobile home, paragraph (a) F30or (b) of that sub-paragraph applies to it, but
b
c
the occupier indicates that he intends to carry out those repairs.
4
In such a case the court may make an order adjourning proceedings on the application for such period specified in the order as the court considers reasonable to allow the repairs to be carried out.
The repairs must be set out in the order.
5
If the court makes such an order, the application shall not be further proceeded with unless the court is satisfied that the specified period has expired without the repairs having been carried out.
Recovery of overpayments by occupier
7
Where the agreement is terminated as mentioned in paragraph 3, 4, 5 or 6 above, the occupier shall be entitled to recover from the owner so much of any payment made by him in pursuance of the agreement as is attributable to a period beginning after the termination.
Sale of mobile home
8
1
The occupier shall be entitled to sell the mobile home, and to assign the agreement, to a person approved of by the owner, whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
F111A
The occupier may serve on the owner a request for the owner to approve a person for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above.
1B
Where the owner receives such a request, he must, within the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which he received the request—
a
approve the person, unless it is reasonable for him not to do so, and
b
serve on the occupier notice of his decision whether or not to approve the person.
1C
F32A notice under sub-paragraph (1B) above must specify—
a
if the approval is given subject to conditions, the conditions, and
b
if the approval is withheld, the reasons for withholding it.
F32The owner may not give his approval subject to conditions.
1D
1E
If the owner fails to notify the occupier as required by F34sub-paragraphs (1B) and (1C)F34sub-paragraph (1B) (and, if applicable, sub-paragraph (1D)) above, the occupier may apply to the court for an order declaring that the person is approved for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above; and the court may make such an order if it thinks fit.
1F
It is for the owner—
a
b
F36if he gave his approval subject to any condition and the question arises whether the condition was a reasonable condition, to show that it was;
c
if he did not give his approval and the question arises whether it was reasonable for him not to do so, to show that it was reasonable.
1G
A request or notice under this paragraph—
a
must be in writing, and
b
may be served by post.
2
Where the occupier sells the mobile home, and assigns the agreement, as mentioned in subparagraph (1) above, the owner shall be entitled to receive a commission on the sale at a rate not exceeding such rate as may be specified by an order made by F12the Secretary of StateF12the appropriate national authority.
F372A
Except to the extent mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) above, the owner may not require any payment to be made (whether to himself or otherwise) in connection with the sale of the mobile home, and the assignment of the agreement, as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above.
3
An order under this paragraph—
a
shall be made by statutory instrument which F13(if made by the Secretary of State) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament; and
b
may make different provision for different areas or for sales at different prices.
Gift of mobile home
9
F141
The occupier shall be entitled to give the mobile home, and to assign the agreement, to a member of his family approved by the owner, whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
F152
Sub-paragraphs (1A) to (1G) of paragraph 8 above shall apply in relation to the approval of a person for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above as they apply in relation to the approval of a person for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph.
F383
The owner may not require any payment to be made (whether to himself or otherwise) in connection with the gift of the mobile home, and the assignment of the agreement, as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above.
F39Resiting of mobile homeF39Re-siting of mobile home
Sch. 1 Pt. 1 paras. 10-29 and cross-headings substituted for Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 10 and cross-heading (E.) (1.10.2006) by The Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amendment of Schedule 1) (England) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1755), arts. 1(1), 2(6) (with arts. 1(2)(3), 4)
10
F39If the owner is entitled to require that the occupier’s right to station the mobile home shall be exercisable for any period in relation to other land forming part of the protected site—
a
that other land shall be broadly comparable to the land on which the occupier was originally entitled to station the mobile home; and
b
all costs and expenses incurred in consequence of the requirement shall be paid by the owner.
F391
The owner shall be entitled to require that the occupier’s right to station the mobile home is exercisable for any period in relation to another pitch forming part of the protected site (“the other pitch”) if (and only if)—
a
on the application of the owner, the court is satisfied that the other pitch is broadly comparable to the occupier’s original pitch and that it is reasonable for the mobile home to be stationed on the other pitch for that period; or
b
the owner needs to carry out essential repair or emergency works that can only be carried out if the mobile home is moved to the other pitch for that period, and the other pitch is broadly comparable to the occupier’s original pitch.
2
If the owner requires the occupier to station the mobile home on the other pitch so that he can replace, or carry out repairs to, the base on which the mobile home is stationed, he must if the occupier so requires, or the court on the application of the occupier so orders, secure that the mobile home is returned to the original pitch on the completion of the replacement or repairs.
3
The owner shall pay all the costs and expenses incurred by the occupier in connection with his mobile home being moved to and from the other pitch.
4
In this paragraph and in paragraph 13 below, “essential repair or emergency works” means—
a
repairs to the base on which the mobile home is stationed;
b
works or repairs needed to comply with any relevant legal requirements; or
c
works or repairs in connection with restoration following flood, landslide or other natural disaster.
F39Quiet enjoyment of the mobile home
11
The occupier shall be entitled to quiet enjoyment of the mobile home together with the pitch during the continuance of the agreement, subject to paragraphs 10, 12, 13 and 14.
Owner’s right of entry to the pitch
12
The owner may enter the pitch without prior notice between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
a
to deliver written communications, including post and notices, to the occupier; and
b
to read any meter for gas, electricity, water, sewerage or other services supplied by the owner.
13
The owner may enter the pitch to carry out essential repair or emergency works on giving as much notice to the occupier (whether in writing or otherwise) as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.
14
Unless the occupier has agreed otherwise, the owner may enter the pitch for a reason other than one specified in paragraph 12 or 13 only if he has given the occupier at least 14 clear days' written notice of the date, time and reason for his visit.
15
The rights conferred by paragraphs 12 to 14 above do not extend to the mobile home.
The pitch fee
16
The pitch fee can only be changed in accordance with paragraph 17, either—
a
with the agreement of the occupier, or
b
if the court, on the application of the owner or the occupier, considers it reasonable for the pitch fee to be changed and makes an order determining the amount of the new pitch fee.
17
1
The pitch fee shall be reviewed annually as at the review date.
2
At least 28 clear days before the review date the owner shall serve on the occupier a written notice setting out his proposals in respect of the new pitch fee.
3
If the occupier agrees to the proposed new pitch fee, it shall be payable as from the review date.
4
If the occupier does not agree to the proposed new pitch fee—
a
the owner may apply to the court for an order under paragraph 16(b) determining the amount of the new pitch fee;
b
the occupier shall continue to pay the current pitch fee to the owner until such time as the new pitch fee is agreed by the occupier or an order determining the amount of the new pitch fee is made by the court under paragraph 16(b); and
c
the new pitch fee shall be payable as from the review date but the occupier shall not be treated as being in arrears until the 28th day after the date on which the new pitch fee is agreed or, as the case may be, the 28th day after the date of the court order determining the amount of the new pitch fee.
5
An application under sub-paragraph (4)(a) may be made at any time after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the review date.
6
Sub-paragraphs (7) to (10) apply if the owner—
a
has not served the notice required by sub-paragraph (2) by the time by which it was required to be served, but
b
at any time thereafter serves on the occupier a written notice setting out his proposals in respect of a new pitch fee.
7
If (at any time) the occupier agrees to the proposed pitch fee, it shall be payable as from the 28th day after the date on which the owner serves the notice under sub-paragraph (6)(b).
8
If the occupier has not agreed to the proposed pitch fee—
a
the owner may apply to the court for an order under paragraph 16(b) determining the amount of the new pitch fee;
b
the occupier shall continue to pay the current pitch fee to the owner until such time as the new pitch fee is agreed by the occupier or an order determining the amount of the new pitch fee is made by the court under paragraph 16(b); and
c
if the court makes such an order, the new pitch fee shall be payable as from the 28th day after the date on which the owner serves the notice under sub-paragraph (6)(b).
9
An application under sub-paragraph (8) may be made at any time after the end of the period of 56 days beginning with date on which the owner serves the notice under sub-paragraph (6)(b).
10
The occupier shall not be treated as being in arrears—
a
where sub-paragraph (7) applies, until the 28th day after the date on which the new pitch fee is agreed; or
b
where sub-paragraph (8)(b) applies, until the 28th day after the date on which the new pitch fee is agreed or, as the case may be, the 28th day after the date of the court order determining the amount of the new pitch fee.
18
1
When determining the amount of the new pitch fee particular regard shall be had to—
a
any sums expended by the owner since the last review date on improvements—
i
which are for the benefit of the occupiers of mobile homes on the protected site;
iii
which were the subject of consultation in accordance with paragraph 22(e) and (f) below; and
iii
to which a majority of the occupiers have not disagreed in writing or which, in the case of such disagreement, the court, on the application of the owner, has ordered should be taken into account when determining the amount of the new pitch fee;
b
any decrease in the amenity of the protected site since the last review date; and
c
the effect of any enactment, other than an order made under paragraph 8(2) above, which has come into force since the last review date.
2
When calculating what constitutes a majority of the occupiers for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)(iii) each mobile home is to be taken to have only one occupier and, in the event of there being more than one occupier of a mobile home, its occupier is to be taken to be the occupier whose name first appears on the agreement.
3
In a case where the pitch fee has not been previously reviewed, references in this paragraph to the last review date are to be read as references to the date when the agreement commenced.
19
When determining the amount of the new pitch fee, any costs incurred by the owner in connection with expanding the protected site shall not be taken into account.
20
1
There is a presumption that the pitch fee shall increase or decrease by a percentage which is no more than any percentage increase or decrease in the retail prices index since the last review date, unless this would be unreasonable having regard to paragraph 18(1) above.
2
Paragraph 18(3) above applies for the purposes of this paragraph as it applies for the purposes of paragraph 18.
Occupier’s obligations
21
The occupier shall—
a
pay the pitch fee to the owner;
b
pay to the owner all sums due under the agreement in respect of gas, electricity, water, sewerage or other services supplied by the owner;
c
keep the mobile home in a sound state of repair;
d
maintain—
i
the outside of the mobile home, and
ii
the pitch, including all fences and outbuildings belonging to, or enjoyed with, it and the mobile home,
in a clean and tidy condition; and
e
if requested by the owner, provide him with documentary evidence of any costs or expenses in respect of which the occupier seeks reimbursement.
Owner’s obligations
22
The owner shall—
a
if requested by the occupier, and on payment by the occupier of a charge of not more than £30, provide accurate written details of—
i
the size of the pitch and the base on which the mobile home is stationed; and
ii
the location of the pitch and the base within the protected site;
and such details must include measurements between identifiable fixed points on the protected site and the pitch and the base;
b
if requested by the occupier, provide (free of charge) documentary evidence in support and explanation of—
i
any new pitch fee;
ii
any charges for gas, electricity, water, sewerage or other services payable by the occupier to the owner under the agreement; and
iii
any other charges, costs or expenses payable by the occupier to the owner under the agreement;
c
be responsible for repairing the base on which the mobile home is stationed and for maintaining any gas, electricity, water, sewerage or other services supplied by the owner to the pitch or to the mobile home;
d
maintain in a clean and tidy condition those parts of the protected site, including access ways, site boundary fences and trees, which are not the responsibility of any occupier of a mobile home stationed on the protected site;
e
consult the occupier about improvements to the protected site in general, and in particular about those which the owner wishes to be taken into account when determining the amount of any new pitch fee; and
f
consult a qualifying residents' association, if there is one, about all matters which relate to the operation and management of, or improvements to, the protected site and may affect the occupiers either directly or indirectly.
23
The owner shall not do or cause to be done anything which may adversely affect the ability of the occupier to perform his obligations under paragraph 21(c) and (d) above.
24
For the purposes of paragraph 22(e) above, to “consult” the occupier means—
a
to give the occupier at least 28 clear days' notice in writing of the proposed improvements which—
i
describes the proposed improvements and how they will benefit the occupier in the long and short term;
ii
details how the pitch fee may be affected when it is next reviewed; and
iii
states when and where the occupier can make representations about the proposed improvements; and
b
to take into account any representations made by the occupier about the proposed improvements, in accordance with paragraph (a)(iii), before undertaking them.
25
For the purposes of paragraph 22(f) above, to “consult” a qualifying residents' association means—
a
to give the association at least 28 clear days' notice in writing of the matters referred to in paragraph 22(f) which—
i
describes the matters and how they may affect the occupiers either directly or indirectly in the long and short term; and
ii
states when and where the association can make representations about the matters; and
b
to take into account any representations made by the association, in accordance with paragraph (a)(ii), before proceeding with the matters.
Owner’s name and address
26
1
The owner shall by notice inform the occupier and any qualifying residents' association of the address in England or Wales at which notices (including notices of proceedings) may be served on him by the occupier or a qualifying residents' association.
2
If the owner fails to comply with sub-paragraph (1), then (subject to sub-paragraph (5) below) any amount otherwise due from the occupier to the owner in respect of the pitch fee shall be treated for all purposes as not being due from the occupier to the owner at any time before the owner does so comply.
3
Where in accordance with the agreement the owner gives any written notice to the occupier or (as the case may be) a qualifying residents' association, the notice must contain the following information—
a
the name and address of the owner; and
b
if that address is not in England or Wales, an address in England or Wales at which notices (including notices of proceedings) may be served on the owner.
4
Subject to sub-paragraph (5) below, where—
a
the occupier or a qualifying residents' association receives such a notice, but
b
it does not contain the information required to be contained in it by virtue of sub-paragraph (3) above,
the notice shall be treated as not having been given until such time as the owner gives the information to the occupier or (as the case may be) the association in respect of the notice.
5
An amount or notice within sub-paragraph (2) or (4) (as the case may be) shall not be treated as mentioned in relation to any time when, by virtue of an order of any court or tribunal, there is in force an appointment of a receiver or manager whose functions include receiving from the occupier the pitch fee, payments for services supplied or other charges.
6
Nothing in sub-paragraphs (3) to (5) applies to any notice containing a demand to which paragraph 27(1) below applies.
27
1
Where the owner makes any demand for payment by the occupier of the pitch fee, or in respect of services supplied or other charges, the demand must contain—
a
the name and address of the owner; and
b
if that address is not in England or Wales, an address in England or Wales at which notices (including notices of proceedings) may be served on the owner.
2
Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, where—
a
the occupier receives such a demand, but
b
it does not contain the information required to be contained in it by virtue of sub-paragraph (1),
the amount demanded shall be treated for all purposes as not being due from the occupier to the owner at any time before the owner gives that information to the occupier in respect of the demand.
3
The amount demanded shall not be so treated in relation to any time when, by virtue of an order of any court or tribunal, there is in force an appointment of a receiver or manager whose functions include receiving from the occupier the pitch fee, payments for services supplied or other charges.
Qualifying residents' association
28
1
A residents' association is a qualifying residents' association in relation to a protected site if—
a
it is an association representing the occupiers of mobile homes on that site;
b
at least 50 per cent. of the occupiers of the mobile homes on that site are members of the association;
c
it is independent from the owner, who together with any agent or employee of his is excluded from membership;
d
subject to paragraph(c) above, membership is open to all occupiers who own a mobile home on that site;
e
it maintains a list of members which is open to public inspection together with the rules and constitution of the residents' association;
f
it has a chairman, secretary and treasurer who are elected by and from among the members;
g
with the exception of administrative decisions taken by the chairman, secretary and treasurer acting in their official capacities, decisions are taken by voting and there is only one vote for each mobile home; and
h
the owner has acknowledged in writing to the secretary that the association is a qualifying residents' association, or, in default of this, the court has so ordered.
2
When calculating the percentage of occupiers for the purpose of sub-paragraph (1)(b) above, each mobile home shall be taken to have only one occupier and, in the event of there being more than one occupier of a mobile home, its occupier is to be taken to be the occupier whose name first appears on the agreement.
Interpretation
29
In this Schedule—
“pitch” means the land, forming part of the protected site and including any garden area, on which the occupier is entitled to station the mobile home under the terms of the agreement;
“pitch fee” means the amount which the occupier is required by the agreement to pay to the owner for the right to station the mobile home on the pitch and for use of the common areas of the protected site and their maintenance, but does not include amounts due in respect of gas, electricity, water and sewerage or other services, unless the agreement expressly provides that the pitch fee includes such amounts;
“retail prices index” means the general index (for all items) published by the Office for National Statistics or, if that index is not published for a relevant month, any substituted index or index figures published by that Office;
“review date” means the date specified in the written statement as the date on which the pitch fee will be reviewed in each year, or if no such date is specified, each anniversary of the date the agreement commenced; and
“written statement” means the written statement that the owner of the protected site is required to give to the occupier by section 1(2) of this Act.
Part II Matters Concerning Which Terms May be Implied by Court
1
F24The right of the occupier to quiet enjoyment or, in Scotland, undisturbed possession of the mobile home.
2
The sums payable by the occupier in pursuance of the agreement and the times at which they are to be paid.
3
The review at yearly intervals of the sums so payable.
4
The provision or improvement of services available on the protected site, and the use by the occupier of such services.
5
The preservation of the amenity of the protected site.
6
F22The maintenance and repair of the protected site by the owner, and the maintenance and repair of the mobile home by the occupier.
7
F23Access by the owner to the land on which the occupier is entitled to station the mobile home.
F16Part 3Supplementary Provisions
Sch. 1 Pt. 3 inserted (E.W.) (18.1.2005) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), ss. 207(5), 270(3)(a) (with s. 207(6)(7))
Duty to forward requests under paragraph 8 or 9 of Part 1
1
1
This paragraph applies to—
a
a request by the occupier for the owner to approve a person for the purposes of paragraph 8(1) of Part 1 (see paragraph 8(1A)), or
b
a request by the occupier for the owner to approve a person for the purposes of paragraph 9(1) of Part 1 (see paragraph 8(1A) as applied by paragraph 9(2)).
2
If a person (“the recipient”) receives such a request and he—
a
though not the owner, has an estate or interest in the protected site, and
b
believes that another person is the owner (and that the other person has not received such a request),
the recipient owes a duty to the occupier to take such steps as are reasonable to secure that the other person receives the request within the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the recipient receives it.
3
In paragraph 8(1B) of Part 1 of this Schedule (as it applies to any request within sub-paragraph (1) above) any reference to the owner receiving such a request includes a reference to his receiving it in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) above.
Action for breach of duty under paragraph 1
2
1
A claim that a person has broken the duty under paragraph 1(2) above may be made the subject of civil proceedings in like manner as any other claim in tort for breach of statutory duty.
2
The right conferred by sub-paragraph (1) is in addition to any right to bring proceedings, in respect of a breach of any implied term having effect by virtue of paragraph 8 or 9 of Part 1 of this Schedule, against a person bound by that term.
SCHEDULE 2
Repeals
Chapter | Short title | Extent of repeal |
|---|---|---|
1975 c. 49 | The Mobile Homes Act 1975. | Sections 1 to 6. |
In section 9, in subsection (1), all definitions except those of “the Act of 1960”, “the Act of 1968” and “mobile home”, and subsection (2). |
Act: transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1