Brighton MP welcomes new rights for park home residents

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby has welcomed new rights for park home residents today (Wednesday 29 May).

He said that the new rights would give park home – or mobile home – owners the protection that they need from unscrupulous site owners.

The new rights come into force this week.

Mr Kirby said that park homes offered many people an affordable opportunity to escape to the country.

But some dishonest park home operators abused their position, he said, to make a profit at their residents’ expense.

In some cases, site owners have lied to prospective purchasers about the conditions of homes and even dug holes around homes to make them unsaleable.

The new laws will make these underhand tactics a thing of the past. The rules

• remove site owners from the park home buying and selling process, meaning that residents cannot be forced to sell or prevented from selling their park homes to fill the landlord’s pocket
• make it harder to impose unexpected charges or changes of rules and
• give local authorities more power to enforce breaches, making it easier to prosecute a site owner who harasses residents

The government has also set up a new national helpline, operated by the Leasehold Advisory Service, for residents to get advice on their rights when selling or gifting their home.

Mr Kirby said: “I’m delighted that the government is safeguarding park home residents in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, like those at Tudor Rose Park in Peacehaven.

“For too long, some unscrupulous operators have made residents’ lives a misery, intimidating people and manipulating the rules to turn a quick profit.

“These new protections will close the loopholes to root out the rogue operators and ensure those who run an honest business will continue to flourish.

“Council’s will also now have the powers to protect the vulnerable, so park home residents will be able to enjoy their rural retreats in peace.”