Residential mobile home site licensing

A residential site licence is an agreement between the site owner and the local council. Site owners must renew their licence every 5 years.

Before they can get or renew a site licence, both the site owner and anyone else managing the site must:

pass a ‘fit and proper person’ test
ensure that the site meets certain standards

If the site does not meet standards, the council can require the site owner to make any improvements needed so the standards are met.

If someone operates a residential site without a licence, they can be fined up to £50,000.

When a site needs a licence

The site owner or operator must have a residential site licence when you live on:

a site with permanent, year-round residential homes
a mixed-use site, with both year-round residential homes and holiday units

They do not need a residential site licence if the site is only for holiday units.

If you live on a private Gypsy/Traveller site

The site owner must have a licence if you live on a private Gypsy/Traveller site.

The rules are different for Gypsy/Traveller sites run by a council.

Checking if a site has a licence

Before you choose a site to live on year-round, make sure the site has a residential site licence.

If it’s a mixed-use site with both residential and holiday units, make sure your pitch is licensed for residential use. Get confirmation in writing from the site owner.

The site owner must display the site licence. If not, you can ask to see it.

You can ask your local council to see the site licence. They can also give you advice about site licensing.

Mobile home site licensing

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Information

When a site needs a licence

If you live on a private Gypsy/Traveller site

Checking if a site has a licence