Mobile home pitch fees cover the cost of your pitch on a residential caravan site. These fees are separate from any charges for the mobile home itself and can increase annually, sometimes substantially. The Mobile Homes Act 2013 provides protections for residents, but pitch fee clauses are often buried in complex agreements that few people read carefully before signing. Understanding how pitch fees are calculated, how often they can increase, and what dispute mechanisms exist is critical. Many site owners link pitch fees to RPI (Retail Price Index) or include discretionary increases, which can lead to unexpected cost jumps. Before committing to long-term site residence, you need to know the exact terms governing these fees.
What is a Pitch fee transparency and escalation?
A pitch fee agreement sets out the annual or periodic rental cost for your site pitch (the space where your mobile home sits), separate from the property itself. It typically includes details on payment schedules, how increases are calculated, grounds for variation, and remedies if disputes arise. These agreements are governed by the Mobile Homes Act 2013, which sets out statutory protections for residents.
Red flags to watch for
If the agreement allows the site owner to increase pitch fees without reference to a specific index (like RPI) or cap, you could face sudden, unaffordable jumps. The Mobile Homes Act 2013 requires increases to be 'reasonable', but vague language gives owners too much latitude.
Some agreements link increases to RPI plus a percentage (e.g., RPI + 3%). If there's no cap on the multiplier or annual increase, compound rises can quickly outpace inflation.
Any clause stating you waive rights under the Mobile Homes Act 2013 is unenforceable, but its presence signals a site owner trying to minimize resident protections.
If the agreement doesn't outline how pitch fee disputes are resolved (arbitration, mediation, tribunal), you're vulnerable to unilateral decisions by the site owner.
If the agreement auto-renews with minimal notice and no chance to challenge new pitch fees, you may be locked in before you can exit.
Some agreements charge the new pitch fee while a dispute is ongoing. You could pay an amount you contest while waiting for resolution.
Your legal rights
The Mobile Homes Act 2013 and its regulations (The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Written Statements of Terms) Regulations 2016) require site owners to provide a written statement of pitch fee terms. Any increase must be 'reasonable' and justified. The Act provides for dispute resolution through site mediation procedures and, if necessary, a tribunal. Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 prevents unfair contract terms that might significantly disadvantage residents.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1What is the current annual pitch fee and how is it calculated (e.g., linked to RPI, fixed amount)?
- 2How often can pitch fees be increased, and is there a cap on annual increases (percentage or absolute)?
- 3If linked to an index like RPI, is there a multiplier, and is it capped?
- 4What notice period must the site owner give before a pitch fee increase takes effect?
- 5What dispute resolution process applies if I disagree with a pitch fee increase?
- 6Can I challenge a pitch fee increase through a tribunal, and what costs would I incur?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.