In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged across the UK, where some holiday park operators are accused of harassing park homeowners.
These homeowners, often retirees who have invested significant portions of their savings into purchasing these homes, seek peace and security in these tranquil environments.
However, rather than enjoying their golden years, many are finding themselves embroiled in stressful disputes with aggressive park operators who exploit legal grey areas and exercise undue influence over their lives.
The Growing Problem
Park homes offer an attractive lifestyle for people looking to downsize and enjoy a simpler way of living. These homes are often situated in scenic holiday parks and marketed as peaceful havens with close-knit communities.
However, reports of harassment by park operators have surfaced across various parts of the UK. Complaints range from bullying tactics and unfair fee increases to threats of eviction. In many cases, park operators have been accused of using intimidation to force homeowners to sell their properties back to the park at significantly reduced prices, only to resell them at a substantial profit.
Common Forms of Harassment
- Exorbitant Fees and Unjust Charges: Some park operators impose sudden and unjustified increases in ground rent or service charges. Homeowners often have little choice but to pay these fees, as withholding payment could lead to legal action or eviction threats.
- Maintenance Neglect: Deliberate neglect of park maintenance is another tactic used to harass residents. By allowing communal areas to fall into disrepair, operators create a hostile living environment, hoping to pressure residents into selling their homes.
- Intimidation and Bullying: Verbal threats and aggressive communication are common complaints. Homeowners have reported being subjected to harassment during community meetings or receiving hostile letters and emails from park management.
- Resale Restrictions: Many park operators impose restrictions on who homeowners can sell their properties to, often requiring sales to go through the park itself. This practice allows operators to control the market and undervalue homes. If a sale is effected to anyone other than the park, the operators impose a commission fee of up to 25% in some cases.
- Eviction Threats: Threats of eviction are perhaps the most distressing form of harassment. While there are legal protections in place, the fear of losing their homes can cause significant emotional distress for residents.
Legal Protections and Gaps
The Mobile Homes Act 1983 and subsequent amendments provide some legal protections for park homeowners. These laws outline residents’ rights, including security of tenure and protections against unfair fees.
However, enforcement is often necessary through legal action.
What Can Homeowners Do?
If you are a park home owner facing harassment, there are several steps you can take:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions with park operators, including written correspondence, phone calls, and incidents of harassment.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult industry specialists with experience in park home law. Many professional companies offer free initial consultations to assess your case.
- Do Your Research: If you have been bullied or harassed by your holiday park operator, it is likely that you are not an isolated incident and there may be others on your holiday park that have experienced the same. Again, you can take note of any other incidents as part of your documentation.
Harassment by holiday park operators is a serious issue that undermines the well-being and security of park homeowners. While legal protections exist, enforcement must be actioned to hold rogue operators accountable.
If you have experienced threatening behaviour or harassment from your holiday park operators, and believe you may have grounds to claim, get in touch with us.