Why UK holiday parks chase late payments so aggressively — and what they don’t always tell you
If you own a holiday caravan or park home in the UK, you may already be familiar with the tone of late payment letters from park operators.
What often starts as a polite reminder can quickly escalate into warnings about interest, penalties, breach of contract, or even removal of your unit.
For many owners, especially retirees or those on fixed incomes, this pressure can feel overwhelming. But there’s an important question few parks ever answer: Why do they push so hard—and are they always entitled to?
Pitch fees are their lifeline
For holiday parks, pitch fees are not just another charge—they are the backbone of the business.
Unlike holiday rentals or new sales, pitch fees are:
- Guaranteed income
- Indexed to increase year after year
- Enforced through long, one-sided contracts
When payments are late, operators move quickly because they want to protect that certainty—and discourage other owners from questioning charges.
The contract is designed to favour the park
Most holiday park agreements are drafted to give operators maximum control. These contracts often include:
- Short payment deadlines
- Automatic interest or penalties
- Broad “breach” wording
What owners aren’t always told is that not every clause is automatically enforceable, particularly if it’s unfair, unclear, or applied improperly.
Aggressive enforcement doesn’t automatically mean the park is legally in their right.
Pressure letters are often a tactic, not a final step
Phrases like “Breach of contract”, “Termination notice” or “Removal of the park home” are extremely effective at causing panic— but in reality:
- Termination is rarely immediate
- Strict legal steps must be followed
- Incorrect enforcement can be challenged
In many cases, the language is used to encourage you to pay quickly, not because removal is imminent.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER
Late payment pressure works best when owners feel isolated, rushed, and unsure of their rights.
Taking a moment to understand your contract, your options, and the park’s actual legal position can change everything.
What You Can Do Today
If you’re being chased for late payments or rising pitch fees and want to understand where you stand, contact us to seek advice before responding to your park. A simple call could make all the difference.
A simple review could:
✅ Strengthen your legal position
✅ Identify breaches you didn’t know existed
✅ Protect you from unfair future increases
✅ Potentially open the door to compensation
You have more rights than you realise. Make sure the park knows you understand them.