When you’re thinking about buying a residential park home, you’ll come across something called a park home written statement. This legal document forms the foundation of your agreement with us as the park owner, and understanding what it should contain helps protect your investment and peace of mind.
Your written statement is more than just paperwork—it’s a legally binding agreement under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 that sets out both your rights and responsibilities, as well as ours. Getting this right from the start means you can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.
Key takeaways:
- Your park home written statement is a legal document that protects both you and the park owner under the Mobile Homes Act
- The statement must include specific details about pitch fees, services, commission rates, and maintenance responsibilities
- Park rules should be clearly referenced or included in your written statement documentation
- You should receive your written statement before purchasing or within three months of moving in
- Always verify that verbal promises are documented in writing before you sign
What is a park home written statement and why does it matter?
A park home written statement is your formal agreement with the park owner, governed by the Mobile Homes Act 1983. Think of it as similar to a tenancy agreement, but specifically designed for residential park home ownership. You own your home, but you’re renting the pitch (the land it sits on) from us.
This document matters because it clarifies exactly what you’re agreeing to when you move to one of our parks, whether that’s Leedons Residential Park or Broadway Park. It protects your investment by setting out in black and white what’s included in your pitch fee, who’s responsible for what maintenance, and how changes to fees are handled.
You should receive your written statement either before you complete your purchase or within three months of moving into your park home. We recommend reviewing it carefully before you commit to buying, so you’re completely clear about your residential park agreement.
The written statement isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal document that gives you rights. If there’s ever a disagreement about fees, services, or responsibilities, this document provides the answer.
The important details your written statement must include
Your written statement requirements are set by law, which means certain information must be included. Here’s what you’ll find in your park home documentation:
Pitch fee details: The statement must clearly show your current pitch fee amount and when it’s payable. At Broadway Park, the monthly pitch fee is £193.77, whilst at Leedons Residential, it’s £246.58 from handover. The statement should also explain how and when the pitch fee can be reviewed—this can only happen once a year, and we must give you 28 days’ notice using a standard form.
Services covered by your fee: Your written statement should list exactly what services your pitch fee covers. This typically includes site maintenance, access to community facilities like our indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor bowling green, and community hall, plus the upkeep of roads and communal areas.
Commission on resales: The law allows park owners to charge up to 10% commission when you sell your home. Your statement must clearly state this percentage, so there are no surprises when you decide to move on.
Maintenance responsibilities: The document should clearly divide responsibilities. You’re responsible for maintaining your park home itself, whilst we maintain the pitch, communal areas, and site infrastructure. Knowing who does what prevents confusion and helps keep our communities looking beautiful.
Utility arrangements: Your statement should explain how utilities work. At Leedons Residential, mains natural gas is available, and all utilities are paid separately from your pitch fee. This transparency helps you budget accurately.
Additional important terms
Your written statement should also cover rules about alterations and improvements to your home. You’ll need written approval from us before erecting fences, hedges, or other boundary structures. This isn’t about being restrictive—it’s about maintaining the high standards and visual appeal that make our parks special places to live.
Understanding park rules and how they appear in your statement
Park rules and regulations form an important part of your site agreement. These rules help maintain the peaceful, community atmosphere that attracted you to park home living in the first place.
Your written statement should either include the full park rules or clearly reference where you can find them. Before you purchase, you must receive a copy of these rules—it’s a legal requirement designed to protect you.
Common park rules you’ll encounter:
- Age restrictions: Our residential parks are for adults aged 50 and over, with no dependent children allowed to live on the park. This creates the tranquil environment many of our residents are seeking.
- Pet policies: Rules about pets help balance the desires of pet owners with the comfort of all residents. These policies should be clearly stated in your documentation.
- Parking arrangements: Your pitch includes a driveway for two cars. Rules about additional vehicles or visitor parking help keep our communities safe and accessible.
- Home specifications: There are limits on park home sizes (maximum 50ft x 22ft) to ensure homes fit appropriately on their pitches and maintain the character of the park.
- Usage restrictions: Your park home must be your only or main residence—subletting is strictly forbidden. This rule protects the residential nature of our communities.
These rules aren’t arbitrary. They’re designed to protect your peaceful enjoyment of your home and maintain property values across the community. When everyone understands and follows the same guidelines, it creates the harmonious living environment that makes park home ownership so appealing.
What to check before you sign your written statement
Before you sign your park home purchase documentation, take time to review everything carefully. This is a significant investment, and you want complete confidence in what you’re agreeing to.
Your pre-signing checklist:
Verify verbal promises are documented: If we’ve discussed anything specific during your visits or conversations—whether that’s about future developments, specific services, or any special arrangements—make sure it’s written in your statement. If it’s not in writing, it’s not part of your agreement.
Check pitch fee review terms: Confirm that the pitch fee review process aligns with legal requirements. We can only review fees once a year, must give you 28 days’ notice, and must use the standard form that explains your rights. The statement should make this clear.
Confirm maintenance responsibilities: Make sure you understand exactly what you’re responsible for maintaining and what we’ll handle. This division should be crystal clear, so there’s no confusion when something needs attention.
Understand resale terms: Check that the commission rate on future sales is stated (maximum 10%) and that you understand your rights to sell your home. You have the legal right to sell on the open market, and the statement should reflect this.
Review improvement rights: Understand what changes you can make to your home and pitch without approval, and what requires written permission from us. This helps you plan for personalising your space.
Don’t rush this process. If anything is unclear, ask questions. We’d rather take extra time to explain something properly than have you sign something you don’t fully understand. Many of our residents have found it helpful to have a solicitor review their documentation—whilst there are no legal fees required for park home purchases, you’re welcome to seek independent advice if it gives you peace of mind.
Questions to ask if something’s unclear
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of your written statement, here are useful questions to ask: What exactly does this clause mean in practical terms? Can you give me an example of how this works? Is this standard across all residential parks? What happens if circumstances change? Getting clear answers now prevents misunderstandings later.
Moving forward with confidence
Your park home written statement is the foundation of a positive relationship between you and us as your park owner. When you understand exactly what’s in this document and what it means for your day-to-day life, you can move into your new home with complete confidence.
We’ve been managing residential parks since the 1980s, and we’ve learned that clear communication from the start leads to the happiest residents. That’s why we’re always happy to walk you through your written statement, answer your questions, and make sure you’re completely comfortable before you sign.
Whether you’re considering a move to our communities or you’re already in the process of purchasing your park home, taking time to understand your written statement is time well spent. It’s not just about legal protection—it’s about starting your new chapter with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the lifestyle ahead.
If you’d like to discuss written statements or have questions about park home ownership, we’re here to help. Our team has decades of experience, and we’re committed to making sure every resident understands their agreement completely.
Frequently asked questions
Can my written statement be changed after I’ve signed it?
Changes to your written statement require agreement from both you and the park owner. Any modifications should be documented in writing and signed by both parties. The Mobile Homes Act protects you from unilateral changes, so you can’t be forced to accept new terms you haven’t agreed to.
What happens if I don’t receive my written statement within three months?
If you haven’t received your written statement within three months of taking up residence, the park owner is in breach of their legal obligations. You should request it in writing immediately. The absence of a written statement doesn’t invalidate your occupancy, but it does leave both parties without clear documentation of the agreement terms.
Are park rules legally enforceable through my written statement?
Park rules are legally enforceable provided they’re reasonable and have been properly communicated to you. The rules should be referenced in your written statement, and you should have received a copy before purchase. However, rules must be fair and not interfere with your statutory rights—for example, a rule preventing you from selling your home would be unenforceable.
How does the written statement affect my ability to make home improvements?
Your written statement should outline what improvements you can make independently and what requires written approval from the park owner. Generally, internal modifications to your park home are your decision, but external changes, additions, or alterations to the pitch itself typically need approval. This protects both the visual standards of the community and your investment.
What’s the difference between the written statement and the assignment form when buying a resale home?
The written statement is your ongoing agreement with the park owner about occupying your pitch. The assignment form is a one-time document used when purchasing a home from an existing resident—it transfers the rights and responsibilities from the seller to you. After the assignment is complete, you’ll continue under the terms of the existing written statement, which should be provided to you as part of the purchase process.
