Improving Gypsy/Traveller Sites Guidance on minimum site standards, and site tenants' core rights and responsibilities. 2026 update – Annex C
This is an update to the original publication, adding Annex C which introduces standards for Gypsy/Traveller site providers to investigate and
commence repairs to damp and mould on sites within set timescales, from 6 October 2026. The original content of the document has not changed.
Mobile Home Legislation and Gypsy/Traveller Sites
12. A Gypsy/Traveller site run by a local authority does not need to have a caravan licence under paragraph 11 of schedule 1 to the Caravan and Control of Development Act 1960. However many of the implied terms contained in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (c.34) (which were amended by the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amendment of Schedule 1) (Scotland) Order (SSI 2013/219)) do apply to tenancy agreements entered into by site tenants. This means that the terms of any tenancy agreement they have with the site provider should reflect these rights.
13. The Mobile Homes (Written Statement) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 contain a statement of those implied terms. The majority of them apply to those living on local authority and RSL Gypsy/Traveller sites. These rights automatically apply to site tenants, and cannot be overridden. Some of the key rights are:
- for a site tenant to be able, on request, to see documentary evidence for anything for which they pay the site owner, including charges for services the site owner provides (e.g. gas and electricity);
- to have parts of the site for which the site provider is responsible maintained in a clean and tidy condition;
- the site provider may only a pitch to read meters and deliver post between 9am and 6pm, other than to carry out essential and emergency works.
14. This guidance, including the core rights and responsibilities, has been developed with an awareness of the implied terms, and should not cut across their provisions.
Contact
Email: gypsytravellers@gov.scot