Living in a Motorhome: Your Complete Legal Guide

Fancy swapping your brick-and-mortar home for life on wheels? You’re not alone. More Brits than ever are embracing the freedom of motorhome living, but before you take the plunge, there are some crucial legal bits you need to know about.

Can I live in a motorhome all year?

The short answer is yes – but there’s more to it than simply parking wherever you fancy. Legally, you’re perfectly entitled to live in your motorhome full-time. However, you’ll need to think carefully about where you can actually stay.

If you own land, you’ll typically need planning permission to live permanently in your motorhome. Most councils consider this a change of land use and are rather particular about it. You might get away with parking on your driveway for short periods, but settling in for the long haul usually requires proper authorisation.

For those dreaming of the open road, you’ll need to rotate between different sites. Most campsites have maximum stay limits – typically between 14 and 28 days. Some close during winter months, so you’ll want to plan your year carefully. Plenty of certified locations and club sites welcome longer stays, but you’ll need to become a member first.

Do I have to pay council tax if I live in a motorhome?

Here’s where things get interesting. Generally speaking, motorhomes aren’t subject to council tax – they’re vehicles, not fixed properties. However, if you’re permanently pitched on a residential site, you might need to contribute to the site’s council tax arrangements.

The key factor is whether you have a fixed address. Many full-time motorhomers maintain a postal address (often with family or through a mail forwarding service) for official correspondence. This address might be subject to council tax, but your motorhome itself isn’t.

Do you need a TV Licence if you live in a motorhome?

If you’re watching live TV or BBC iPlayer in your motorhome, you absolutely need a TV licence – the same rules apply whether you’re in a house or on wheels. The good news is that your licence covers you wherever you go in the UK, as long as you’re using portable devices and you’re not watching TV in different places simultaneously.

For those who only watch streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime, you don’t need a TV licence. But remember, if you’re catching up on BBC iPlayer or watching any live TV channels through your devices, you’ll need to be covered.

Can I still claim benefits if I live in a motorhome?

Living in a motorhome doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits, but it might affect how you claim them. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) requires a postal address for correspondence, and some benefits have specific housing requirements.

Universal Credit, for instance, can still be claimed if you live in a motorhome. You’ll need to demonstrate that it’s your main residence and provide a reliable address for correspondence. Housing Benefit might be trickier to obtain unless you’re paying a pitch fee at a residential site.

Your living situation shouldn’t affect your eligibility for state pension and disability benefits. The crucial part is maintaining good communication with the relevant authorities and keeping them updated about your circumstances.

Beyond these basics, you’ll want to sort out practical matters like insurance (specialist policies exist for full-time motorhome residents), vehicle maintenance (more frequent checks than your average car), and healthcare registration (many full-timers register as temporary residents at GP surgeries as they travel).

Remember to keep your driving licence and vehicle documentation current, and ensure your motorhome meets all MOT requirements. It’s worth joining a motorhome club, too – they’re brilliant for advice, discount sites, and meeting fellow enthusiasts who’ve already navigated these legal waters.

The motorhome lifestyle offers incredible freedom, but staying on the right side of the law requires a bit of planning. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy all the benefits of life on the road while keeping everything completely above board.