Understanding Your Park Contract

What Your Pitch Agreement Usually Covers

• Term & renewal: how long it lasts, renewal window, park closure periods.
• Pitch fees: what’s included/excluded, how/when increases are applied.
• Use rules: holiday vs residential use, subletting/visitors, quiet hours, parking.
• Maintenance & safety: who maintains what, gas/electrical checks, drainage.
• Insurance: minimum levels, proof requirements, what evidence the park can request.
• Sales & transfers: resale on-park, commissions, age limits, upgrade pressures.
• Termination: notice periods, breach remedies, right to appeal/complain.

How to Read Your Contract (Fast Checklist)

1. Find the schedule/appendices: fee tables and park rules often live there.
2. Highlight obligations: what you must do vs what the park must do.
3. Locate renewal & increases: dates, index (e.g., CPI/RPI), cap/limit, consultation.
4. Check sales clauses: commission %, age restrictions, independent sales allowed?
5. Spot unilateral powers: can the park change rules/fees without a fair process?
6. Note evidence: insurance certificates, gas check dates, drain-down proof.

Renewals, Increases & Ending the Agreement

• Renewal window: diary the date; ask for terms in writing before renewing.
• Fee increases: check formula (CPI/RPI/fixed); ask for a breakdown of what’s changed.
• Termination: required notice, any exit charges, and how to challenge disputed notices.
• Refunds/credits: what happens to pre-paid fees if the pitch closes or services are reduced.

Red Flags That May Be Unfair

• “We can change fees/rules at any time for any reason” with no notice or right to exit.
• Mandatory resale commission or forced upgrades with no independent sales option.
• Unlimited penalties, vague “admin charges”, or charges with no published tariff.
• Restrictions that go beyond safety/operational needs without justification.

If a term feels one-sided or unclear, ask for it to be clarified or justified in writing.

Negotiation Tips Before You Sign or Renew

1. Get the full pack: contract, park rules, fee schedule, complaints policy.
2. Ask questions in writing: keep a paper trail; confirm any promises as addendums.
3. Seek comparables: ask for like-for-like fee comparisons year-on-year.
4. Propose edits: fair notice for changes, transparent fee calculations, clear resale rules.
5. Sleep on it: avoid signing under pressure or artificial deadlines.

Template: Request for Clarification

Subject: Contract Clarifications – Pitch [Number], [Park Name]

Dear [Manager/Operator],

Before I sign/renew the pitch agreement, please confirm the following in writing:
1) How are annual fee increases calculated (e.g., CPI/RPI/fixed) and when are they applied?
2) Are there any additional charges (admin/maintenance) not listed in the schedule?
3) What are the resale rules, including commission %, age limits and independent sale options?
4) What is the formal complaints process and the expected response timelines?
5) Under what conditions can park rules or fees be changed during the term?

Please reply with written confirmation or an updated agreement/schedule reflecting these points.

Kind regards,
[Name]
[Pitch/Account]
[Contact details]