A new legislative moment for boaters
The introduction of the ‘Rights of Boat Dwellers’ Bill on 8 June 2026 is a significant attempt by Parliament to provide clarification and strengthen the legal position of people living on the waterways of England and Wales. The aim of the Bill is to recognise a boat dweller’s vessel as their lawful home. The first reading of the Bill in the House of Lords illustrates Parliament’s willingness to address the gap between navigation authority rules and housing law.
Are boaters becoming more like tenants?
The new Bill emphasises a potential legal shift to viewing boaters more through the lens of tenants. As such, boaters could be afforded tenant-style protections in the future, which could increase the attractiveness of living afloat and provide the much-needed security for those already living on our waterways. Although the proposals have not yet been enforced, they depict a pivot in legal thinking by framing the boat as a lawful home deserving of statutory protection.
The importance of change
Baroness Bakewell MBE, who introduced the Bill, addressed the current negative consequences the structural legal vacuum has created for boat dwellers. The Baroness emphasised that boat dwellers find difficulty in securing GP registration, and children have been denied school registration, all due to the absence of a fixed address, and even permanent moorings do not provide complete security of tenure.
Advocacy groups such as the National Bargee Travellers Association, have also played an active role in attempting to ensure both continuous cruisers, and those with moorings receive recognition of their vessel as a home.
Consequently, this Bill provides the necessary step in ensuring greater legal security for boat dwellers. As Section 4 aims to minimise those pertinent social issues by providing Boat dwellers with the same right to access to public services of those enjoyed by people living in bricks-and-mortar accommodation.
Change in motion
The tide is finally beginning to turn for boat dwellers in 2026. It is clear the legal landscape is changing with the first reading of the Bill, even though the final legislation remains uncertain. As the Bill progresses, we will continue to closely monitor developments so that we are able to advise clients on how to protect their positions. If you are unsure how these proposed reforms may affect your mooring or vessel, our specialist marine solicitors at Scott Bailey LLP are here to assist you in navigating the developing law.
With special thanks to Gemma Sinden – Law Student, University of Exeter
This article was written by Gemma Sinden, a law student at the University of Exeter, undertaking work experience with the Corporate and Commercial team at Scott Bailey LLP.
