Consumer Protection says changes to the laws governing residential parks are aimed at improving the security of long-stay tenancy agreements and promoting fair and transparent arrangements between park operators and tenants.
The laws are now in effect.
In a statement, the Agency said long-stay tenancies could involve living in a caravan, mobile home or park home located within a caravan park or lifestyle village.
“The changes to the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 affect new residential park agreements and some will apply to existing residential park agreements,” Consumer Protection said.
“The laws cover on-site home agreements — where the tenant rents a site and a dwelling in a residential park, and site-only agreements — where the tenant rents the site from the park operator and owns their own dwelling which is placed on the site,” it said.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said the new laws were contained in an Amendment Bill that was passed through Parliament in June 2020, and implementation of the changes followed extensive consultation with tenants, operators and the community.
“In the past, residents have been particularly exposed if the park operator decides to sell the park or becomes insolvent because they usually own their home but only lease the land on which it sits,” Mr Newcombe said.
“These changes strike a fair balance between upholding the rights of tenants and maintaining the financial viability of the park for operators,” he said.
Mr Newcombe said the new laws also provided greater certainty and a clearer understanding of obligations for both residents and operators.
