Site owners and occupiers obligations

Find out about the site owners and occupiers obligations for caravans or mobile homes that are used as a permanent residence, following the introduction of new legislation, the Caravans Act (NI) on 16 September 2011.

Residential caravan sites

Under the terms of the legislation, owners of protected caravan sites must by law, provide resident occupiers with a written statement setting out the basis of the agreement.

This written statement must be provided no later than 28 days from the date on which the agreement for the sale of the caravan to the proposed occupier is made or the date on which the residential agreement is made. A shorter period can be agreed between the owner and the occupier and it is good practice for both parties to sign and acknowledge this.

The occupier must give 28 days notice if they wish to terminate the agreement.

Site fees

Site fees may be reviewed annually but the site owner must give at least 28 days written notice before the annual review date of any change to the fees. If the occupier agrees to the new fees, they will become payable from the review date. If the occupier does not agree to the new fees, the site owner can apply to the County Court for a decision, 28 days after the review date.

The occupier will not be deemed to be in arrears until 28 days after the new fees are agreed or 28 days after the court hearing to determine the new fees.

Site owners right of entry to the caravan site

The site owner may enter the site without prior notice between 9am and 6pm to carry out essential repairs, deliver mail and read gas , electricity and water meters. He may also enter at any other time to carry out emergency or essential works, giving as much notice as possible. Otherwise the site owner must give 14 days written notice.

If you would like more detail about the requirements for setting up and running a caravan site there is information available::

Setting up and running a caravan site (nibusinessinfo website)

Protection of occupiers from eviction and harrassment

It is a criminal offence for anyone to make an occupier leave a caravan without a court order, such as making them leave by threats, violence or withholding services such as gas, electricity or water. It is also the occupier's right to the 'Quiet Enjoyment' of their home, a legal term, without the site owner or anyone else intruding into their home.

You can find more information in the links below:

Holiday caravan sites

Under the terms of the legislation, owners of holiday caravan sites must by law provide holiday caravan occupiers with a written statement setting out the basis of the agreement. This applies to anyone who rents a caravan pitch for more than 28 days.

The written statement should include particulars of the parties and site involved. You can find more information in the link below: