NEARLY 30,000 long-term residents of WA's caravan, lifestyle and residential parks are being invited to comment on a review of tenancy
arrangements.
Consumer Protection is seeking their views as part of the next round of a
consultation process.
The Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 sets out the
obligations of residential park operators when offering sites for rent
with regard to disclosure of information, costs, contract requirements and
notices of termination.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said some park residents
were potentially in a vulnerable situation, as they owned their home but
not the land on which it was located.
This was normally rented from the park operator.
"Living in a residential park, however, provides an affordable housing
option for many in our community who are looking for long-term, safe
accommodation with a communal lifestyle," she said.
"So we must look at ways to address problems which can arise from time to
time when people live in this type of accommodation."
This often involved the closure of a park which could potentially leave
long-stay residents having to relocate their home or find alternative
housing to suit their needs and financial situation.
"Therefore, key issues such as security of tenure, the costs of park
living, the sale of a home, exit fees and park liaison committees are
canvassed in the consultation paper which is now available," she said.
"This is the second phase of our consultation process following an initial
call in August, 2012, for people to express any concerns they may have
with current laws.
"This new consultation canvasses specific options for reform.
"We want to ensure that the rights of tenants are protected and at same
time ensure that the viability of the residential parks sector is
maintained.
"I urge residents and the industry to provide us with their feedback
during the consultation period so that we can get the balance right and
have an accurate picture of the needs and concerns of everyone involved."
To download the consultation paper,
click here.
People wanting to contribute to the review can also complete an online
survey by emailing consultations@commerce.wa.gov.au.
Closing date for submissions is September 12.
