Part 4—Caravan parks and movable dwellings—Residency rights and duties

Division 1AA—Application of Part

143AA Application of Part to caravan parks and movable dwellings

(1) This Part applies to a person who is—

(a) a resident of a caravan park who has a right to reside on a caravan park site and a right to reside in a caravan situated on that site; and (b) a resident of a caravan park who has a right to reside on a caravan park site and who owns a caravan that is situated on that site, unless that caravan is a Part 4A dwelling; and (c) a person who resides in a Part 4A dwelling on a Part 4A site (other than under a site agreement) and who does not own that Part 4A dwelling in whole or in part.

(2) This Part does not apply to site agreements.

Division 1—Residency rights

143 Residency right

Subject to this Act, a resident has—

(a) a right to reside on the site which he or she occupies; and (b) a right to occupy the caravan on that site.

144 Agreements

(1) A resident and a caravan park owner may enter an agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the resident's use and enjoyment of the caravan park.

NoteSection 145E requires a caravan park owner to disclose certain information about the land on which the caravan park is situated to the resident before an agreement under this subsection is entered into.

(2) A resident and a caravan owner may enter an agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the resident's use and enjoyment of the caravan. (3) A caravan park owner and a caravan owner may enter an agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the occupancy of a site by a caravan. (4) A term or condition in an agreement under this section that is inconsistent with this Act or that purports to exclude, restrict or modify the application of or exercise of a right conferred by this Act is invalid.

(4A) A term of an agreement under this section is also invalid if it is a prohibited term or a term that this Act provides must not be included in an agreement under this section. (5) In this section resident includes a proposed resident.

(6) A term of an agreement that purports that a person is to occupy a site in a caravan park for holidaying or non-residential purposes is prima facie evidence that the agreement is in respect of occupation of the caravan site for holidaying or non-residential purposes.

NoteThe Tribunal may declare under sections 144A and 472 that a term of an agreement under this section is invalid.

144AA Prohibited terms—general

(1) An agreement under section 144 must not include any of the following terms—

(a) a term that requires the resident to take out any form of insurance; (b) a term that exempts the caravan park owner from liability for an act of—

(i) the caravan park owner or that person's agent; or (ii) a person acting on behalf of the caravan park owner or that person's agent;

(c) a term that provides that if the resident contravenes the agreement, the resident is liable to pay—

(i) all or part of the remaining rent under the agreement; or (ii) increased rent; or (iii) a penalty; or (iv) liquidated damages;

(d) a term that provides that if the resident does not contravene the agreement—

(i) the rent is reduced; or (ii) the rent may be reduced; or (iii) the resident is to be paid a rebate or other benefit; or (iv) the resident may be paid a rebate or other benefit;

(e) any other prescribed prohibited term.

(2) A term in an agreement under section 144 must not include a term that requires a party to the agreement to bear any fees, costs or charges incurred by the other party in connection with the preparation of the agreement.

NoteSection 144 provides that terms which must not be included in an agreement are invalid.

144AB Prohibited terms—professional cleaning

(1) Subject to this section, an agreement under section 144 must not include—

(a) a term that requires all or part of the caravan to be professionally cleaned at the end of the agreement; or (b) a term that requires the resident to pay the cost of having all or part of the caravan in the caravan park professionally cleaned at the end of the agreement.

(2) An agreement under section 144 may include a term that requires the caravan to be professionally cleaned if professional cleaning is required to restore the caravan to the condition it was in immediately before the start of the agreement, taking into account fair wear and tear. (3) An agreement under section 144 may include a term that requires the resident to pay the cost of having all or part of the caravan professionally cleaned if professional cleaning is required to restore the caravan to the condition it was in immediately before the start of the agreement, taking into account fair wear and tear.

144AC Offence to include prohibited term in agreement under section 144

(1) A caravan park owner, caravan owner or resident must not prepare or authorise the preparation of an agreement under section 144 that contains a term referred to in section 144AA.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) If an agreement under section 144 contains a prohibited term, that term is void and unenforceable.

144A Harsh and unconscionable terms

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring invalid or varying a term of an agreement referred to in section 144(1) or (2). (2) A caravan owner may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring invalid or varying a term of an agreement referred to in section 144(3). (3) On an application under subsection (1) or (2), the Tribunal, by order, may declare invalid or vary a term of the agreement if it is satisfied that the term is harsh or unconscionable or is such that a court exercising its equitable jurisdiction would grant relief. (4) An order under this section has effect according to its terms.

144B Application to Tribunal to order preparation of agreement

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring a caravan park owner or a caravan owner (as the case requires) to prepare and enter into a written agreement under section 144. (2) The Tribunal may make an order requiring a caravan park owner to prepare and enter into a written agreement under section 144(1) if the Tribunal is satisfied that—

(a) the resident and the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case requires) are subject to an existing agreement that is not in writing or that is only partly in writing; and (b) the resident is continuing in occupation of a caravan or site in the caravan park after a previous fixed term agreement has ended.

(3) The order may specify—

(a) the terms of the agreement; and (b) a commencement date for the agreement which may be a date that is before the date the order was made.

145 Caravan park owner to notify prospective resident of rights

A caravan park owner must give notice in the prescribed form to a person who proposes to occupy a site in the caravan park as his or her main residence that—

(a) he or she may enter into a written agreement with the caravan park owner to become a resident of the caravan park at any time; and

(b) even if an agreement referred to in paragraph (a) is not entered into, the person becomes a resident of the caravan park if the person occupies, for at least 60 consecutive days, any site in the caravan park as his or her only or main residence.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

Division 1A—Discrimination in relation to residency rights

145A Section 144(1) or (2) agreement application forms must include prescribed information

A caravan park owner or caravan owner or that person's agent must not provide a person with an application form to apply for an agreement under section 144(1) or (2) unless the application form includes a statement that contains the prescribed information.

145B Caravan park owner or caravan owner must not unlawfully discriminate against another person by refusing to grant agreement under section 144(1) or (2)

(1) A caravan park owner or caravan owner must not contravene section 52 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 by refusing a person to enter an agreement under section 144(1) or (2) on the basis of an attribute set out in section 6 of that Act. (2) A caravan park owner or caravan owner must not instruct or permit that person's agent to refuse a person to enter an agreement under section 144(1) or (2) on the basis of an attribute set out in section 6 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

NoteSection 210AA provides that a person may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if the person has suffered a loss as a result of discrimination by the caravan park owner or caravan owner or that person's agent in contravention of this Division.

Division 1B—Disclosures and representations prior to granting residency rights

145C Restriction on use of personal information provided by prospective residents

A caravan park owner or caravan owner or that person's agent must not use personal information disclosed by a person on an application form to apply for an agreement under section 144(1) or (2) unless the use is for—

(a) the purposes of assessing the person's suitability as a resident; or (b) another purpose required by the Act.

145D Caravan park owner or caravan owner must not request prescribed information from applicants

A caravan park owner or caravan owner or that person's agent must not request a person who applies for an agreement under section 144(1) or (2) to disclose the prescribed information.

145E Information that caravan park owners or caravan owners must disclose before agreement under section 144(1) or (2) commences

(1) Before a resident enters into an agreement under section 144(1), a caravan park owner must disclose the following information to the resident—

(a) if the caravan park owner has engaged an agent to sell the caravan park or prepared a contract of sale, that there is a proposal to sell the caravan park; (b) if the caravan park owner is not the freehold owner of the land on which the caravan park is situated—

(i) the nature of the caravan park owner's interest in the land; and (ii) any limitations on the caravan park owner's ability to grant interests in the land to the resident;

(c) if the caravan park owner is the owner of the land on which the caravan park is situated and a mortgagee has commenced a proceeding to enforce a mortgage over the land, that a mortgagee is taking action for possession of the land; (d) if the site is separately metered for supply of electricity and the caravan park is supplied with electricity from an embedded electricity network, the prescribed details of the embedded electricity network; (e) any other prescribed information.

(2) Before a resident enters into an agreement under section 144(2), a caravan owner must disclose the following information to the resident—

(a) if the caravan owner has engaged an agent to sell the caravan or prepared a contract of sale, that there is a proposal to sell the caravan; (b) if a mortgagee has commenced a proceeding to enforce a mortgage over the caravan, that a mortgagee is taking action for possession of the caravan; (c) any other prescribed information.

(3) Disclosure under this section must be in a form approved by the Director.

145F Offence to enter into certain agreements about caravan park land

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a caravan park owner whose interest in the land on which the caravan park is situated is granted under a lease must not enter into an agreement with a resident under section 144(1) that is for a period of occupancy which exceeds the date on which the term of the lease expires.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), an option to extend or renew the lease held by the caravan park owner is not to be taken into account in determining the end date on which the term of the lease expires.

NoteA caravan park resident may apply to the Tribunal under section 452(3AC) in respect of a breach to disclose information required under this section.

Division 2—Bonds

146 Payment of bond

(1) A caravan park owner may require a resident or proposed resident to pay a bond before the resident or proposed resident commences occupation as a resident of a caravan or site.

(2) A caravan owner may require a resident or proposed resident to pay a bond before the resident or proposed resident commences occupation as a resident of a caravan.

(3) A caravan park owner must not require a person to pay a bond unless the caravan park owner has entered into a written agreement with the person to become a resident of the caravan park.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

147 What is the maximum bond?

A caravan park owner or caravan owner must not demand or receive a bond which exceeds the equivalent of the rent or hiring charge payable for one month.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

148 Condition report

(1) Before a resident enters into occupation of the site or the caravan, a caravan park owner or a caravan owner must give the resident 2 copies of a condition report signed by or on behalf of the caravan park owner or caravan owner specifying the state of repair and general condition of the site, including any fixtures or connections to the site, or the caravan (as the case requires), on the day specified in the report.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(1A) For the purposes of subsection (1), a caravan park owner or a caravan owner, as the case requires, is deemed to give 2 copies of a condition report to the resident if the caravan park owner or the caravan owner gives the resident an electronic copy of the condition report.

(1B) A condition report must be in the prescribed form.

(2) Within 5 business days after commencing occupation as a resident, the resident must return one copy of the condition report to the caravan park owner or caravan owner—

(a) signed by or on behalf of the resident; or (b) with an endorsement so signed to the effect that the resident agrees or disagrees with the whole or any specified part of the report.

(3) A resident who is not given a condition report within the period referred to in subsection (1) may complete a condition report and give it to the caravan park owner or the caravan owner (or the agent of either of those persons), during the period between inspecting the site or the caravan and 5 business days after entering into occupation of the site or the caravan.

(4) A copy of the condition report that is completed under subsection (1) or (3) is to be retained by the caravan park owner or the caravan owner (as the case requires) and the resident.

(5) Within 10 days after the end of an agreement under section 144, the caravan park owner, or the caravan owner, or that person's agent (as the case requires), must complete the copy of the condition report retained by the caravan park owner, or the caravan owner, or the resident under this section—

(a) in the presence of the other party; or (b) in the absence of the other party, if the party has given the absent other party a reasonable opportunity to be present when the condition report is completed.

NoteSection 506(1)(da) provides that a document to be served on or given to a person under this Act may be served or given by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

148A Caravan park owner, caravan owner or caravan park resident may apply to Tribunal to amend inaccurate or incomplete condition report

(1) Within 30 days after an agreement in respect of a residency right under this Part has commenced, the caravan park owner, caravan owner or caravan park resident may apply to the Tribunal to amend a statement in a condition report on the basis that the statement is inaccurate or incomplete. (2) On an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal may order—

(a) that the condition report is to be amended in the manner specified in the order; or (b) that the condition report is not required to be amended in the manner specified in the order.

(3) This section does not limit the operation of sections 18, 29, 30, 151 and 152 of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).

149 Condition report is evidence of state of repair

(1) A statement in a condition report under section 148 is conclusive evidence, for the purposes of this Act, of the state of repair or general condition of the caravan on the day specified in the report if the report is signed by or on behalf of—

(a) the caravan park owner or the caravan owner; and (b) the resident.

(1A) A condition report that is given to a caravan park owner or a caravan owner is taken to be notice given to the caravan park owner or a caravan owner of any defects or outstanding repairs stated in the report. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to—

(a) a state of repair or general condition that could not reasonably have been discovered on a reasonable inspection of the caravan; or

(b) any statement in the report about which the resident records a written comment disagreeing with the statement on the copy of the report completed by the caravan park owner, or the caravan owner (as the case requires); or

(c) a statement on the condition report with which the caravan park owner, or the caravan owner (as the case requires) has disagreed in writing, if the report was completed by the resident before or after it was completed by the caravan park owner or the caravan owner.

Division 3—Rents and hiring charges

150 Limit on rent or hiring charge in advance

(1) A caravan park owner must not require a resident to pay rent more than 14 days in advance.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) A caravan owner must not require a resident to pay a hiring charge more than 28 days in advance.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

150A Payment of rent or hiring charge

(1) A caravan park owner or a caravan owner, or that person's agent, must not require a resident to pay a hiring charge or rent by a cheque or other negotiable instrument that is post-dated.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) A caravan park owner or a caravan owner, or that person's agent, must ensure that a hiring charge or rent payment method that incurs no additional costs (other than bank fees or account fees payable on the resident's bank account) is reasonably available to the resident.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(3) A caravan park owner or a caravan owner, or that person's agent, must permit the resident to pay the hiring charge or rent by the following payment methods—

(a) the bill paying service known as Centrepay administered by the Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth; (b) any prescribed payment method.

(4) Without limiting subsection (3), the caravan park owner or the caravan owner (as the case requires) and the resident, by agreement, may change the manner in which the hiring charge or rent is payable under the agreement made under section 144. (5) The caravan park owner or the caravan owner or that person's agent (as the case requires), must give the resident information about any costs (including third party transaction fees, direct debit dishonour fees and any other electronic payment facility fees) that the resident may incur by using a particular payment method before the resident consents to use the payment method.

151 Receipts for rent or hiring charge

(1) A person who receives a payment of rent or a payment of a hiring charge from a resident must give a written receipt in accordance with this section to the person making the payment—

(a) immediately, if the payment is made in person; or (b) if the payment is not made in person and a receipt is requested at the time of making the payment, within 5 business days of receiving the payment.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) If a person receives a payment of rent or a payment of a hiring charge from a resident and a written receipt is not required to be given under subsection (1), the person must keep a record of the payment of rent or the payment of a hiring charge until the earlier of—

(a) the end of 12 months after receiving the payment; or (b) if a resident requests a copy of the record before the end of 12 months after making the payment, the provision of a copy of the record to the resident.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2A) If a resident requests a copy of a record under subsection (2)(b) before the end of 12 months after making the payment of rent or the payment of a hiring charge, a person who keeps a record under subsection (2) must provide a copy of that record to the resident within 5 business days after receiving the request.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2B) For the purposes of subsection (2), a record must contain information which enables the details specified in paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (3) to be identified. (3) A receipt under this section must be signed by the person who receives the payment and must state—

(a) the name of the resident and the caravan park; and (b) the date of receipt; and (c) the period for which payment is made; and (d) the amount paid; and (e) the fact that the payment is for rent or a hiring charge.

(4) The regulations may provide that a prescribed person is exempt from subsection (1), (2) or (3) subject to the conditions, if any, specified in the regulations.

152 How much notice is required of rent or hiring charge increase?

(1) A caravan park owner must give a resident at least 60 days notice in the prescribed form of a proposed rent increase.

(2) A caravan owner must give a resident at least 60 days notice in the prescribed form of a proposed hiring charge increase. (3) A notice of a proposed rent increase under subsection (1) or a proposed hiring charge increase under subsection (2) may only provide for one rent increase or hiring charge increase. (4) If the caravan park owner is also the caravan owner or the agent of the caravan owner, the notice must specify the rent increase and hiring charge increase separately.

(5) The notice of a proposed rent increase or hiring charge increase must include a statement informing the resident of the resident's right under section 153 to apply within 30 days after the notice is given to the Director to investigate and report on the proposed rent or hiring charge.

(5A) A caravan park owner must not increase the rent payable by a resident at intervals of less than 12 months.

(5B) A caravan owner must not increase the hiring charge payable by a resident at intervals of less than 12 months. (6) A rent increase or hiring charge increase in contravention of this section is invalid.

153 Resident may complain to Director about excessive rent or hiring charge

(1) A resident of a caravan park may apply to the Director to investigate and report if the resident has received a notice of a rent increase or hiring charge increase and the resident considers that the proposed rent or hiring charge is excessive. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made in writing within 30 days after the notice of the rent or hiring charge increase is given. (3) As soon as practicable after receiving an application, the Director must—

(a) carry out an investigation; and (b) give a written report to the resident and a copy of the report to the caravan park owner or caravan owner.

(4) The report of the Director must—

(a) include a statement informing the resident of the resident's right under section 154 to apply to the Tribunal for an order in respect of the proposed rent or hiring charge; and (b) take into account the matters referred to in section 155(3).

154 Application to Tribunal about excessive rent or hiring charge

(1) After receiving a report from the Director under section 153, the resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring the proposed rent or hiring charge excessive. (2) An application under subsection (1) must—

(a) be made within 30 days after the resident receives the Director's report;

* * * * *

155 What can the Tribunal order?

(1) If an application is made under section 154, the Tribunal may—

(a) make an order—

(i) declaring the proposed rent or hiring charge excessive; and (ii) directing that for the period specified in the order the rent or hiring charge must not exceed the amount specified in the order; or

(b) dismiss the application.

(2) The Tribunal must have regard to the Director's report obtained under section 153 in determining the application. (3) The Tribunal must make an order declaring the proposed rent excessive if it is satisfied that the proposed rent is more than that which should reasonably be paid by a resident having regard to—

(a) the rent payable for a similar site in the caravan park; (b) the rent payable for a similar site in a similar caravan park in a similar location; (c) the state of repair and general condition of the site and the caravan park; (d) any variation in the cost of providing facilities or services that the caravan park owner provides; (e) any changes in the rent and the condition of the site or facilities in the caravan park since the resident first occupied the site and since the last rent increase;

(ea) the number of rent increases (if any) in the preceding 24 months, the amount of each rent increase in that period and the timing of those increases; (f) any improvements made to the site which should not result in an increase because they were made by the resident.

(4) The Tribunal must make an order declaring a proposed hiring charge excessive if it is satisfied that the proposed hiring charge is more than that which should reasonably be paid by a resident having regard to—

(a) the hiring charges payable by a resident for a similar caravan;

(ab) the number of hiring charge increases (if any) in the preceding 24 months, the amount of each hiring charge increase in that period and the timing of those increases; (b) the state of repair and general condition of the caravan.

(5) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1)(a), a caravan park owner or caravan owner cannot require a resident to pay an amount of rent or hiring charge greater than that specified in the order for a period of 6 months after the day on which the order comes into operation. (6) The amount specified in the order must not be less than the amount payable by the resident immediately before the notice was given under section 152.

156 Payment of increased rent or hiring charge pending Tribunal decision

(1) Pending the Tribunal's decision under section 155, the resident must pay, from the time the proposed increase is to apply—

(a) the increased rent or hiring charge specified in the notice under section 152; or (b) 110% of the rent or hiring charge immediately before the notice was given—

whichever is less.

(2) If the Tribunal makes an order under section 155, it may also order that any excess rent or hiring charge paid by the resident from the time the increase took effect until the date of the order be refunded by the caravan park owner or the caravan owner. (3) The order may specify the procedure for the refund to the resident.

157 Additional rent

(1) A caravan park owner may charge a resident a reasonable additional rent for any visitor who stays in the caravan owned by the resident or hired by the resident from a caravan owner. (2) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order that the additional rent is unreasonable. (3) If, after hearing the resident and the caravan park owner, the Tribunal determines that the amount of the additional rent is unreasonable, it may determine in the order the amount of additional rent to be paid by the resident.

158 Additional hiring charge

(1) A caravan owner may charge a resident a reasonable additional hiring charge for any visitor who stays in a caravan hired by the resident from the caravan owner. (2) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order that the additional hiring charge is unreasonable. (3) If, after hearing the resident and the caravan owner, the Tribunal determines that the amount of the additional hiring charge is unreasonable, it may determine in the order the amount of additional hiring charge to be paid by the resident.

159 Rent must be reduced if services are reduced

(1) If a caravan park owner ceases providing services to a resident, the caravan park owner must reduce the rent by—

(a) the amount agreed between them; or (b) an amount determined by the Tribunal in the absence of any agreement on an application by either party.

(2) If the Tribunal determines an amount under subsection (1)(b), it may also order that—

(a) the reduction in rent is to take effect from the time the caravan park owner ceased to provide services to the resident; and (b) the caravan park owner is to refund to the resident any excess rent paid by the resident from the time the caravan park owner ceased to provide services until the date of the order.

160 Resident's goods not to be taken for rent or hiring charges

A person must not take or dispose of a resident's goods on account of rent or hiring charges owing by the resident.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

Division 4—Other charges

161 Supply of key

(1) A caravan park owner must not charge an initial fee for the supply of a key or device, or for both if necessary, that enable a resident to gain vehicular access to the park. (2) A caravan park owner may charge a reasonable fee for the supply of an additional or a replacement key or device requested by the resident. (3) On termination of the residency right, a resident must return all keys and devices provided by the caravan park owner to the caravan park owner.

162 Resident's liability for electricity, gas and water charges

(1) A resident is liable for all charges made for the supply or use of electricity, gas, water, drainage and sewerage to a site while the resident occupies the site, if those services are separately metered. (2) A resident is liable for all charges in respect of the supply or use of bottled gas at a site while the resident occupies the site.

(3) A resident is liable for all charges in respect of installation and connection of services from a supply point on the site occupied by the resident to the resident's caravan.

163 Caravan park owner's liability for electricity, gas and water charges

A caravan park owner is liable for—

(a) the installation costs and charges in respect of the initial connection to a site of any electricity, water or gas (including bottled gas) supply service;

(ab) all rates, taxes or charges payable under any Act other than charges payable by the resident under this Division;

(b) the cost of all services to a site if those services are not separately metered; (c) all charges arising from a water supply service to a separately metered site that are not based on the amount of water supplied or used;

(d) all charges related to the supply or use of sewerage and drainage services to or at a separately metered site that are not based on the extent of use of the services;

(e) any prescribed fees and charges.

164 Owner's responsibility for charges for supply to non-complying appliances

(1) A caravan owner is liable for the cost of water, gas or electricity supplied to or used in the caravan for as long as the owner is in breach of section 181 or any law requiring the use of an appliance, fitting or fixture with a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in an efficiency rating system for the caravan.

(2) Subsection (1) applies despite anything to the contrary in section 162 of this Act and Part 13 of the Water Act 1989.

165 Reimbursement

(1) If a caravan park owner pays for anything for which a resident is liable under section 162, the resident must reimburse the owner within 28 days after receiving a written request for reimbursement attached to a copy of the account and the receipt or other evidence of payment. (2) If a resident pays for anything for which the caravan park owner or caravan owner is liable under section 163 or 164, the owner must reimburse the resident within 28 days after receiving a written request for reimbursement attached to a copy of the account and the receipt or other evidence of payment. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the caravan park owner directly bills the resident under a re-sale agreement with a supply authority.

166 Owner must not seek overpayment for utility charges

(1) A caravan park owner must not seek payment or reimbursement for a cost or charge under section 165 that is more than the amount that the relevant supplier of the utility would have charged the resident.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) If the relevant supplier of the utility has issued an account to the caravan park owner, any amount to be recovered from the resident for the account must be adjusted by deducting any concession or rebate to which the resident is entitled. (3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the concession or rebate—

(a) must be claimed by the resident and the caravan park owner has given the resident the opportunity to claim it and the resident does not do so by the payment date set by the relevant supplier of the utility; or (b) is paid directly to the resident as a refund.

Division 5—General duties of residents, caravan park owners and caravan owners

167 Resident's use of site

(1) A resident must use the site for residential purposes only. (2) A resident must use the site, caravan park and facilities properly and ensure that his or her visitors do the same.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

168 Resident must not use site for illegal purposes

A resident must not use the site or permit its use for any purpose that is illegal at common law or under an Act.

169 Resident's duty to pay rent and hiring charge

A resident must—

(a) pay the rent and other charges agreed with the caravan park owner on the due dates and in the agreed manner; and (b) pay the hiring charges to the caravan owner on the due dates and in the agreed manner.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

170 Quiet enjoyment—resident's duty

A resident must not do anything in or near the site or caravan park or allow his or her visitors to the caravan park or site to do anything which interferes with the privacy and peace and quiet of other occupants of the caravan park or their proper use and enjoyment of the caravan park.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

171 Resident must keep and leave site reasonably clean

(1) A resident must keep the site in a reasonably clean condition except to the extent that the caravan park owner is responsible under this Act for keeping the site in that condition. (2) A resident must maintain the site and caravan in a manner and condition that do not detract from the general standard of the caravan park as set by the caravan park owner from time to time. (3) At the end of the residency, the resident must leave the site, as far as practicable—

(a) reasonably clean and tidy; and (b) in the same condition as when the resident entered into possession of the site, taking into account fair wear and tear to the site during the residency.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

171A Resident must keep caravan in good repair

(1) A resident who owns a caravan situated on the site occupied by the resident must keep the caravan in a condition, taking into account fair wear and tear, that—

(a) is in good repair; and (b) does not pose a significant health risk; and (c) is safe to occupy.

(2) At the end of a residency, the resident must, as far as practicable, leave the caravan in the same condition as it was when the resident entered into occupation of the caravan, taking into account fair wear and tear.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

171B Resident must not make site or caravan modifications without consent

(1) A resident must not, without the caravan park owner's written consent—

(a) install any fixtures on the site or in the caravan park; or (b) erect any structure on the site or in the caravan park; or (c) make any alteration, renovation or addition to the site or caravan park.

(2) If a resident is not the owner of a caravan, the resident must not, without the caravan owner's prior written consent—

(a) install any fixtures to the caravan; or (b) make any alteration, renovation or addition to the caravan.

(a) reasonable alterations within the meaning of section 55 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010; and (b) assessed and determined to be required modifications by an accredited occupational therapist or a prescribed practitioner.

NoteSection 210AA provides that a person may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if the person has suffered a loss as a result of discrimination by the caravan park owner or caravan owner or that person's agent in contravention of this section.

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173 Resident must notify owner of and compensate for damage

(1) If any damage other than fair wear and tear is caused to a site, the caravan or any facility in the caravan park by the resident or his or her visitors, the resident must—

(a) repair the damage; or (b) notify the caravan owner or caravan park owner of the damage and pay compensation for the damage to the caravan owner or the caravan park owner.

(2) A resident must report to the caravan park owner any damage to a site or damage to or breakdown of communal facilities of which the resident has knowledge.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

174 Number of persons residing on site

A resident must not allow more than the number of persons agreed with the caravan park owner to reside on the site.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

175 Resident must observe caravan park rules

A resident must observe all caravan park rules made from time to time in accordance with this Act.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

176 Caravan park owner must provide access

A caravan park owner must—

(a) provide 24 hours vehicular access for all residents to all sites; and (b) provide 24 hour access for all residents to the caravan park and the communal toilet and bathroom facilities; and (c) provide access during all reasonable hours for residents to recreational areas, laundry and communal facilities other than toilets and bathrooms.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

177 Quiet enjoyment—caravan park owner's duty

A caravan park owner must not unreasonably restrict or interfere with a resident's privacy, peace and quiet or proper use and enjoyment of the site and the communal facilities.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

178 Caravan park owner must keep park etc. clean

A caravan park owner must—

(a) keep common areas, gardens, roadways, paths and recreation areas in the caravan park clean and in a safe condition; and (b) arrange for the collection of residents' garbage and other garbage from the caravan park.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

178A Caravan park owner must maintain rented site in good repair

A caravan park owner must provide and maintain in good repair any site rented to a resident, including any structures or fixtures owned by the caravan park owner, other than the caravan occupied by the resident.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

179 Duty of caravan park owner to maintain communal areas

(1) A caravan park owner must maintain, repair and keep clean and tidy all communal bathrooms, toilets, laundries and other communal facilities in the caravan park.

(1A) If a resident has reported to the caravan park owner damage or breakdown of communal facilities at the caravan park under section 173(2), the caravan park owner must ensure that the damage or breakdown is repaired as soon as practicable. (2) When repairing or renovating communal facilities, a caravan park owner must—

(a) minimise inconvenience and disruption to residents; and (b) if necessary, provide temporary substitute facilities.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

180 Maintenance and repair of caravans

(1) A caravan park owner must maintain in good repair a caravan hired on site to a resident. (2) A caravan owner who is not also the caravan park owner must maintain in good repair a caravan hired to a resident.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

180A Caravan park owner's and caravan owner's liability for excessive usage caused by faults

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a resident has been charged for excessive usage of a service at the site the resident occupies that is caused by a fault in infrastructure or any fixtures or buildings at or connected to the site or the caravan park, including the caravan, the caravan park owner or the caravan owner, as the case requires, is liable for that part of the excessive charge that is additional to an amount of ordinary usage by the resident.

ExampleExcessive usage charges caused by a leak in the underground pipe of a water service connected to a site in a caravan park.

(2) A caravan park owner or a caravan owner, as the case requires, is not liable for excessive usage charges unless—

(a) the resident notified the caravan park owner or the caravan owner, as soon as practicable, of—

(i) the excessive usage charges; and (ii) the fault that caused the excessive usage; and

(b) the fault was not caused by any action or omission of the resident.

(3) A caravan park owner is not liable for excessive usage charges if the excessive usage charges were caused by a fault with the caravan occupied by the resident which is not owned by the caravan park owner. (4) A caravan park owner or caravan owner, as the case requires, must reimburse a resident for any reasonable costs incurred by the resident for the diagnosis of a fault referred to in subsection (1) by a suitably qualified person. (5) A caravan park owner or a caravan owner is not responsible for any excess usage charges or other costs for a fault caused by any property that is the responsibility of a service provider.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

180B Application to Tribunal about excessive usage charges

(1) A caravan park owner, a caravan owner or a resident may apply to the Tribunal to determine the liability of the caravan park owner, the caravan owner and the resident for excessive usage charges referred to in section 180A. (2) In making a determination under subsection (1), the Tribunal is to have regard to the following—

(a) whether the resident had knowledge of the fault; (b) whether the resident took reasonable steps to notify the caravan park owner, the caravan owner, or that person's agent, of the fault; (c) whether the resident has already been compensated by another person for any part of the excessive usage charges; (d) whether the caravan park owner or the caravan owner has complied with this Act in respect of any urgent repairs; (e) any diagnosis made by a water authority or other suitably qualified person in respect of the fault; (f) any maintenance and repairs conducted by the caravan park owner or the caravan owner; (g) any other matter the Tribunal considers appropriate.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

181 Owner must ensure appliances with an efficiency rating system installed

A caravan owner must ensure that, if an appliance, fitting or fixture provided by the caravan owner that uses or supplies water, gas or electricity in a caravan hired to the resident or on the site occupied by the resident needs to be replaced, the replacement has at least a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in an efficiency rating system.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

182 Statement of rights and copy of park rules

Not later than the day on which a resident enters into occupation of a site in a caravan park, the caravan park owner must give the resident—

(a) a written statement in a form approved by the Director setting out in summary form the resident's rights and duties under this Act; and (b) a copy of the caravan park rules.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

183 Statement of scale of certain charges, fees and commissions

(1) Not later than the day on which a resident enters into occupation of a site in the caravan park, a caravan park owner must give the resident a statement setting out—

(a) the scale of additional rent for visitors set by the caravan park owner payable by a resident; and (b) the scale of additional hiring charges for visitors set by the caravan owner payable by a resident; and (c) the fees, if any, which the caravan park owner may charge for storage or removal of a caravan; and (d) the scale of commission which applies to the sale of a caravan by a caravan park owner.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) A caravan park owner must give a resident at least 7 days written notice of any proposed change in any amount set out in subsection (1).

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

184 Owner to give additional information

(1) If there is no agent acting for the caravan park owner, a caravan park owner must, on or before the required day, give the resident—

(a) written notice of the caravan park owner's full name and address for the service of documents; and (b) an emergency telephone number to be used in the case of the need for urgent repairs.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) If there is an agent acting for the caravan park owner, a caravan park owner must, on or before the required day, give the resident—

(a) written notice of the agent's full name and address for service of documents and the agent's telephone number; and (b) a written statement setting out—

(i) whether or not the agent can authorise urgent repairs; and (ii) if the agent can authorise urgent repairs, the maximum amount for repairs which the agent can authorise; and (iii) the agent's telephone number for urgent repairs.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(3) A caravan park owner must give a resident notice in writing of any change in the information set out in subsection (1) or (2) before the end of 7 days after the change.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(4) In this section required day means a day 7 days after a person becomes a resident of the caravan park.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

185 Caravan park rules

(1) Subject to subsection (3), a caravan park owner may from time to time make rules relating to the use, enjoyment, control and management of the caravan park. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), rules may be made in relation to—

(a) the making and abatement of noise; (b) motor vehicle speed limits within the caravan park; (c) the parking of motor vehicles; (d) the disposal of refuse; (e) the keeping of pets; (f) the playing of games and other sports activities; (g) the use and operation of communal facilities.

(3) A caravan park owner must not make a caravan park rule that requires a resident to undertake an upgrade or improvement work in relation to a caravan unless the upgrade or work is required to keep the caravan in a reasonable state of cleanliness, safety and good repair.

(4) A caravan park owner must—

(a) provide a copy of the caravan park rules to a resident before the residency commences; and (b) take all reasonable steps to ensure that the caravan park rules are observed by all residents; and (c) ensure that the caravan park rules—

(i) are reasonable; and (ii) are enforced and interpreted consistently and fairly.

(5) Rules made in contravention of this section are invalid.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

186 Duties relating to caravan park rules

(1) A caravan park owner must give the resident at least 7 days written notice of any proposed change in the caravan park rules.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) A caravan park owner must—

(a) take all reasonable steps to ensure that the caravan park rules are observed by all residents; and (b) ensure that the caravan park rules are reasonable and are enforced and interpreted consistently and fairly.

(3) A caravan park owner must consult with the residents in the caravan park about a proposed change to the caravan park rules.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(4) A caravan park owner is taken to have consulted with the residents in accordance with this section if the owner has—

(a) provided details of the proposed amendment to the caravan park rules in writing to the residents; and (b) allowed at least 14 days for the residents to respond in writing; and (c) considered and responded in writing to any written responses received from the residents.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

187 What if the caravan park rules are thought to be unreasonable?

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring a caravan park rule to be unreasonable.

* * * * *

(3) If the Tribunal considers that a caravan park rule is unreasonable, it may declare the rule invalid. (4) In making a declaration under subsection (3) the Tribunal must have regard to—

(a) the location of the caravan park; and (b) the number and characteristics of the residents; and (c) the internal layout of the caravan park; and (d) the amenities, improvements, facilities and other physical features of the caravan park; and (e) the levels of rent and other charges paid by the residents.

Division 6—Repairs

188 Urgent repairs to caravans

(1) A resident may arrange for urgent repairs to a caravan to be carried out if—

(a) the resident has taken reasonable steps to arrange for the caravan park owner or the caravan park owner's agent or the caravan owner or the caravan owner's agent to immediately carry out the urgent repairs to the caravan; and (b) the resident is unable to get the caravan park owner or the caravan owner or the owner's agent to carry out those repairs.

(2) If the resident carries out repairs under subsection (1)—

(a) the resident must give the caravan park owner or caravan owner 7 days written notice of the repairs carried out and the cost; and

(b) the caravan park owner or caravan owner is liable to reimburse the resident for the reasonable cost of the repairs, or if a greater amount is prescribed for the purposes of this section, that prescribed amount, (which includes any amount in respect of any GST payable on the supply to which the urgent repairs relate), whichever is less;

(c) the caravan park owner or the caravan owner (as the case requires) must reimburse the resident within 7 days after receiving written notice of—

(i) the repairs; and (ii) the cost of the repairs.

(3) If urgent repairs are required to an appliance, fitting or fixture with a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in a prescribed efficiency rating system, and the appliance, fitting or fixture cannot be repaired, the resident may replace it with an appliance, fitting or fixture with a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in the efficiency rating system. (4) This section does not apply—

(a) to equipment or appliances supplied by the resident; or (b) if there is no immediate danger to health and safety and the resident is able to use facilities in the communal areas of the caravan park; or (c) if the caravan is owned by the resident.

188A Urgent site repairs

(1) A resident may cause urgent site repairs to be carried out if—

(a) the resident has taken reasonable steps to arrange for the caravan park owner, or that person's agent, to immediately carry out the urgent site repairs; and (b) the caravan park owner, or that person's agent, did not carry out those repairs.

(2) If the resident carries out repairs under subsection (1)—

(a) the resident must give the caravan park owner or the caravan owner 7 days written notice of—

(i) the repairs carried out; and (ii) the cost of the repairs; and

(b) the caravan park owner or that person's agent is liable to reimburse the resident for the reasonable cost of the repairs, or a prescribed greater amount (which includes any amount in respect of any GST payable on the supply to which the urgent site repairs relate), whichever is less.

(3) If urgent site repairs are required to an item that uses or supplies water, electricity or gas and that item does not have a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in a prescribed efficiency rating system, and that item cannot be repaired, the resident may replace it with an item that has a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in the efficiency rating system. (4) This section does not apply—

(a) to equipment or appliances supplied by the resident; or (b) if there is no immediate danger to health and safety and the resident is able to use facilities in the communal areas of the caravan park.

189 Application to the Tribunal for urgent caravan repairs

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the caravan park owner or the caravan park owner's agent or the caravan owner or the caravan owner's agent to carry out specified urgent repairs if—

(a) the resident cannot meet the cost of the repairs; or

(b) the repairs cost more than the prescribed amount (which includes any amount in respect of any GST payable on the supply to which the urgent repairs relate); or (c) the caravan park owner or caravan owner has refused to pay the cost of the urgent repairs.

(2) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (1) within 2 business days after the application is made.

(3) Without limiting the matters to which the Tribunal may consider, the Tribunal must consider the Director's guidelines in determining an application under this section.

189A Application to Tribunal for urgent site repairs

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the caravan park owner, or that person's agent, to carry out specified urgent site repairs if—

(a) the resident cannot pay the cost of the repairs; or (b) the repairs cost more than a prescribed amount (which includes any amount in respect of any GST payable on the supply to which the urgent repairs relate); or (c) the caravan park owner has refused to pay the cost of the urgent site repairs.

(2) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (1) within 2 business days after the application is made. (3) Without limiting the matters to which the Tribunal may consider, the Tribunal must consider the Director's guidelines in determining an application under this section.

190 Application to Director to investigate need for non‑urgent caravan repairs

(1) A resident may apply to the Director to investigate whether the caravan park owner or caravan owner is in breach of a duty to ensure the caravan is maintained in good repair if—

(a) the resident has given notice to the caravan park owner or caravan owner that repairs (other than urgent repairs) are required to the caravan; and (b) the caravan park owner or caravan owner has not carried out the repairs within 14 days after being given the notice.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be in writing. (3) On an application under subsection (1), the Director—

(a) may investigate; and (b) may negotiate arrangements for the carrying out of repairs if the Director is satisfied that the caravan park owner or caravan owner is in breach of the duty to maintain the caravan in good repair; and

(c) may issue a report that—

(i) certifies that the caravan park owner or the caravan owner is in breach of the duty to maintain the caravan in good repair; and (ii) directs the caravan park owner or the caravan owner to do anything necessary to comply with the duty, including specifying a reasonable time for the completion of repairs, if any.

(4) If the Director has issued a report stating that the caravan park owner or the caravan owner is in breach of the duty to maintain the caravan in good repair, the resident may apply in writing to a court or the Tribunal for an order directing the caravan owner to comply with any requirements of the Director in the report.

(5) On an application under section 190(4), a court or the Tribunal—

(a) may order the caravan owner to comply with the requirements of the Director in the report the subject of the application, including requiring the caravan owner to cause any repairs to be completed within the specified time; and (b) may make any other orders the court or Tribunal thinks fit.

NoteSection 506(1)(da) provides that a document to be served on or given to a person under this Act may be served or given by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

190A Application to Director to investigate need for non‑urgent site repairs

(1) A resident may apply to the Director to investigate whether the caravan park owner is in breach of a duty to ensure the site which the resident occupies, or a structure or a fixture owned by the caravan park owner on the site, is maintained in good repair if—

(a) the resident has given notice to the caravan park owner that site repairs (other than urgent site repairs) are required—

(i) to the site which the resident occupies; or (ii) any structure or a fixture owned by the caravan park owner on the site; and

(b) the caravan park owner has not carried out the site repairs within 14 days after being given the notice.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be in writing. (3) On an application under subsection (1), the Director—

(a) may investigate; and (b) may negotiate arrangements for the carrying out of site repairs if the Director is satisfied that the caravan park owner is in breach of the duty to maintain in good repair the site, or a structure or a fixture in the caravan park owned by the caravan park owner; and (c) may give a written report to the resident.

191 Application to Tribunal for non-urgent repairs

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the caravan park owner or caravan owner to carry out specified repairs if—

(a) the resident has given written notice to the caravan owner that non-urgent repairs are required to the caravan; and

(b) the caravan owner has not caused the repairs to be carried out within 14 days after being given notice referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be heard by the Tribunal within 7 days after the application is made.

* * * * *

* * * * *

191A Application to Tribunal for non-urgent site repairs

(1) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the caravan park owner to carry out specified site repairs if—

(a) the resident has given written notice to the caravan park owner that non-urgent repairs are required to the site; and (b) the caravan park owner has not caused the repairs to be carried out within 14 days after being given notice referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be heard by the Tribunal within 7 days after the application is made.

192 What can the Tribunal order?

(1) The Tribunal may make an order requiring the caravan park owner or caravan owner to carry out specified repairs if it is satisfied that the owner is in breach of the duty to maintain the caravan in good repair.

(1A) The Tribunal may make an order requiring the caravan park owner to carry out specified site repairs if it is satisfied that the caravan park owner is in breach of the duty to maintain in good repair the site, or a structure or fixture on the site owned by the caravan park owner.

(1B) The Tribunal may make an order requiring repairs to be carried out by a suitably qualified person.

(1C) The Tribunal may make an order requiring the payment of compensation.

(1D) Without limiting the matters to which the Tribunal may have regard in determining an application under section 189, 189A, 191 or 191A, the Tribunal must have regard to the following—

(a) whether the repair is required because of—

(i) an act or omission by the resident; or (ii) non-compliance by the resident with the agreement in respect of the residency right or the resident's duties under section 173;

(b) whether the caravan owner or caravan park owner (as the case requires) or that person's agent received notice of the fault requiring repair; (c) if the caravan owner or caravan park owner or that person's agent received notice of the fault requiring repair, whether the caravan owner or caravan park owner was given a reasonable opportunity by the resident to make the repair; (d) whether the resident arranged for a suitably qualified person to carry out any repairs; (e) whether the caravan owner or caravan park owner is required to arrange for a suitably qualified person to verify the quality of any repair; (f) whether the resident has provided documentary evidence to the Tribunal of repairs, including the cost of repairs.

(2) An order made under subsection (1) or (1A) must specify the repairs and the time within which they must be carried out.

193 Payment of rent or hiring charge into Rent Special Account

(1) If a resident has given notice under section 190 requiring repairs to be carried out, the resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order authorising the payment of the hiring charge into the Rent Special Account.

(1A) If a resident has given notice under section 190A requiring repairs to be carried out to a site the resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order authorising the payment of the rent into the Rent Special Account.

(2) The Tribunal must make an order authorising the resident to pay the hiring charge or rent into the Rent Special Account for a period specified by the Tribunal if it is satisfied that—

(a) a notice requiring the carrying out of repairs has been given to the caravan park owner or the caravan owner in accordance with this Act; and

(ab) the caravan park owner or caravan owner has not demonstrated that the caravan park owner or caravan owner, as the case requires—

(i) is experiencing financial hardship; or (ii) would experience financial hardship if the rent or hiring charge was paid into the Rent Special Account; and

(b) the caravan park owner or caravan owner has failed to comply with the duty to carry out the repairs.

(2A) In determining whether a caravan park owner or a caravan owner has demonstrated that the owner has experienced or would experience financial hardship for the purposes of subsection (2), the Tribunal may have regard to any of the following—

(a) an eviction notice given to the owner; (b) a disconnection notice in respect of a service or utility account held by the owner; (c) a notice of legal proceedings issued against the owner; (d) a letter from a non-profit organisation about the owner's loss of employment or financial hardship; (e) a notice from a lender to the owner, including—

(i) an overdraft call; or (ii) a repossession notice in respect of a mortgaged property;

(f) outstanding medical bills of the owner; (g) a letter from a doctor in respect of the impact of the owner's illness or carer's responsibility on the ability of the owner to earn an income; (h) a final notice from a school to the owner in respect of the payment of mandatory schooling fees; (i) funeral expenses payable by the owner; (j) a repossession notice served on the owner in respect of an essential item; (k) a hardship variation, or a written request to vary the terms of an existing loan held by the owner; (l) any other prescribed document.

(3) If an order is made under subsection (2)—

(a) the amount of the hiring charge or rent held in the Rent Special Account at the end of that period must be paid to the caravan park owner or caravan owner; and

(b) on an application by the caravan park owner or the caravan owner, the Tribunal may order that the whole, or such part of the hiring charge or rent as it may determine, be paid to the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case requires) before the end of the period—

(i) on the agreement of both of the parties; or

(ii) if the Tribunal is satisfied that the owner has fulfilled or is fulfilling the owner's duty to carry out the repairs.

(4) A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order directing that all or part of the amount of a hiring charge or rent be repaid to the resident if—

(a) on an order under subsection (2), the hiring charge or rent has been paid into the Rent Special Account in relation to a breach of section 178A or  180; and (b) the caravan park owner or caravan owner has failed to effect repairs by the end of the period stated in the order.

194 Repair provisions not applicable to certain damage

Sections 190 to 193 do not apply to damage caused by the misuse or the negligence of the resident or his or her visitor.

Division 7—Transfer of rights and sale of caravans

195 Transfer of residency right

(1B) An undertaking referred to in subsection (1A) may be made by—

(a) the vendor of the caravan; or (b) the purchaser of the caravan.

(1C) If an undertaking referred to in subsection (1A) has been given to the caravan park owner but the works to rectify the serious defect are not completed within a reasonable time, the caravan park owner may apply to the Tribunal under section 452(3) for an order that the person who made the undertaking is to complete the works within a reasonable time.

(a) the caravan being sold has a serious defect; and (b) no undertaking has been given to the caravan park owner to rectify the defect.

(3) A caravan park owner is deemed to have consented to a transfer under subsection (1) if—

(a) the resident—

(i) has given the caravan park owner a completed transfer form and the names in writing of any persons proposing to occupy the caravan with the proposed resident; and (ii) has requested the caravan park owner to consent by signing the transfer; and

(b) the caravan park owner has not consented or refused to consent within 7 days of being given the completed transfer form.

(4) A purchaser of a caravan who obtains a residency right on a site by transfer must occupy the caravan himself or herself.

196 What if the caravan park owner unreasonably withholds consent to transfer?

(a) dismiss the application if it is satisfied that in all the circumstances the withholding of consent was reasonable; or (b) make an order that the withholding of consent was unreasonable and the transfer may go ahead without the caravan park owner's consent.

197 Owner must not charge fee for transfer of resident's rights

A caravan park owner must not charge a fee as a condition of or in consideration of the caravan park owner consenting to a resident transferring his or her residency right.

198 Sale of caravan

(1) A caravan park owner must not enter into an agreement to sell a caravan on behalf of a resident or former resident unless the caravan park owner has complied with section 183 in relation to the scale of commission charged for the sale.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a caravan park owner must not by act or omission obstruct or hinder the sale of a caravan owned by a resident.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;

750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(3) For the purpose of subsection (2), a caravan park owner does not hinder or obstruct the sale of a caravan owned by a resident if—

(a) the caravan park owner refuses consent to transfer the residency right under section 195(1A); and (b) the caravan has a serious defect; and (c) no undertaking has been given to the caravan park owner to rectify the serious defect.

Division 7A—Residents committees

198A Participation in residents committee

(1) A resident is entitled to participate in any residents committee formed for the caravan park in which the person resides. (2) If a site tenants committee for a Part 4A park has already been formed for the caravan park in which a resident resides, the resident is entitled to participate in the site tenants committee.

198B Caravan park owner's duties to residents committees

(1) A caravan park owner must not unreasonably interfere with a resident's right to participate in a residents committee.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) A caravan park owner must allow residents to use suitable communal park facilities for meetings of a residents committee. (3) A caravan park owner must consult with a residents committee about the following—

(a) any proposed change to the caravan park rules; (b) any proposal to remove or substantially restrict a facility or service available within the park; (c) any proposal to provide a new facility or service within the park.

(4) A caravan park owner is taken to have consulted with a residents committee in respect of a matter referred to in subsection (3) if the caravan park owner—

(a) has provided details of the proposal in writing to the committee; and (b) has allowed at least 14 days for the committee to respond in writing; and (c) has considered and responded in writing to any written response received from the committee.

(5) The duty of a caravan park owner under subsection (3) is in addition to any other duty of the caravan park owner to consult with residents under this Act.

Division 8—Rights of entry

199 Entry of caravan by caravan park owner

A caravan park owner or a person appointed in writing as the caravan park owner's agent for the purpose has a right to enter a caravan or site occupied by a resident—

(a) if the resident agrees at the time entry is sought; or (b) if there is an emergency and immediate entry is necessary to save life or valuable property; or

(c) if the Tribunal has made an abandonment order under section 206AP; or (d) for a purpose set out in section 201, at any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day (except a public holiday) if at least 24 hours notice has been given to the resident in accordance with section 203.

200 Entry of caravan by caravan owner

A caravan owner or a person appointed in writing as the caravan owner's agent for the purpose has a right to enter a caravan occupied by a resident—

(a) if the resident agrees at the time entry is sought; or

(b) if the Tribunal has made an abandonment order under section 206AP; or (c) for a purpose set out in section 201, at any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day (except a public holiday) if at least 24 hours notice has been given to the resident in accordance with section 203.

201 Grounds for entry of caravan or site

A right of entry in respect of a caravan or site may be exercised if—

(a) before giving notice of entry, a notice to vacate or a notice of intention to vacate the caravan or site has been given and entry is required to show the caravan or site to a prospective resident; or (b) the caravan is to be sold or used as security for a loan and entry is required to show the caravan to a prospective buyer or lender; or (c) entry is required to enable the caravan park owner or caravan owner to carry out a duty under this Act or any other Act; or (d) the caravan park owner or the caravan owner or the owner's agent has reasonable grounds to believe that the resident has failed to comply with his or her duties under this Act; or (e) entry is required to enable inspection—

(i) of the site; and (ii) if the resident is not the caravan owner, of the caravan—

and entry for that purpose has not been made within the last 6 months.

202 Manner of entry

A person exercising a right of entry under this Division—

(a) must do so in a reasonable manner; and (b) must not stay in the caravan or on the site longer than is necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry without the resident's consent.

203 What must be in a notice of entry?

A notice requiring entry must—

(a) be in writing; and (b) state why the caravan park owner, caravan owner or the owner's agent wishes to enter; and (c) be given—

(i) by post; or (ii) by delivering it personally to the resident between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

204 Resident has duty to permit entry

A resident of a caravan park has a duty to permit a person exercising a right of entry in accordance with this Division to enter the caravan or site (as the case may be).

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

205 What if damage is caused during entry?

(1) If a caravan park owner or the caravan owner, or that person's agent, exercises a right of entry under section 199 or 200, a resident of a caravan park may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if any person causes damage to or loss of the resident's goods in the caravan or on the site. (2) If an application is made under subsection (1), the Tribunal—

(a) may make an order for payment of any compensation that it thinks fit if it is satisfied that damage was caused to the resident's goods in the caravan or on the site; or (b) may refuse to make an order.

206 What if a person exercising right of entry fails to comply with Division?

(1) If the caravan park owner or caravan owner or the owner's agent has exercised a right of entry and in doing so fails to comply with this Division, the resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order restraining the caravan park owner or caravan owner or the owner's agent from exercising a right of entry under section 199 or 200 for a specified period. (2) If an application is made under subsection (1), the Tribunal—

(a) may make an order prohibiting the caravan park owner or caravan owner or the owner's agent from exercising a right of entry under section 199 or 200 (except for a purpose set out in section 201(c) or (d)) during the period specified in the order if it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so; or (b) may refuse to make an order.

206A Offence relating to entering a site or caravan occupied by a resident

A caravan park owner, a caravan owner or an owner's agent must not, without reasonable excuse, enter a site or caravan occupied by a resident otherwise than in accordance with this Division.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

Division 9—Termination of residency rights in caravan parksSubdivision 1—When does a residency right end?

206AB Termination after notice

A residency right in respect of a site or caravan in a caravan park ends if—

(a) the resident vacates the site or caravan after giving a notice of intention to vacate to the caravan park owner or caravan owner; or (b) the resident vacates the site or caravan after being given a notice to vacate.

206AC Termination by agreement

A residency right in respect of a site or caravan in a caravan park may be ended by agreement between the resident and the caravan park owner or caravan owner.

206AD Termination on execution of warrant

If the Tribunal makes a possession order in respect of a caravan or site, a residency right ends on the day that the warrant of possession is executed.

206AE Termination by abandonment

A residency right ends if the resident abandons the site or caravan.

206AF Offences relating to interference with rights

Except in accordance with this Act, a person must not—

(a) require or force a resident to vacate a site or a caravan; or (b) take or attempt to take possession of a site by removing the caravan in which the resident resides; or (c) exclude or attempt to exclude from or restrict or attempt to restrict access to the site or the caravan or the caravan park in which either is situated; or (d) take or attempt to take possession of the caravan in which a resident resides; or (e) interfere with the peace and comfort of a resident for the purposes of causing the resident to abandon the site or the caravan; or (f) withdraw or restrict services or facilities which are reasonably required for the occupation of a site or a caravan as a residence for the purposes of causing the resident to abandon the site or caravan.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

Subdivision 2—Termination and new residency rights in caravan parks because of family violence or personal violence

206AG Application for termination or new agreement because of family violence or personal violence

(1) A person specified in subsection (2) may apply to the Tribunal for—

(a) an order terminating the existing agreement under section 144; or (b) an order—

(i) terminating the existing agreement under section 144; and (ii) requiring the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be) to enter into a new agreement under section 144 with the persons and other persons (if any) specified in the application.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the following persons are specified—

(a) a party to the existing agreement under section 144 who—

(i) has been or is being subjected to family violence by another party to the existing agreement; or (ii) is a protected person under a personal safety intervention order made against another party to the existing agreement;

(b) a person—

(i) who is residing on the site or occupying a caravan as the person's principal place of residence; and (ii) who is not a party to the agreement under section 144; and (iii) who—

(A) has been or is being subjected to family violence by a party to the existing agreement; or (B) is a protected person under a personal safety intervention order made against a party to the existing agreement.

(a) the applicant or a person on whose behalf the application was made; (b) the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be); (c) any resident who is excluded from the site, caravan or caravan park under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order that protects a person specified in subsection (2); (d) any other existing residents of the site or caravan.

(7) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (1)—

(a) within 3 business days of the application being made; or (b) if the application cannot be heard within the period referred to in paragraph (a), no later than the next available sitting day of the Tribunal after the end of that 3 business day period.

206AH Tribunal orders

(1) On an application under section 206AG(1)(a), if satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection (1B), the Tribunal may make an order terminating the existing agreement under section 144. (1A) On an application under section 206AG(1)(b), if satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection (2), the Tribunal may make an order—

(a) terminating the existing agreement under section 144; and (b) requiring the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be) to enter into a new agreement under section 144 with the person and other persons (if any) referred to in the application.

(1B) For the purposes of subsection (1), the matters are—

(a) the specified person or that person's dependent children would be likely to suffer severe hardship if the agreement under section 144 were not terminated; and (b) the hardship suffered by the specified persons would be greater than any hardship the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be) would suffer if the order were made; and (c) if a resident is excluded from the site, caravan or caravan park under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order, it is reasonable to do so given the length of the exclusion under the notice or order and the length of the existing agreement under section 144; and (d) it is reasonable to do so given the interests of any other residents (other than any excluded resident) under the existing agreement under section 144 and, in particular, whether the other residents support the specified person's application.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1A), the matters are—

(a) the specified person and other persons (if any) could reasonably be expected to comply with the duties of a resident under an agreement under section 144; and (b) the specified person or that person's dependent children would be likely to suffer severe hardship if the specified person were compelled to leave the site, caravan or caravan park; and (c) the hardship suffered by the specified person would be greater than any hardship the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be) would suffer if the order were made; and (d) if a resident is excluded from the site, caravan or caravan park under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order, it is reasonable to do so given the length of the exclusion under the order or notice and the length of the existing agreement under section 144; and (e) it is reasonable to do so given the interests of any other residents (other than any excluded resident) under the existing agreement under section 144 and, in particular, whether the other residents support the specified person's application.

(3) In determining an application under section 206AG(1), the Tribunal must take into account the following matters in relation to family violence or personal violence—

(a) whether an application for a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order has been made by or in respect of the specified person; (b) if an application for a family violence intervention safety notice, family violence intervention order, non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order has been made by or in respect of the person—

(i) whether there is a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order in effect; and (ii) if there is a notice or an order in effect, whether a resident is excluded from the site, caravan or caravan park under the notice or order;

(c) any prescribed matters; (d) any other matter the Tribunal considers relevant.

(4) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1A), the new agreement under section 144—

(a) is subject to the same rent and frequency of rent payments as the existing agreement; and (b) if the existing agreement is for a specified period of occupancy, runs for a term not longer than the remainder of that specified period; and (c) otherwise, is on the same terms and conditions as the existing agreement, subject to any changes the Tribunal determines.

(5) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1), the Tribunal must specify the date on which the existing agreement under section 144 terminates. (6) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1A), the existing agreement under section 144 is terminated on the signing of the new agreement. (7) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1) or (1A), it may also make the following orders—

(a) an order that the caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be) must ensure that the specified person has access to the caravan and caravan park to remove the person's goods; (b) an order that caravan park owner or caravan owner (as the case may be) must not list information about the person on a residential tenancy database within the meaning of Part 10A.

(8) In this section—

specified person means a person specified in section 206AG(2).

206AI Tribunal may determine parties' liability under terminated agreement

(1) If the Tribunal decides to make an order under section 206AH(1) or (1A), the Tribunal may determine the liability of any of the following persons in relation to any of the matters specified in subsection (2)—

(a) a resident who is excluded from a site, caravan or caravan park under—

(i) a family violence safety notice; or (ii) a family violence intervention order; or (iii) a recognised non-local DVO; or (iv) a personal safety intervention order;

(b) a person specified in section 206AG(2); (c) any other resident under the existing agreement under section 144.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the specified matters are—

(a) liabilities relating to outstanding rent; and (b) liabilities relating to damage caused to the site, caravan or caravan park; and (c) liabilities relating to outstanding utility charges.

(3) To remove doubt, the termination of an agreement under section 206AH does not give rise to a right to claim compensation on the part of any party to the agreement for early termination of the agreement.

206AJ Cross-examination in a proceeding for termination or new agreement

(1) Unless the Tribunal gives leave, in a proceeding on an application under section 201AG(1)—

(a) a person subjected to family violence must not be personally cross-examined by the person who subjected that person to the family violence; and (b) a protected person under a personal safety intervention order must not be personally cross-examined by the person against whom the personal safety intervention order was made.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a reference to a person subjected to family violence includes a protected person under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order or recognised non-local DVO. (3) The Tribunal may give leave under subsection (1) with or without conditions. (4) If leave is given under subsection (1), the resident may only cross-examine the person subjected to family violence or the protected person—

(a) as to those matters set out in section 206AH(2), in the case of an application under section 206AG(1)(b); and (b) as to those matters set out in section 206AH(1B), in the case of an application under section 206AG(1)(a); and (c) in accordance with any conditions to which the leave granted is subject.

Subdivision 3—Notice of intention to vacate or abandonment by resident

206AK Notice of intention to vacate site or caravan

(1) A resident must give the caravan park owner at least 7 days notice of intention to vacate the site occupied by the resident. (2) A resident who hires a caravan from a caravan owner must give the caravan owner at least 7 days notice of intention to vacate the caravan.

206AL Notice if caravan destroyed or unfit for habitation

(1) A resident may give a notice of intention to vacate a caravan if the caravan—

(a) is unfit for human habitation; or (b) has been destroyed totally or to such an extent as to be rendered unsafe.

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date. (3) The notice under subsection (1) must be given to—

(a) the caravan owner or the caravan owner's agent; and (b) the caravan park owner or the caravan park owner's agent.

206AM Rent or hiring charge payable on termination without notice

(1) A resident who vacates a site without giving notice must pay to the caravan park owner the rent for the lesser of the following periods—

(a) 7 days after vacating the site; or (b) until another resident takes up occupancy of the site.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) A resident who vacates a caravan without giving notice must pay to the caravan owner the hiring charge for the lesser of the following periods—

(a) 7 days after vacating the caravan; or (b) until another resident takes up occupancy of the caravan.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

206AN Rent or hiring charge payable if site or caravan vacated early

(1) A resident who vacates a site before the day specified in the notice of intention to vacate the site must pay to the caravan park owner the rent for the period from the day the resident vacated the site until the day specified in the notice. (2) A resident who vacates a caravan before the day specified in the notice of intention to vacate the caravan must pay to the caravan owner the hiring charge for the period from the day the resident vacated the caravan until the day specified in the notice.

206AO Abandonment of site or caravan

(1) A resident abandons a site or caravan if the resident leaves it without any intention of returning and—

(a) without first giving notice of intention to vacate to the caravan park owner or the caravan owner; or (b) without first obtaining the agreement of the caravan park owner or the caravan owner.

(2) A resident may be regarded as having no intention of returning if—

(a) the resident has not occupied the site or caravan for a period of at least 14 days and has not paid any rent or hiring charges for that period; or (b) the resident has left the site or caravan and in all the circumstances it would be unreasonable to expect the resident to return.

206AP Order of abandonment

(1) If a caravan park owner or caravan owner believes that a resident has abandoned a site or caravan, the caravan park owner or caravan owner may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring that the resident has abandoned the site or caravan. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be heard by the Tribunal within 5 business days after the application is made. (3) On an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal may by order declare that the site or caravan was abandoned by the resident on a day specified by the Tribunal. (4) The resident is deemed to have abandoned the caravan or site on that specified day. (5) The caravan park owner may also apply to the Tribunal for an order—

(a) requiring the caravan mortgagee to pay rent until the caravan is removed from the site; and (b) fixing the amount of that rent.

(6) The rent is payable by the caravan mortgagee from the seventh day after the caravan park owner gives notice in writing to the caravan mortgagee of the orders under subsections (3) and (5).

Subdivision 4—Notice by caravan park owner, caravan owner or caravan mortgagee

206AQ Damage

(1) A caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the resident or the resident's visitor, whether by act or omission, intentionally or recklessly causes serious damage to—

(a) the site; or (b) the caravan park, including any common areas; or (c) any facility in the caravan park, including any safety equipment.

ExampleSafety equipment such as smoke alarms.

(2) A caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a caravan if the resident or a resident's visitor, whether by act or omission, intentionally or recklessly causes serious damage to a caravan hired from a caravan owner, including any safety equipment.

ExampleSafety equipment such as smoke alarms.

(3) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date.

206AR Danger

(1) A caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the resident or the resident's visitor by act or omission endangers the safety of—

(a) any person or property in the caravan park; or (b) the caravan park owner or the owner's agent; or (c) a contractor or employee of a person referred to in paragraph (b).

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date. (3) A caravan park owner is not entitled to give a notice to vacate under subsection (1) if a notice to leave under section 368 has been given in respect of that act or omission.

206AS Threats and intimidation

(1) A caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the resident or any other person residing at the site occupied by the resident has seriously threatened or intimidated—

(a) the caravan park owner or the owner's agent; or (b) a contractor or employee of a person referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

206AT Disruption

(1) A caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the resident or the resident's visitor seriously interrupts the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the caravan park by other occupiers. (2) The notice may require the resident to vacate the site immediately.

206AU Non-payment of rent

(1) A caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the resident owes at least 7 days rent to the caravan park owner. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 7 days after the date on which the notice is given.

206AV Non-payment of hiring charges

(1) A caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a caravan if the resident owes at least 7 days hiring charges to the caravan owner. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 7 days after the date on which the notice is given.

206AW Failure of resident to comply with Tribunal order

(1) A caravan park owner or caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site or caravan if the resident fails to comply with an order of the Tribunal under section 212. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 7 days after the date on which the notice is given.

206AX Successive breaches by resident

(1) A caravan park owner or caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site or caravan without first serving a breach of duty notice if—

(a) the resident has breached a duty provision; and (b) on 2 previous occasions the resident has been in breach of the same provision; and (c) the caravan park owner or caravan owner or that person's agent has on each occasion referred to in paragraph (b) given a breach of duty notice to the resident.

(2) If the caravan park owner or caravan owner gives a breach of duty notice to the resident in respect of the breach of a duty provision, the caravan park owner or caravan owner must not give the resident a notice to vacate under this section unless the resident has not complied with the breach of duty notice within the required time. (3) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 7 days after the date on which the notice is given.

206AY Use of site or caravan for illegal purpose

(1) A caravan park owner or caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site or caravan if the resident has used the site or caravan or permitted its use for any purpose that is illegal at common law or under an Act. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 7 days after the date on which the notice is given.

206AZ Sale of caravan

(1) A caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if, immediately after the termination date, a caravan owned by the caravan park owner and occupied by the resident is to be sold. (2) If a caravan park owner has entered into a contract of sale of a caravan owned by the caravan park owner and the contract of sale is subject to one or more conditions which, if not satisfied, entitle a party to the contract to terminate the contract, the caravan park owner may, within 14 days after the last of those conditions is satisfied, give a resident a notice to vacate the caravan occupied by the resident. (3) If a caravan park owner has entered into a contract of sale of a caravan owned by the caravan park owner which is not a contract of sale of the kind referred to in subsection (2), the caravan park owner may, within 14 days after the contract of sale is entered into, give a resident a notice to vacate the caravan occupied by the resident. (4) A caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a caravan if immediately after the termination date a caravan owned by the caravan owner and occupied by the resident is to be sold. (5) If a caravan owner has entered into a contract of sale of a caravan owned by the caravan owner and the contract of sale is subject to one or more conditions which, if not satisfied, entitle a party to the contract to terminate the contract, the caravan owner may, within 14 days after the last of those conditions is satisfied, give a resident a notice to vacate the caravan occupied by the resident. (6) If a caravan owner has entered into a contract of sale of a caravan owned by the caravan owner which is not a contract of sale of the kind referred to in subsection (5), the caravan owner may, within 14 days after the contract of sale is entered into, give a resident a notice to vacate the caravan occupied by the resident. (7) A notice under this section must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given. (8) If an agreement under section 144 specifies a day on which the term of occupancy is to end, a notice under this section cannot specify a termination date that is earlier than the day on which the occupancy is to end.

206AZA Closure of caravan park

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a caravan park owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the caravan park is to be closed. (2) At least 14 days before giving a notice to vacate under subsection (1), the caravan park owner must give written notification to the municipal council in which the caravan park is situated of the proposed closure of that park.

Penalty: in the case of a natural person, 60 penalty units;in the case of a body corporate, 300 penalty units.

(3) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 6 months after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee also section 215A in relation to compensation for eligible residents and effect on validity of notice to vacate.

(4) If an agreement under section 144 specifies a day on which the term of occupancy is to end, the notice cannot specify a termination date that is earlier than the day on which the occupancy is to end. (5) Failure to give the written notification under subsection (2) does not invalidate any notice to vacate given under subsection (1).

206AZB Occupation by caravan owner

(1) This section applies if a resident has hired a caravan for a fixed term. (2) A caravan owner may give a resident a notice to vacate a caravan if—

(a) the caravan owner intends to personally occupy the caravan; or (b) the caravan owner intends to make it available for occupation by—

(i) the owner's partner, child, parent or partner's parent; or (ii) another person who normally lives with the caravan owner and is wholly or substantially dependent on the caravan owner.

(3) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the end of the fixed term.

206AZC Prohibition on hiring of caravans or renting of sites after notice

(1) A caravan park owner must not rent a site vacated under section 206AZ or 206AZA for 6 months after the site is vacated.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) A caravan owner must not hire out a caravan vacated under section 206AZ or 206AZB for 6 months after the caravan is vacated.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the Tribunal determines that the site may be rented. (4) Subsection (2) does not apply if—

(a) the Tribunal determines that the caravan may be hired out; or (b) the caravan is vacated under section 206AZB and the caravan is hired out to a person referred to in that section.

206AZD Notice under agreement with specified period of occupancy

(1) A caravan park owner, before the end of a specified period of occupancy in an agreement under section 144, may give a resident a notice to vacate a site at the end of the specified period. (2) A caravan owner, before the end of a specified period of occupancy in an agreement under section 144, may give a resident a notice to vacate a caravan at the end of the specified period. (3) The notice to vacate must specify a termination date that is on or after the date of the end of the specified period of occupancy in the agreement under section 144. (4) The notice to vacate must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice to vacate is given.

206AZE Notice of no effect

(1) A notice to vacate under section 206AZ, 206AZA, 206AZB and 206AZD(1) or (2) is of no effect if it was given in response to—

(a) the exercise, or proposed exercise, by the resident of a right under this Act or the residency right; or (b) the resident making a report under section 173(2).

(2) A notice to vacate under section 206AS is of no effect if it was given in response to the exercise, or proposed exercise, by the resident of a right under this Act or the residency right. (3) A notice to vacate given under section 206AZ, 206AZA, 206AZB and 206AZD(1) or (2) is of no effect if the giving of the notice would constitute direct discrimination within the meaning of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. (4) A person is not entitled to apply to the Tribunal challenging the validity of a notice to vacate referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (3) after the end of 60 days after the date on which the notice to vacate is given.

206AZF Notice by caravan park mortgagee

(1) A caravan park mortgagee may give a resident a notice to vacate a site if the caravan park mortgagee becomes entitled to possession of, or to exercise a power of sale in respect of, the caravan park under a mortgage. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is—

(a) not less than 90 days after the date on which the notice is given if the mortgage was given before the resident obtained a residency right; or (b) not less than 6 months after the date on which the notice is given if the mortgage was given after the resident obtained a residency right.

206AZG Notice by caravan mortgagee

(1) A caravan mortgagee may give a resident who is not the caravan mortgagor a notice to vacate a caravan if the caravan mortgagee becomes entitled to possession of the caravan under a security. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is—

(a) not less than 30 days after the date on which the notice is given if the security was given before the resident obtained a residency right; or (b) not less than 6 months after the date on which the notice is given if the mortgage was given after the resident obtained a residency right.

(3) If a caravan mortgagee becomes entitled to possession of a caravan under a security given by a resident who is the caravan mortgagor, the caravan mortgagee may exercise the rights given under the security.

Subdivision 5—Notices under this Division

206AZH Form of notice of intention to vacate

A notice of intention to vacate a caravan or site in a caravan park is not valid unless—

(a) it is in writing; and (b) it is signed by the person giving the notice or by that person's agent.

206AZI Form of notice to vacate

A notice to vacate a caravan or site in a caravan park given under this Division is not valid unless—

(a) it is in the relevant prescribed form; and (b) it is addressed to the resident; and (c) it is signed by the person giving the notice or by that person's agent; and (d) it specifies the reason or reasons for giving the notice; and (e) in the case of a notice to vacate given under section 206AZ or 206AZB, it is accompanied by documentary evidence, as approved by the Director from time to time, which supports the reason for giving the notice to vacate; and

NoteSee section 486A.

(f) it specifies the termination date which is the date by which compliance is required.

206AZJ What if 2 or more notices can be served?

If a person is or becomes entitled to give 2 or more notices of intention to vacate or notices to vacate under this Division—

(a) the invalidity of any of the notices does not affect the validity of any other notice; and (b) each valid notice has full force and effect.

206AZK How can a notice be withdrawn?

(1) A notice of intention to vacate or a notice to vacate given under this Division is withdrawn only if a notice of withdrawal is given. (2) A notice of withdrawal must be—

(a) in writing; and (b) signed by the person who gave the notice; and (c) signed by the person to whom the notice was given.

Subdivision 6—Can a notice to vacate be challenged?

206AZL Application of Subdivision

Nothing in this Subdivision affects any right a resident may have to challenge the validity of any other notice to vacate under this Act.

206AZM Resident may apply to Tribunal

(1) On or before the hearing of an application for a possession order in respect of a notice to vacate given under section 206AZ, a resident who has received the notice to vacate may apply to the Tribunal challenging the validity of the notice to vacate. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made within 30 days after the notice to vacate is given.

206AZN What can the Tribunal order?

(1) On an application under section 206AZM, the Tribunal may determine whether or not the notice to vacate is valid. (2) If the Tribunal determines that the notice to vacate is valid, the resident is not entitled to further apply to the Tribunal to challenge the validity of the notice to vacate unless the Tribunal is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify reconsideration of the determination made under this section. (3) Nothing in subsection (2) affects the operation of section 479.

206AZO Resident may challenge notice to vacate on grounds of family violence or personal violence

(1) On or before the hearing of an application for a possession order, a resident who has received a notice to vacate under section 206AQ, 206AR, 206AS, 206AT, 206AW, 206AX or 206AY may apply to the Tribunal challenging the validity of the notice to vacate on the grounds that the relevant act or breach for which the notice to vacate was given was caused by the act of a person who has subjected the resident to family violence or personal violence. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made within 30 days after the notice to vacate is given.

206AZP What can the Tribunal order?

On an application under section 206AZO, the Tribunal must make an order that the notice to vacate is invalid if satisfied that—

(a) the applicant has been, or is being, subjected to family violence or personal violence; and (b) the relevant act or breach on which the notice to vacate was given was caused by the act of a person who has subjected the applicant to family violence or personal violence.