The resale of electricity and gas is subject to a maximum resale price (“the MRP”) which is set by Ofgem. Since 1 January 2003 the maximum price at which electricity and gas can be resold is the same price as the reseller was charged by the supplier. This includes the costs of any standing charges billed by the supplier.

A park’s electricity or gas supply will not be considered as being for domestic use where it is used to carry out business activities such as office activities, retail or catering outlets or leisure or sporting activities for which a charge is made.

From time to time park owners will experience a customer abandoning their caravan at the end of their licence agreement because they cannot afford the cost of removal.

The Government has published the Mobile Homes (Site Rules) (England) Regulations 2014 which set out the procedure for residential parks in England to introduce or change park rules.

All park owners using standard contracts with holiday caravan owners  (such as a Purchase Agreement or Licence Agreement) must be aware of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999. The Regulations will apply to all the standard terms in any agreement – and to your park rules if they form part of an agreement or are referred to in it.

Since 2006 the Mobile Homes Act 1983 (as amended) has included a specific role for qualifying residents’ associations on mobile home sites. An association that meets specific conditions must be recognised by a park owner and will have certain consultation rights under the implied terms of the Written Statement.

The holiday season is upon us and fingers are being crossed for a sunny start. Not least because it will hopefully attract all those potential caravan and lodge buyers to your park.

A recent spell of snow and icy conditions has prompted the question of whether park owners are expected to grit their park roads and footpaths.

As grateful holiday park owners and caravan manufacturers and distributors know, as a result of concerted efforts by certain MPs and trade bodies such as the BH&HPA, the government was persuaded to change their mind on the VAT treatment of holiday caravans.