Consumer Watch with Candice Evans: Tenants, operators urged to have say in residential park laws review

Western Australians who live in or operate residential parks are being invited to help review the laws that govern them. A review of the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 is under way, with Consumer Protection encouraging long-stay tenants, park operators and the wider community to have their say before consultation closes at 5pm on Friday March 20, 2026. Residential parks are home to many people across our State and provide sites upon which relocatable homes are placed as well as shared facilities. Long-stay tenants either rent both the home and site or rent the site only and own the relocatable home. The home can include a caravan or park home. Some residential parks are mixed use and also provide accommodation for holidaymakers as well as long stay tenants, others are dedicated to long-stay tenants only. The law that regulates this style of living is being reviewed to make sure it continues to work as intended and see whether improvements are needed. This current consultation will look at the typical lifecycle of living in a residential park. It will look at issues that arise before someone moves in, while they are living in the park, and when they leave. This includes how tenancy applications are handled, what information prospective tenants must be given, how rent and fees are set and increased, and how behaviour issues are managed. It will also consider termination processes, compensation arrangements and whether tenants are adequately informed about the risk of having to vacate and the options available to them if that occurs. Improving awareness of the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and operators is another key focus. Significant reforms were introduced in January 2022 to strengthen protections for long-stay tenants. These changes improved mandatory disclosure requirements, removed “without grounds” terminations for site-only agreements, prohibited market rent reviews and stopped operators from terminating fixed-term agreements simply because a park was sold. This review is an important opportunity to hear directly from Western Australians about their experiences in residential parks and to ensure the laws remain fair, clear and effective. Consumer Protection will also conduct presentations in early March to provide an overview of the key topics and gather feedback from both tenants and operators. Community members can take part by completing an online survey or making a written submission. More information on the review, including how to register for an upcoming presentation, can be found at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/resiparkreview Paper surveys are also available on request by calling 1300 304 054 or emailing consultations@lgirs.wa.gov.au After consultation closes, Consumer Protection will prepare a report outlining the findings and any recommendations for change.