Watch out for unfair terms in static caravan agreements.

Based on the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) information we have compiled a summary of terms to look out for in static caravan contracts that may be unfair and unlawful.

These include;

• Terms which exclude the park owner’s liability to supply a caravan of satisfactory quality, fit for its purpose and matching the sales description.
• Terms which exclude the park owner’s liability for negligence in causing death or injury, or damage to your caravan or possessions.
• Terms which are unclear both now or in the future.
• Terms which allow park owner to make major changes to you rights without consultation.
• Terms which bind you to buy services and products for no valid reason.
• Terms which allow the park owner to move your pitch without a valid reason.
• Terms which allow owner not to relocate you caravan to the same or similar pitch after a legitimate temporary move.
• Terms which prevent the sale of caravan and transfer of pitch (though the park owner can legitimately require you to get his consent first. Providing he does not refuse it unreasonably.
• Terms that allow the park owner to require that you buy a new caravan to be able to stay on the park, when your caravan is of a good standard and the licence period has not expired.
• Terms that allow park owner to sell you possessions to recovery monies owed.
• Terms which apply excessive interest rates or penalty charges for late payment of charges or fees.
• Terms which allow park owner complete freedom to decide the meaning of terms in the agreement.
• Terms which allow the park owner complete freedom to decide whether you are in breach of the agreement and to penalise you.
• Terms with put unreasonable restrictions on the use of your caravan.
• Terms which are long, legalistic and unclear.