The rules for living in a caravan on private land
WA law generally restricts caravans to licensed caravan parks. The Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations make exceptions for land you own or have a legal right to occupy:
| How long | Whose approval |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 nights | The property owner |
| Up to 24 months | The property owner and your council (or the Minister for Local Government) |
| After 24 months | Apply again, to the owner and council |
| Permanently | Not allowed outside a caravan park |
The same rules apply to a tiny home on wheels, because the law treats it as a caravan.
What council can ask for
Council's approval can come with health and safety conditions. The land must be suitable for living on, and council may require power, water, sewage and cooking facilities. Some councils have local laws with extra rules.
Common reasons people do it
- Living on site while building or renovating a house
- Housing after a natural disaster
- Supporting a family member ageing in place
- Seasonal work
If council says no
The Minister for Local Government can consider an approval if council refuses or cancels one. Council can't revoke a Minister's approval.
What needs other approvals
The caravan itself doesn't need a building permit. But anything you build around it, such as a patio or deck, may need planning approval and a building permit. Using a caravan outside a park without approval or an exemption can be an offence, even on your own land.