Your Rights and Responsibilities on Private Gypsy and Traveller Sites

• Follow the Rules: You must follow the site rules. Breaking them could lead to legal action or eviction.
• Gas Bottles: You need to buy and safely dispose of your own gas bottles. Too many gas bottles can be a fire risk.
• Insurance: You must get your own contents insurance to cover any damages.
• Council Tax: You are responsible for setting up and paying your own council tax. More information on council tax can be found here.
• Deposit: If you paid a deposit, you can get it back when you move out unless you caused damage.
• Tenancy Agreement: Read your tenancy agreement. If you need help, ask your Gypsy Liaison Officer.
• Guests: You need permission from the landlord for friends or family to stay in a separate caravan on your pitch.
• Electricity: You might be allowed to generate your own electricity, for example, with solar panels.
• Moving Out: Tell the post office your new address when you move.

• Planning Permission: You must have planning permission under 'gypsy status'. Your tenants must meet the Gypsy and Traveller definition in planning law. This definition can be found at the bottom of this advice page on Buying Land and Applying for Planning Permission.
• Site License: Read and understand the site license to avoid fines.
• Insurance: You need landlord and public liability insurance.
• References: You need references from tenants, and Gypsy Liaison Officers can help with this.
• Deposits: If you charge a deposit, it must be kept in a registered deposit scheme.
• Tenancy Agreement: Provide an easy-to-read tenancy agreement.
• Empty Plots: You can choose whether to accept tenants from the council's waiting list.
• Facilities: You must provide and maintain basic facilities like water, electricity, and toilets. Fix any problems quickly.
• Utility Costs: You decide how much tenants pay for water and electricity, but you cannot make a profit.
• Business Management: Running a private site is like running a business, so consider getting an accountant.

This booklet has been produced with the help of Romany Gypsy landlords and tenants on sites in Devon to help ensure that private sites provide a safe and fair environment for both tenants and landlords.

Read the booklet: Rights and Responsibilities: Some important information for landlords and tenants on private Gypsy and Traveller sites.