Tiny Houses on Wheels are considered as Caravans by local governments due to their mobile nature and are commonly faced with local law restrictions on the period of time a person can ‘live’ in a caravan. The development of local laws governing ‘camping’ or living in a ‘caravan’ is different. As examples local laws may: stipulate the requirement to obtain a permit for occupation for a limited period, where the applicant may be able to apply for an extension; allow living in a caravan where there is no commercial or financial interest; restrict occupation to only 30 or 60 days.
In addition, if there is a neighbour ‘complaint’ the occupant of the tiny house may be asked to either remedy the situation or remove the tiny house within a short timeframe. This lack of security for permanent dwelling is proving a significant barrier to the uptake of the tiny house living.