Strength in Numbers: How to Form a Qualifying Residents' Association (QRA)

Living on a residential park offers a fantastic sense of community, but when it comes to dealing with site management, an individual voice can sometimes get lost. This is where a Qualifying Residents' Association (QRA) comes in.

Under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, a QRA is a formally recognised group that acts as the official, united voice of the park's residents. Once established, the site owner is legally obligated to consult with the QRA on major decisions, giving you real power over the future of your park.

The Rights and Benefits of a QRA

Forming an association takes a bit of organizing, but the legal benefits are substantial:

• Statutory Consultation: Site owners are legally required to consult the QRA regarding any proposed changes to the site's layout, management, or general improvements.
• Information Sharing: The owner must consult the association ahead of time regarding any proposed changes to the official Site Rules or annual pitch fee reviews.
• A Collective Voice: A QRA acts as the official representative body, removing the stress of individual negotiations and allowing residents to present a united front during disputes.

Key Requirements to Form a QRA

To be legally "Qualifying" (and therefore force the site owner to recognise you), your association must meet strict criteria set out by law:

• The 50% Threshold: The association must represent at least 50% of the occupied mobile homes on the site. Note that it is only one vote per home, not per resident.
• Strict Independence: The association must be entirely independent of the site owner. The site owner, their family, or their agents cannot be members.
• Formal Structure: You cannot just be an informal group. The QRA must have a written constitution and formally elected officers (typically a Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer).
• Transparent Documentation: An up-to-date list of all members must be maintained and kept open for inspection by the residents and the site owner.
• Formal Recognition: Once the criteria are met, the association must be formally recognised by the park owner in writing. If the owner unreasonably refuses, you can apply to a First-Tier Tribunal to force recognition.