Residents of 38 caravans at Harbour Close, in Littlehampton Marina, were told on January 5 they must vacate their homes by March 6.
Landlord Emma Grubb said in a letter to her tenants that the 38 static caravans are not compliant with government legislation, specifically regulations which focus on improving the energy efficiency of residential park homes.
Mrs Grubb said to residents she and her husband Thomas will do “all we can” to help them find new accommodation but advised they should contact Arun District Council if they cannot find somewhere before March 6.
But the district council said it is “concerned” about the impact caused by Mrs Grubb telling her tenants to leave the site.
A spokeswoman for the council said: “Arun District Council’s housing options service are aware of the situation and have engaged with Broomer Farm Group, also known as Littlehampton Marina, with a view to communicating directly with the affected residents.
The entrance to Harbour Close (Image: Google Maps)
“Given national and local housing pressures, we are concerned about the impact this is going to have and we are looking to establish effective engagement with residents about their options and needs, to be able to provide appropriate support where we can.”
Jeff Fox, 67, who first moved into Harbour Close eight years ago, says the tenants have formed a strong bond and are fearful for the future.
“Everybody knowns each other, it’s a great place to live down here. We’ve all known each other for years. Everybody is mortified,” said Jeff, who fears he and his neighbours could be left without a place to stay.
Jeff said he was told by co-landlord Mr Grubb on Monday that it is not guaranteed tenants will get their full deposits back.
Mr Grubb told The Argus it is usual for money to be deducted at the end of a tenancy for repairs.
Caravans must comply with British Standard 3632 2015 regarding energy efficiency.
The Argus put rumours among tenants to Mr Grubb that his caravans would be scrapped as they are not fit for permanent residence and asked why he would need to keep the security deposit in this instance.
Mr Grubb said it had not yet been confirmed what will happen to the caravans once they leave Harbour Close and would neither confirm nor deny whether new caravans will replace them.
In the letter to tenants, Mrs Grubb said she is “being forced to initiate the replacement of each unit on site.
“Due to the massive task, cost and uncertainty in timescale of completing this project, we will require vacant possession of all units before work can start,” she said.
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“While I appreciate this will come as a shock to you, this is not the route we wished to take and as I say, our hand has been forced by government legislation.
“We will of course do all we can to assist you in finding alternative accommodation where we can.”
Mr Grubb also said there is no plan for the soon-to-be vacant site, “only ideas”, and did not respond when asked how he was helping to find alternative accommodation for his tenants.
There are 13 caravans in another area of the site which can be lived in until 2027.
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