Is a Motorhome Habitation Check a Legal Requirement?

Owning a motorhome gives you a sense of freedom you can’t find with other vehicles. This “home on wheels” provides an all-in-one accommodation and travel solution, and the opportunity to explore areas you may have otherwise ignored. To get its full benefit, you’ll want to ensure your motorhome is safe, secure and capable of providing you with the experience you need. This is why many owners have a motorhome habitation check conducted.

Contrary to popular belief, a motorhome habitation check is not a legal requirement, but it does provide users with added peace of mind that their home on wheels is safe to use.

What is a habitation check on a motorhome?

A motorhome habitation check is the inspection of the living space within your motorhome. Conducted by an experienced motorhome expert, a range of components, including gas and water systems, fire alarms, furnishings, and bodywork, are inspected to ensure they operate safely. The habitation check will identify any issues or hazards and provide you with information on how to resolve them.

Having a “hab check” completed means you can get any concerning issues fixed and then enjoy your motorhome, safe in the knowledge that its living quarters are as safe as possible.

Is a motorhome habitation check the same as a service?

No, the habitation check for a motorhome is not the same as a motorhome service. Where a habitation check focuses on the living area of the motorhome, a service focuses on the mechanical aspects of the vehicle. It’s important not to confuse the two. You may find that potential safety risks are missed, putting you and your passengers at risk if you only have your regular service booked.

Is it a legal requirement to have a habitation check done on my motorhome?

No, it is not a legal requirement to have a habitation check done on your motorhome, but it is recommended. However, if you rent out your motorhome, want to sell it or are looking for insurance, habitation certificates are often required.

What is legally required is your MOT. If your motorhome is more than three years old, you’ll need to book an MOT each year, unless it was first registered more than 40 years ago and has not had any substantial changes in the last 30 years.

How often should I have a motorhome habitation check?

As motorhome habitation checks are not a legal requirement, there is no hard and fast rule for owners to follow. That being said, manufacturers generally advise that a check be completed annually. If you use your motorhome a lot, it may be wise to book two checks a year to make sure everything is as it should be.

Long periods of idleness can also lead to problems. So, even if you plan to use your motorhome just once or twice, if the hab check was completed in January, and you plan to use it again in August, have another check completed before you travel.

What is checked on a motorhome habitation check?

When you book a habitation check for your motorhome, you can expect the technician to do the following:

• Test of gas systems and appliances.
• Inspection of electrical systems and circuit breakers.
• Check the water system.
• Fire safety checks, including alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers, etc.
• Check all door and window seals.
• Visual inspections of bodywork, furnishings, lighting and sockets.
• Checks for damp and signs of water ingress.
• Confirm that the vehicle has sufficient ventilation systems.
• Run tests on appliances.
• Looks for signs of fire risk.

Once completed, the technician will provide a detailed report indicating what work needs to be completed and, in some cases, a habitation certificate.

How much is a habitation check on a motorhome?

The costs for a habitation check on your motorhome vary depending on the size of the motorhome, its features and where you get the test conducted. On average, you can expect to spend £200 to £300. However, some companies do not include certain checks, and you may be expected to pay more to have them included. As a result, get a few quotes and check what they offer for the amount they charge.

What are the benefits of a motorhome habitation check?

The lead benefit is safety. With a check completed, and issues addressed, you deliver a safer motorhome experience for yourself, your passengers and anyone else who uses it. Issues detected by a hab check can be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a hospital visit. Issues with gas, electrics, damp and more can all compromise user safety, so it’s vital you eliminate these risks as soon as possible.

Aside from safety, though, motorhome habitation checks are also important for several other reasons:

• Extend the lifespan of the motorhome. Addressing problems and getting them fixed early can reduce the chances of them developing into something significant.
• Keep your warranty. If your motorhome is new, annual habitation checks will ensure your warranty is still valid.
• Easier insurance claims. With regular habitation checks, you can show an insurer that you did everything possible to keep the motorhome safe. This will then make it easier if you ever need to claim.
• More attractive to renters. If you rent out your motorhome, those using it will feel much safer and happier to book if they know the vehicle is certified as safe to use.
• Maintain value. A motorhome with regular habitation checks is more likely to maintain some of its original value. When it comes to selling, you’ll be in a much better position than an owner trying to sell a motorhome that has not been regularly checked.

What happens if I don’t have a habitation check on my motorhome?

It depends! Leaving your motorhome unchecked could lead to a variety of issues, some minor, some major. Damp could spread throughout the motorhome, posing both structural and health risks. Gas or electrical systems could be faulty, leading to fires and other serious problems. You might even find that insurance companies reject any claims, as you won’t meet any criteria for reducing the risk.

In some cases, risks start small. Potentially going unnoticed by an untrained eye. It is only once they become evident that severity is acknowledged. By that time, the costs to fix could be vast, and the risks to users could be very high.

Can I do a motorhome habitation check by myself?

There are certain elements of a habitation check you could do by yourself, but it’s recommended that you use a professional. That way, you know that nothing is missed, and you can remain safe in the knowledge that an expert eye has been cast over all the necessary areas.

If you do want to conduct some checks yourself, limit it to testing smoke alarms and perhaps checking window seals. Anything involving gas, electricity and water should only be checked by a professional.

If you are looking to secure a new motorhome on finance, our team at Euphoria can help. We have access to thousands of new and used vehicles for all budgets, and in our role as a direct lender, we can also help those with bad credit obtain the financing they need. Get your free quote today or give us a call to find out more.