Tiny House’s movement is by far the most famous in U.S.A. Therefore, since 2010, it boomed as well in Europe! We are more and more curious about living differently, living with less. But the movement is still shy and we might have some difficulties to find the right informations. Tiny House legislation is particular according to each country, according to their laws and flexibility. However, there are a few common rules that is cool to know about.
COMMON RULES
STATUS
When a tiny house is on wheels, it is categorized as a mobile home (trailer bed). In that sense, accordingly to many countries, the construction doesn’t require any building permission. Building codes can hide some surprises though. I would suggest to head down to your local building department to inquire about what permits you must need (or not) and obtain (if it is necessary).
DRIVING LICENCE
Driving licence is quite similar regarding the Tiny House legislation across Europe. It is tricky as you won’t need a specific driving licence if your tiny house with your car do not exceed 3.5 t. However, in most cases, to be tracked your tiny house will need a strong engine. Then, you might need a BE driving licence to legally track it. You can always contact a professional to move your house to your future location.
PARKING
The rules for a tiny house are really similar to an RV. You can park it on your private garden, friends, family’s one or other places. Only one condition is usually required. The tiny house shouldn’t stay more than a limited delay without declaring its presence to the city hall. This delay is obviously proper to every city. Consequently, if you wish to stay longer, you can freely ask to the city hall an autorisation to stay.
INSURANCE
As a mobile home, a tiny house must be covered as a vehicle (while driving on a public road) AND as an habitation (about the standards risks related to the accommodation). The cost can vary from where you settled.
TRAVELLING
Tiny House legislation is particular for the ones on wheels. It has to match with the road legislation.
- 3500 kg maxi with the weight of the trailer
- 2,55m maxi width
- 4,0m to 4,5 maxi height
- Slovenia 4,2m height,
- Austria and Germany 4,0m height,
- France 4,3m height,
- etc.
As any kind of trailer, a tiny house must have a matriculation.
TAX
An annual tax is required for any kind of mobile home including the tiny house. As any tax, you can benefit from some exemption according to your financial situation.
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David is a CEO of KAKIS & houzEKO and development manager at Institute mOBILNO to go. He is by profession a civil engineer but he soon decided to start his own path in sustainable and cleantech technologies.