Mobile home owners, take note: When is the payment for your broadcasting contributions scheduled?
In Germany, caravans used as secondary residences often require the payment of the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) if they are equipped with reception devices and used for living purposes. However, there is the possibility of exemption under certain conditions.
Key points for the broadcasting fee regarding caravans in Germany:
- The broadcasting fee is charged per household or residential unit with reception devices, including secondary residences.
- Even if the caravan is not permanently parked on a campsite, if it is used as a residence and capable of receiving broadcasts (TV, radio, etc.), the fee typically applies.
- Exemptions or reductions might be possible if the caravan is not equipped with devices capable of receiving broadcasts or if it is registered under conditions where broadcasting reception is legally excluded.
- Specific rulings or interpretations may depend on local authorities and the exact usage and parking situation.
- The fee is administered centrally and applies independently of location within the country because it is linked to residences, not just main addresses.
It's essential to note that the search results do not explicitly state the precise rule for caravans used as secondary residences outside campsites in Germany. However, common practice and the legal framework for the broadcasting fee imply no automatic exemption solely based on non-permanent parking. Users should consult with the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice (the agency responsible for collecting the fee) for clarification or potential exemptions.
In contrast, in the United Kingdom, television licensing for mobile dwellings such as touring caravans can be covered under the main residence licence if no simultaneous use occurs, but this pertains only to that country and differs from German regulations.
In summary, if a caravan in Germany is used as a secondary residence with TV/radio equipment, it usually requires the broadcasting fee. Exemptions or special cases must be formally applied for or clarified with the broadcasting fee agency. If the caravan is purely recreational and not used as a residential unit with TV/radio equipment, the fee may not apply. But for secondary residences, the fee normally applies, regardless of campsite parking status. Secondary residences are not automatically exempt from fees; the consumer must apply for an exemption.
- In Germany, aside from caravans used for recreational purposes, those serving as secondary residences often demand the payment of the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), even when not permanently parked on a campsite, if they are equipped with reception devices and used for living purposes.
- To avoid the broadcasting fee in Germany, certain exemptions or reductions may apply if the caravan is not equipped with devices capable of receiving broadcasts or if it is registered under conditions where broadcasting reception is legally excluded, contingent upon specific rulings or interpretations made by local authorities and the exact usage and parking situation.
