Obligations Arising From Particular TransactionsMembership Camping Contracts
Section § 1812.300
This law defines various terms related to membership camping in California. A "membership camping operator" is an entity running campgrounds and offering memberships for use, excluding tax-exempt organizations and public trailer/motorhome parks. A "membership camping contract" gives buyers the right to use campgrounds for more than 14 days annually. Specific terms like "sale" refer to entering into these contracts, and "offer" is any promotion aiming to secure such contracts. Campgrounds and camping sites are defined spaces for recreational use. The law also explains financial terms like "blanket encumbrance," which are liens on campgrounds, and "nondisturbance agreement," ensuring purchasers' rights aren't disturbed by these liens. Lastly, a "membership camping contract broker" is someone who resells these contracts on behalf of current holders, not the operators themselves.
Section § 1812.301
This law section states that membership camping contracts and the people involved with them are regulated by specific consumer protection laws, including ones that address unfair competition, false advertising, and discrimination.
Section § 1812.302
This law requires membership camping operators to provide detailed written information to potential buyers before they purchase a membership camping contract. The information must describe the operator's business experience, the purchaser's rights, location and facilities of campgrounds, rules and fees, contracting terms, and other relevant details. Buyers should make decisions based on current facilities, as plans for future facilities can change. Important updates and a copy of the contract must also be included.
Section § 1812.303
This law outlines the rules for membership camping contracts in California. The contract must be written in the language used during the sales talk, must include a clear statement about the right to cancel within three business days, and be signed by the buyer. Attached to the contract should be a 'Notice of Cancellation' form. The seller needs to inform the buyer about cancellation rights at the time of signing and provide a copy of the contract and notice. If the buyer cancels within three business days, the seller must refund any payments made within 20 days. This right to cancel continues while the seller hasn't fulfilled these requirements. 'Business day' excludes Sundays and some holidays.
Section § 1812.304
This law explains that if you buy a membership camping contract without first visiting one of the campgrounds, you can cancel the contract anytime before midnight on the 10th business day after your purchase. To cancel, you need to send back the signed cancellation notice or a copy of the contract with the cancellation instructions, along with any membership materials. Once you cancel, the seller must refund your money and return any financial documents you provided within 10 days of receiving your cancellation and membership materials. If you take longer to return these items, the seller gets extra time to complete the refund process.
Section § 1812.305
This section outlines specific situations that are not covered by the rules of a certain title. It says that a person can offer, sell, or transfer one membership camping contract each year without following the usual rules. Additionally, sales or offers made by the government or using genuine pledges for such a contract are also not subject to these rules.
Section § 1812.306
If there's a mistake or missing information in a membership camping contract, a buyer can cancel the agreement and get their money back. The party that wins a court case about this can also have their legal fees paid. However, if the mistakes were on purpose or part of a dishonest plan, this refund rule doesn't apply. If there’s an accidental mistake, it can be fixed within 30 days of the buyer notifying the camping operator, stopping the right to cancel. But the fix can't make the buyer pay more unless they agree in writing. "Holder" refers to either the seller or anyone else who ends up owning the contract.
Section § 1812.307
If you own a membership camping contract, the company can’t take away your access to a campground unless they give you a similar campground nearby, someone else legally claims the land and they informed you beforehand, or your right to use it has ended or been legally terminated.
Section § 1812.308
If someone wants to sell or transfer their interest in a membership campground, they must record the transfer with the county to make it official. This protects the rights of those who bought camping memberships. The new owner must honor existing membership contracts and allow cancellations or refunds. Even if bankruptcy occurs, the new owner must keep these promises. If the rules aren't followed, it’s assumed these protections still apply, and new owners must notify members within 30 days. Major debt holders don't count as new owners in this context.
Section § 1812.309
Section § 1812.314
This California law outlines the rules for how money is handled when a broker is involved in selling a membership camping contract. Any money received must be kept in an escrow account until the sale is complete. The broker must inform the buyer about potential risks, like buying without visiting the campsite, or possible reasons why their contract might not be fulfilled. It also gives buyers the right to cancel their purchase within ten business days without penalty. If they cancel, the escrow company needs to inform the camping operator and refund the buyer within ten days.
Notice by ordinary mail is adequate but certified mail return receipt requested is recommended.”
Section § 1812.315
If any part of this law is found to be invalid or unenforceable for certain situations or people, this won't impact the rest of the law, which can still be applied without the invalid part. Essentially, each part of this law stands on its own and doesn't rely on the others.