Consumer Protection

This checklist will help you follow the retirement village laws and create a resident-friendly environment.

Residents’ committees work with the operator on the general operation of the village.

The committee is a representative group of the village residents and provides a communication channel between the operator and the residents.

Other committees can also be formed in the village for other purposes such as social activities, but there can only be one residents’ committee.

Setting up a residents committee 

A resident’s committee generally includes a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and other members depending on the size of the village.

The resident’s contract will outline whether the operator or the resident is responsible for certain maintenance and replacement of items in the village.

A resident’s recurrent charges usually funds the maintenance of the village. Replacement of any capital items is usually the responsibility of the village operator.  

It is important for prospective residents to check if their contract requires them to pay for the maintenance and replacement of capital items in their unit, such as ovens and air conditioners.

Disputes may happen occasionally when living in a close community. It can be between:

• two or more residents
• resident/s and the village operator
• resident/s and the village committee
• village committee and the village operator

Many disputes are just misunderstandings. They can often be handled with open and respectful communication. Sometimes the other person is unaware of the problem and is happy to help to find a solution.

If there is a conflict in your village, try these steps to resolve it:

It is common for villages to have rules, but not all do. If there are rules in place, a copy must be attached to your contract.

If your retirement village is a community land scheme or strata scheme you may have both village rules and 'by-laws'.

Village rules can only relate to the use, enjoyment, control and management of the village.

What is in the village rules 

Village rules usually cover matters such as:

When you move out of a village there will be a range of fees and charges payable which may include:

All retirement village residents are expected to pay recurrent charges, including maintenance fees.

Retirement villages vary greatly and so do their fees and charges. It is likely to cost more to live in a village with a variety of amenities and services. The residence contract must cover what fees will be payable before entering the village, while you are living there and after you leave. 

Ingoing contribution or purchase price 

In most circumstances, you will have to make an up-front payment when you enter a retirement village. This payment may be: