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.
Village operators, residents, and their guests, must also follow conduct rules. These rules set clear expectations for behaviour in a village:
What is in the village rules
Village rules usually cover matters such as:
- behaviour expectations such as smoking, noise and respect for others
- visitors and guests
- pets
- security and maintenance
- rubbish / waste management
- car parking and speed limits
- use of communal areas, services or facilities
- the external appearance of resident’s premises
- gardening and landscaping
- use of motorised wheelchairs
Making or changing the rules
The operator or residents can suggest new rules or changes to existing ones.
Residents must be consulted when creating or amending a rule. In some cases, the rule(s) may go to a vote.
Any changes to the rules must be communicated to residents.
Rules must be in line with the Act and Regulations. This means a rule cannot remove any residents rights.
Rules must be fair and reasonable. If a resident feels a rule is unreasonable or unfairly enforced, they can:
- follow the village dispute resolution process; or
- ask Consumer Protection for mediation support.