Significant changes to the retirement village sector

RS8640

Published 04 Dec 25

The Government has announced a package of changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003.

These changes to the Act, its associated regulations and codes will help to rebalance the rights and responsibilities of operators and residents, and improve consumer protections. 

The changes have been informed by an extensive review of the Act, including public consultation in 2023 which received over 11,000 submissions.

Many of the changes align with best practice, and will help with consistency across the sector.

Other changes address priority areas for residents:

  • new rules will make operators responsible for the chattels and fixtures they own in residents’ units
  • a new disputes resolution scheme that’s independent and easy for residents to use will be established
  • operators will have a maximum timeframe of 12 months to pay a former resident the funds owing to them when they leave a village.

An amendment bill is expected to be introduced in the House by mid-2026.

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