Rights and obligations of retirement village operators and residents

Code of Practice 2008

The Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2008 sets out the minimum requirements that operators must meet, or ensure are met, to fulfil their legal obligations under the Act.

Code of Practice 2008

Disclosure statement

It's a requirement of the Act that all retirement village operators issue compliant disclosure statements to intending residents before those residents sign an occupation rights agreement.

Disclosure statement

Occupation Right Agreement

When a resident moves into a retirement village, they purchase a right to occupy, or an Occupation Rights Agreement.

The agreement:

• sets out the terms and conditions of the residency
• is based on a capital investment, and
• is a form of tenancy.

Companies Office — Occupation Right Agreement

Code of Residents' Rights

Read a summary of the basic rights given to retirement village residents under the Retirement Villages Act 2003.

Code of Residents' Rights

Statutory supervisor

The Retirement Villages Act 2003 requires an operator of a retirement village to appoint a statutory supervisor, unless the Registrar of Retirement Villages grants the operator an exemption.

The statutory supervisor helps protect the interests of retirement village residents.

Companies Office — Appointing a statutory supervisor

The Retirement Commissioner

The Retirement Commissioner works for Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission and monitors:

• the effects of the legislation and Code of Practice, and
• the establishment and oversight of the disputes panel system.

Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission is also responsible for promoting education, information and publications about retirement villages

If you have questions about retirement villages, contact Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission.

• Phone: (09) 356 0052
• Email: office@retirement.govt.nz
• Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

The Retirement Villages Act and Regulations

The Retirement Villages Act 2003 and associated Regulations set out the obligations of retirement village operators, and helps ensure residents and intending residents:

• understand their financial and residential obligations, and
• receive what they're promised or entitled to.

Retirement Villages Act and Regulations