A contract check is a document that helps you understand the financial implications of leaving the village.

The operator must provide:

• An annual contract check.
• A contract check whenever you request one.

The contract check will provide estimates of:

• Any fees or payments you may need to make when leaving the village.
• Any money you may be entitled to receive when leaving.
• The process for ending your contract and vacating or selling your residence.

A fee may only be charged if:

• You request the contract check; and
• You have not already given notice that you intend to leave the village.

Village by-laws help manage community living and may cover topics such as:

• Parking.
• Visitors.
• Pets in common areas.
• Use of shared facilities.
• Noise.
• Smoking.
• Cleanliness and rubbish disposal.

Village by-laws must be fair, lawful and reasonable.

By-laws cannot:

• Unreasonably restrict residents from keeping pets in their own homes.
• Discriminate against individuals.
• Override resident rights under contracts or legislation.
• Unreasonably interfere with residents’ enjoyment of their home.
• Give operators unrestricted discretion without requiring them to act reasonably

Operators are responsible for maintaining capital items they own, including:

• Buildings.
• Infrastructure.
• Plant and equipment.
• Common village assets.

Operators must:

• Maintain assets in a reasonable condition.
• Carry out repairs and replacements within a reasonable time.
• Maintain a capital maintenance plan.
• Operate and report on a capital maintenance fund.

Residents must:

• Notify the operator if maintenance is required.
• Look after their residence.
• Repair damage they cause, excluding normal wear and tear.

Yes, but only if:

• The repair is urgent.
• The resident has attempted to contact the operator.
• The operator has not acted within an appropriate timeframe.

The reforms provide stronger procedural protections for non-owner residents.

Before termination can occur:

• The breach must be substantial.
• The resident must be given 28 days to remedy the breach.
• The action must be reasonable and proportionate.

Yes. Residents can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if they disagree with a termination decision.

An operator must obtain VCAT approval and demonstrate that:

• The resident’s care needs cannot be met in the village; and
• Remaining in the village would create a serious health or safety risk.

VicAssist Retirement Villages is a free conciliation service that assists residents and operators to resolve disputes early and informally.

Conciliation may not be available where:

• A party is unwilling to participate.
• There are significant legislative breaches.
• The matter is already before VCAT.

For assistance:

• Call 1300 528 994
• Visit vic.gov.au/retirement-village-dispute-help.

The reforms provide:

• Limits on ongoing charges after a resident leaves. ( Not Retrospective)
• Stronger information rights for former residents and estates.
• Clearer processes for valuation disputes.
• Timelier payment obligations.