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:
- 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 of the 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.