The Office of Fair Trading administers the Retirement Villages Act 1999. This Act, which commenced on 1 July 2000, sets out the rights and obligations of prospective residents, residents of retirement villages and village operators in NSW.

A retirement village is any residential complex predominantly occupied by retired persons who have entered into some form of contractual arrangement with the owner or operator of the village. There are some 700 retirement villages currently in NSW, accommodating about 35,000 residents.

From May 1 2006, all residential accommodation across NSW must have at least one working smoke alarm. For more information, go to the Smoke alarms page.

The Office of Fair Trading has produced an information booklet called Retirement village living. This booklet explains the different types of retirement villages that can be found in the industry and outlines some basic rights under the Act. It is aimed primarily at prospective residents and must be given out by operators to anybody who expresses an interest in becoming a resident.

To get a copy of the Retirement village living booklet, contact any Fair Trading Centre, phone 13 32 20 or download it from the related information section on this page.

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If you have any questions about the rights of prospective residents, residents or operators under the Act contact the Office of Fair Trading Specialist Support Unit on 9895 0297 or toll free on 1800 625 963.

The Seniors Information Service (SIS) provides information to seniors and others on a variety of issues.
Tel: 13 12 44

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) produces directories of retirement villages in both the metropolitan and country areas. These include details about the contracts, services and costs of each village.
Tel: 9286 3860 or 1800 449 102 (for regional callers only)

The Retirement Villages Residents’ Association is a non-profit organisation which represents the interests of residents.
Tel: 1300 787 213

The Aged-care Rights Service (TARS) is a free advocacy service for residents of retirement villages, nursing homes and boarding houses. TARS provides publications, advice and referral for people seeking information. One of its publications Before You Move, provides a useful guide on things to watch out for if you are thinking of moving into a retirement village.
Tel: 9281 3600 or 1800 424 079 (country callers)

Community Referral Service Law Society of NSW
Tel: 9926 0300

Law Access Service
Tel: 1300 888 529

The Retirement Village Association represents retirement village owners and managers within the private sector. It provides accreditation to villages which meet the building and service standards set by the Association.
Tel: 9747 4732 or 1800 240 080

Aged & Community Services Association of NSW & ACT represents retirement village owners and managers within the non-profit sector.
Tel: 9743 4066 or 1800 424 770
www.agedservices.asn.au

 Listen to information on Retirement villages (11:58 mins)

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