A retirement village is a community of seniors living in individual premises sharing common facilities and amenities managed by a retirement village operator.

There can be confusion about the differences between village complexes classified as retirement villages and those classified as residential parks or over 55 strata complexes. In terms of appearance and services, they may be very similar. The main differences relate to the type of ownership and occupancy arrangements, the permanency of tenure and the protections provided to residents.

The retirement villages section provides detailed information on:

• what is a retirement village
• choosing a retirement village and checklist
• fees and charges
• contracts
• living in a retirement village
• residents committees
• dispute resolution
• leaving a retirement village

The Retirement Villages fact sheet and the publication So you're thinking of moving into a retirement village may be helpful. 

If you need any assistance please contact the Consumer Protection Contact Centre on 1300 30 40 54.