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.