Once you have moved in, village living hopefully becomes exactly what you hoped for: a community, reduced maintenance, and peace of mind.
But sometimes issues arise. Knowing your rights helps you address them effectively.
Weekly fee increases
Your agreement will specify how weekly fees can increase. Operators must follow these provisions. If you believe an increase is not in accordance with your agreement, you can challenge it.
We can review your agreement and the proposed increase to advise whether you have grounds for dispute.
Service and maintenance issues
Operators have obligations under both your agreement and the Retirement Villages Act. If facilities are not maintained, if services are not provided as promised, or if the village is not meeting its obligations, you have options.
Documentation helps. Keep records of issues, complaints, and responses.
Transferring to care
If your health changes and you need to move to hospital-level care (either within the village or elsewhere), specific provisions in your ORA apply.
These provisions affect:
- • Whether you must move
- • What happens to your unit
- • When you receive any refund
- • Whether weekly fees continue
If this situation arises, contact us before making decisions. The timing and process matter.
Disputes and complaints
The Retirement Villages Act provides a complaints and disputes process. If you cannot resolve an issue directly with the operator, formal mechanisms exist.
We can advise on whether your concern is likely to succeed through these processes and help you prepare if you decide to proceed.
What Carlile Dowling does at this stage
For residents facing issues, we can:
- • Review your ORA to clarify your rights and obligations
- • Advise on fee increase disputes
- • Help with service and maintenance complaints
- • Navigate care transfer provisions
- • Represent you in formal disputes
If problems arise
Most issues can be resolved by talking to village management. If not, the Retirement Villages Act provides a dispute resolution process including mediation and access to the Disputes Panel.
If you have concerns about your village, we can help. Contact us on 06 835 7394.