Mechanically, this Act comprehensively regulates retirement‑village schemes: it defines residence contracts, requires registration and prescribed disclosures, mandates trusteeship of ingoing contributions, establishes three segregated funds (capital replacement, maintenance reserve, general services), controls charges and exit arrangements, requires insurance and audited financial reporting, and creates dispute, enforcement and redevelopment procedures. The Act’s stated purpose is consumer protection and scheme viability (s3). It therefore shifts costs and compliance onto scheme operators while granting residents statutory rights (cooling‑off, voting, disclosure) and administrative oversight (chief executive, QCAT).
The Retirement Villages Act 1999 (NSW) creates a regulatory framework that governs retirement villages in New South Wales from the moment a prospective resident first enquires about a village through to the payment of exit entitlements when they leave. The Act balances operator rights (to manage the village and charge for services) with strong resident protections (disclosure, contractual certainty, resident input, and fair exit terms).
The objects stated in section 3 are: setting out rights and obligations of residents and operators; facilitating disclosure; requiring contracts to contain full details; facilitating resident input into management; establishing dispute resolution mechanisms; and encouraging best practice management standards.
The Act applies to retirement villages regardless of the tenure underlying each resident's occupation (freehold, leasehold, licence, strata, or community land). Where a part of the village is subject to a community land scheme or strata scheme, the by-laws of that scheme apply to that part, not the village rules under Division 1 of Part 6 (section 45).
Note on source text: the stored source contains 10 concatenated copies of the Act (approximately 422,000 characters total; single copy approximately 268,000 characters). This analysis is based on a complete single copy.
Main concepts
: defined in section 5 as a complex in which retired persons or aged persons are provided with residential premises and related services or facilities. The Act covers villages regardless of their ownership or management structure.
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Retirement Villages Act 1999.
425
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
pt.1-div.1
Introduction
Introduction
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Retirement Villages Act 1999 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
pt.1-div.2
Objects of Act and relationship with FTI Act
Objects of Act and relationship with FTI Act
sec.3
Objects
sec.3 Objects
The main objects of this Act are—
to promote consumer protection and fair trading practices in operating retirement villages and in supplying services to residents by—
declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and
facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
to encourage the continued growth and viability of the retirement village industry in the State.
The following are also objects of this Act—
to maintain public confidence in the retirement village industry by enhancing—
the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and
the accountability of scheme operators;
to encourage the adoption of best practice standards by the retirement village industry;
to provide a clear regulatory framework to ensure certainty for the retirement village industry in planning for future expansion;
to facilitate participation by residents, who want to be involved, in the affairs of retirement villages;
to provide for processes for resolving disputes between residents and scheme operators.
s 3 sub 2006 No. 6 s 4
amd 2023 No. 5 s 9
(sec.3-ssec.1) The main objects of this Act are— to promote consumer protection and fair trading practices in operating retirement villages and in supplying services to residents by— declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and to encourage the continued growth and viability of the retirement village industry in the State.
(sec.3-ssec.2) The following are also objects of this Act— to maintain public confidence in the retirement village industry by enhancing— the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and the accountability of scheme operators; to encourage the adoption of best practice standards by the retirement village industry; to provide a clear regulatory framework to ensure certainty for the retirement village industry in planning for future expansion; to facilitate participation by residents, who want to be involved, in the affairs of retirement villages; to provide for processes for resolving disputes between residents and scheme operators.
(a) to promote consumer protection and fair trading practices in operating retirement villages and in supplying services to residents by— (i) declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and (ii) facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
(i) declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and
(ii) facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
(b) to encourage the continued growth and viability of the retirement village industry in the State.
(i) declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and
(ii) facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
(a) to maintain public confidence in the retirement village industry by enhancing— (i) the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and (ii) the accountability of scheme operators;
(i) the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and
(ii) the accountability of scheme operators;
(b) to encourage the adoption of best practice standards by the retirement village industry;
(c) to provide a clear regulatory framework to ensure certainty for the retirement village industry in planning for future expansion;
(d) to facilitate participation by residents, who want to be involved, in the affairs of retirement villages;
(e) to provide for processes for resolving disputes between residents and scheme operators.
(i) the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and
(ii) the accountability of scheme operators;
sec.3A
Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
sec.3A Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
In this section—
inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
See also the modifying provision for this Act stated in the FTI Act , section 8 .
s 3A ins 2014 No. 8 s 150
(sec.3A-ssec.1) The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
(sec.3A-ssec.2) Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
(sec.3A-ssec.3) In this section— inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act. See also the modifying provision for this Act stated in the FTI Act , section 8 .
pt.1-div.3
Interpretation and basic concepts
Interpretation and basic concepts
sec.4
Definitions
sec.4 Definitions
The dictionary in the schedule defines particular words used in this Act.
s 4 amd 2002 No. 51 s 83
sec.5
What is a retirement village
sec.5 What is a retirement village
A retirement village is premises where older members of the community or retired persons reside, or are to reside, in independent living units or serviced units, under a retirement village scheme.
In this section—
premises does not include a site within the meaning of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 .
s 5 amd 2003 No. 74 s 155 sch 1
(sec.5-ssec.1) A retirement village is premises where older members of the community or retired persons reside, or are to reside, in independent living units or serviced units, under a retirement village scheme.
(sec.5-ssec.2) In this section— premises does not include a site within the meaning of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 .
sec.6
What is retirement village land
sec.6 What is retirement village land
Land is retirement village land if the land is used, or to be used, for a retirement village and, for land included in a community titles scheme, includes the lots and common property into which the land is subdivided.
s 6 amd 2021 No. 19 s 102
sec.7
What is a retirement village scheme
sec.7 What is a retirement village scheme
A retirement village scheme is a scheme under which a person—
enters into a residence contract; and
in consideration for paying an ingoing contribution under the residence contract, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to reside in a retirement village, however the right accrues; and
on payment of the relevant charge, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to receive 1 or more services in relation to the retirement village.
(a) enters into a residence contract; and
(b) in consideration for paying an ingoing contribution under the residence contract, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to reside in a retirement village, however the right accrues; and
(c) on payment of the relevant charge, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to receive 1 or more services in relation to the retirement village.
sec.8
Who is a retirement village scheme operator
sec.8 Who is a retirement village scheme operator
A person is a retirement village scheme operator if the person, alone or with someone else, controls the scheme’s operation or purports to control the scheme’s operation.
sec.9
Who is a resident
sec.9 Who is a resident
A resident of a retirement village is a person who has a right to reside in the retirement village and a right to receive 1 or more services in relation to the retirement village under a residence contract.
sec.10
What is a residence contract
sec.10 What is a residence contract
A residence contract is 1 or more written contracts, other than an excluded contract, about residence in a retirement village entered into between a person and the scheme operator.
A residence contract includes any other contract (an ancillary contract ) between the person and the scheme operator if the ancillary contract is dependent on, or arises out of, the making of the residence contract or another ancillary contract.
Without limiting the interests that a residence contract may be based on, a residence contract may be based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit.
To be a residence contract, a contract must—
either—
purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or
provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, a right in common with other residents in the retirement village, to use and enjoy the retirement village’s communal facilities; and
contain or incorporate—
a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and
if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
restrict the way in which, or the persons to whom—
the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or
if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
s 10 amd 2002 No. 13 s 124 sch ; 2006 No. 6 s 5 ; 2019 No. 13 s 36
(sec.10-ssec.1) A residence contract is 1 or more written contracts, other than an excluded contract, about residence in a retirement village entered into between a person and the scheme operator.
(sec.10-ssec.2) A residence contract includes any other contract (an ancillary contract ) between the person and the scheme operator if the ancillary contract is dependent on, or arises out of, the making of the residence contract or another ancillary contract.
(sec.10-ssec.3) Without limiting the interests that a residence contract may be based on, a residence contract may be based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit.
(sec.10-ssec.4) To be a residence contract, a contract must— either— purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, a right in common with other residents in the retirement village, to use and enjoy the retirement village’s communal facilities; and contain or incorporate— a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and restrict the way in which, or the persons to whom— the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
(a) either— (i) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or (ii) provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
(i) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or
(ii) provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
(b) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, a right in common with other residents in the retirement village, to use and enjoy the retirement village’s communal facilities; and
(c) contain or incorporate— (i) a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and (ii) if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
(i) a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and
(ii) if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
(d) restrict the way in which, or the persons to whom— (i) the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or (ii) if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
(i) the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or
(ii) if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
(i) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or
(ii) provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
(i) a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and
(ii) if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
(i) the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or
(ii) if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
sec.11
What is an existing residence contract
sec.11 What is an existing residence contract
An existing residence contract is a residence contract existing immediately before the commencement of this Act.
sec.11A
What is freehold property of a resident or former resident
sec.11A What is freehold property of a resident or former resident
A freehold interest in an accommodation unit is a resident’s freehold property if—
the freehold interest is—
held by the resident; or
held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and
a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by—
the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or
a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or
the resident’s child or another family member
the resident has a right to reside in the accommodation unit.
A freehold interest in an accommodation unit is a former resident’s freehold property if—
the freehold interest is—
held by the former resident; or
held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and
the former resident had a right to reside in the accommodation unit that has been terminated under this Act.
s 11A ins 2019 No. 13 s 37
(sec.11A-ssec.1) A freehold interest in an accommodation unit is a resident’s freehold property if— the freehold interest is— held by the resident; or held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or the resident’s child or another family member the resident has a right to reside in the accommodation unit.
(sec.11A-ssec.2) A freehold interest in an accommodation unit is a former resident’s freehold property if— the freehold interest is— held by the former resident; or held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and the former resident had a right to reside in the accommodation unit that has been terminated under this Act.
(a) the freehold interest is— (i) held by the resident; or (ii) held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and Examples for subparagraph (ii) — • a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— • the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or • a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or • the resident’s child or another family member
(i) held by the resident; or
(ii) held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and Examples for subparagraph (ii) — • a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— • the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or • a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or • the resident’s child or another family member
• a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— • the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or • a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or • the resident’s child or another family member
• the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or
• a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or
• the resident’s child or another family member
(b) the resident has a right to reside in the accommodation unit.
(i) held by the resident; or
(ii) held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and Examples for subparagraph (ii) — • a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— • the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or • a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or • the resident’s child or another family member
• a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— • the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or • a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or • the resident’s child or another family member
• the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or
• a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or
• the resident’s child or another family member
• a freehold interest in an accommodation unit held by— • the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or • a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or • the resident’s child or another family member
• the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or
• a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or
• the resident’s child or another family member
• the trustee of a trust in which the resident holds an interest; or
• a corporation in which the resident holds shares; or
• the resident’s child or another family member
(a) the freehold interest is— (i) held by the former resident; or (ii) held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and
(i) held by the former resident; or
(ii) held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and
(b) the former resident had a right to reside in the accommodation unit that has been terminated under this Act.
(i) held by the former resident; or
(ii) held by another person but not held directly or indirectly by the scheme operator; and
sec.12
What is a service agreement
sec.12 What is a service agreement
A service agreement is an agreement made between a person and a scheme operator under which general services or personal services are to be supplied for or to the person or someone else when the person or other person becomes a resident of a retirement village.
A service agreement may be in a residence contract.
s 12 amd 2006 No. 6 s 6
(sec.12-ssec.1) A service agreement is an agreement made between a person and a scheme operator under which general services or personal services are to be supplied for or to the person or someone else when the person or other person becomes a resident of a retirement village.
(sec.12-ssec.2) A service agreement may be in a residence contract.
sec.13
Section sec.13
s 13 sub 2006 No. 6 s 7
om 2017 No. 42 s 88
sec.14
What is an ingoing contribution
sec.14 What is an ingoing contribution
An ingoing contribution is the amount payable by a person under a residence contract to secure the person’s, or someone else’s, right to reside in a retirement village, but does not include a recurrent payment for rent, fees or charges.
It is immaterial whether—
the right to reside in the village is enforceable or not; or
the payment alone secures the right, or something else is also required to secure it.
(sec.14-ssec.1) An ingoing contribution is the amount payable by a person under a residence contract to secure the person’s, or someone else’s, right to reside in a retirement village, but does not include a recurrent payment for rent, fees or charges.
(sec.14-ssec.2) It is immaterial whether— the right to reside in the village is enforceable or not; or the payment alone secures the right, or something else is also required to secure it.
(a) the right to reside in the village is enforceable or not; or
(b) the payment alone secures the right, or something else is also required to secure it.
sec.15
What is an exit fee
sec.15 What is an exit fee
An exit fee is the amount that a resident may be liable to pay to, or credit the account of, a scheme operator under a residence contract arising from—
the resident ceasing to reside in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates; or
the settlement of the sale of the right to reside in the accommodation unit.
The exit fee for a residence contract, including an existing residence contract, that a resident may be liable to pay to, or credit the account of, the scheme operator is to be calculated as at—
the day the resident ceases to reside in the accommodation unit to which the residence contract relates; or
if a relative of the resident resides in the accommodation unit under section 70B (2) —the sooner of the following days—
the day the relative vacates the accommodation unit;
the day that is 3 months after the resident’s right to reside in the accommodation unit under the residence contract is terminated under this Act.
Subsection (2) states the day at which the exit fee for a residence contract is to be worked out, and not the method of working out the exit fee.
Section 53A states how to work out the exit fee for a residence contract that is worked out under the contract having regard to the length of time the resident has resided in the unit.
Subsection (2) applies despite anything to the contrary in an existing residence contract.
In this section, a reference to a resident includes a reference to a person, other than a scheme operator, who enters into a residence contract for the purpose of giving someone else a right to reside in the retirement village.
Mr Smith enters into a residence contract with a scheme operator which gives Mr Smith’s mother the right to reside in the retirement village. For this section, a reference to a resident includes not only Mr Smith’s mother who has a right to reside in the retirement village but also Mr Smith.
s 15 amd 2006 No. 6 s 8 ; 2011 No. 45 s 242
(sec.15-ssec.1) An exit fee is the amount that a resident may be liable to pay to, or credit the account of, a scheme operator under a residence contract arising from— the resident ceasing to reside in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates; or the settlement of the sale of the right to reside in the accommodation unit.
(sec.15-ssec.2) The exit fee for a residence contract, including an existing residence contract, that a resident may be liable to pay to, or credit the account of, the scheme operator is to be calculated as at— the day the resident ceases to reside in the accommodation unit to which the residence contract relates; or if a relative of the resident resides in the accommodation unit under section 70B (2) —the sooner of the following days— the day the relative vacates the accommodation unit; the day that is 3 months after the resident’s right to reside in the accommodation unit under the residence contract is terminated under this Act. Subsection (2) states the day at which the exit fee for a residence contract is to be worked out, and not the method of working out the exit fee. Section 53A states how to work out the exit fee for a residence contract that is worked out under the contract having regard to the length of time the resident has resided in the unit.
(sec.15-ssec.3) Subsection (2) applies despite anything to the contrary in an existing residence contract.
(sec.15-ssec.4) In this section, a reference to a resident includes a reference to a person, other than a scheme operator, who enters into a residence contract for the purpose of giving someone else a right to reside in the retirement village. Mr Smith enters into a residence contract with a scheme operator which gives Mr Smith’s mother the right to reside in the retirement village. For this section, a reference to a resident includes not only Mr Smith’s mother who has a right to reside in the retirement village but also Mr Smith.
(a) the resident ceasing to reside in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates; or
(b) the settlement of the sale of the right to reside in the accommodation unit.
(a) the day the resident ceases to reside in the accommodation unit to which the residence contract relates; or
(b) if a relative of the resident resides in the accommodation unit under section 70B (2) —the sooner of the following days— (i) the day the relative vacates the accommodation unit; (ii) the day that is 3 months after the resident’s right to reside in the accommodation unit under the residence contract is terminated under this Act.
(i) the day the relative vacates the accommodation unit;
(ii) the day that is 3 months after the resident’s right to reside in the accommodation unit under the residence contract is terminated under this Act.
(i) the day the relative vacates the accommodation unit;
(ii) the day that is 3 months after the resident’s right to reside in the accommodation unit under the residence contract is terminated under this Act.
1 Subsection (2) states the day at which the exit fee for a residence contract is to be worked out, and not the method of working out the exit fee.
2 Section 53A states how to work out the exit fee for a residence contract that is worked out under the contract having regard to the length of time the resident has resided in the unit.
sec.16
What is an exit entitlement
sec.16 What is an exit entitlement
An exit entitlement is the amount that a scheme operator may be liable to pay to, or credit the account of, a former resident under a residence contract arising from—
the resident ceasing to reside in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates; or
the settlement of the sale of the right to reside in the accommodation unit.
In this section, a reference to a former resident includes a reference to a person, other than a scheme operator, who enters into a residence contract for the purpose of giving someone else a right to reside in the retirement village.
s 16 amd 2006 No. 6 s 9
(sec.16-ssec.1) An exit entitlement is the amount that a scheme operator may be liable to pay to, or credit the account of, a former resident under a residence contract arising from— the resident ceasing to reside in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates; or the settlement of the sale of the right to reside in the accommodation unit.
(sec.16-ssec.2) In this section, a reference to a former resident includes a reference to a person, other than a scheme operator, who enters into a residence contract for the purpose of giving someone else a right to reside in the retirement village.
(a) the resident ceasing to reside in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates; or
(b) the settlement of the sale of the right to reside in the accommodation unit.
sec.17
What is a capital replacement fund
sec.17 What is a capital replacement fund
A capital replacement fund is a fund established under section 91 for replacing the retirement village’s capital items.
sec.18
Section sec.18
s 18 amd 2017 No. 42 s 89
om 2023 No. 5 s 10
sec.18A
What is a general services charges fund
sec.18A What is a general services charges fund
A general services charges fund is a fund established under section 102AA for general services.
s 18A ins 2017 No. 42 s 90
sec.18B
What is a general services charge
sec.18B What is a general services charge
A general services charge is a charge payable by a resident in a retirement village, of an amount decided by the scheme operator under the resident’s residence contract, for the general services supplied to residents in the village for a financial year.
s 18B ins 2017 No. 42 s 90
sec.19
What is a maintenance reserve fund
sec.19 What is a maintenance reserve fund
A maintenance reserve fund is a fund established under section 97 for maintaining and repairing the retirement village’s capital items.
sec.20
What is a maintenance reserve fund contribution
sec.20 What is a maintenance reserve fund contribution
A maintenance reserve fund contribution is an amount payable by a resident to the scheme operator, under the resident’s residence contract, as a contribution to the maintenance reserve fund.
s 20 amd 2006 No. 6 s 10
sub 2017 No. 42 s 91
sec.21
What is a retirement village dispute
sec.21 What is a retirement village dispute
A retirement village dispute is a dispute between a scheme operator and a resident of a retirement village about the parties’ rights and obligations under the resident’s residence contract or this Act.
For subsection (1) , a retirement village dispute includes a dispute about compliance by a scheme operator or a resident with this Act, whether or not a particular failure to comply is an offence against this Act.
In this section—
resident includes a former resident.
In some provisions of this Act there is no means of enforcement apparent on the face of the provision but enforcement by the dispute resolution process is available because of this section.
s 21 amd 2006 No. 6 s 11
(sec.21-ssec.1) A retirement village dispute is a dispute between a scheme operator and a resident of a retirement village about the parties’ rights and obligations under the resident’s residence contract or this Act.
(sec.21-ssec.2) For subsection (1) , a retirement village dispute includes a dispute about compliance by a scheme operator or a resident with this Act, whether or not a particular failure to comply is an offence against this Act.
(sec.21-ssec.3) In this section— resident includes a former resident. In some provisions of this Act there is no means of enforcement apparent on the face of the provision but enforcement by the dispute resolution process is available because of this section.
sec.22
What is a retirement village issue
sec.22 What is a retirement village issue
A retirement village issue is—
a retirement village dispute; or
an application for an order under sections 169 to 171 or 173 .
s 22 amd 2003 No. 30 s 169 sch 1
(a) a retirement village dispute; or
(b) an application for an order under sections 169 to 171 or 173 .
pt.1-div.4
Operation of Act
Operation of Act
sec.23
Application of Act
sec.23 Application of Act
This Act applies to—
a retirement village scheme, including a scheme for a retirement village to which the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 applies, the scheme operator and inducements and invitations to enter into the scheme if—
the retirement village is, or is to be, situated in the State, irrespective of where the scheme is operated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; or
the scheme is operated in the State, irrespective of where the retirement village is, or is to be, situated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; and
a residence contract entered into before or after the commencement of this section, unless this Act states otherwise.
(a) a retirement village scheme, including a scheme for a retirement village to which the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 applies, the scheme operator and inducements and invitations to enter into the scheme if— (i) the retirement village is, or is to be, situated in the State, irrespective of where the scheme is operated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; or (ii) the scheme is operated in the State, irrespective of where the retirement village is, or is to be, situated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; and
(i) the retirement village is, or is to be, situated in the State, irrespective of where the scheme is operated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; or
(ii) the scheme is operated in the State, irrespective of where the retirement village is, or is to be, situated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; and
(b) a residence contract entered into before or after the commencement of this section, unless this Act states otherwise.
(i) the retirement village is, or is to be, situated in the State, irrespective of where the scheme is operated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; or
(ii) the scheme is operated in the State, irrespective of where the retirement village is, or is to be, situated or inducements or invitations to enter into the scheme are given or published; and
sec.24
Application of Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997
sec.24 Application of Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997
If there is an inconsistency between this Act and the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 in relation to a person’s rights and obligations under a retirement village scheme, this Act prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
sec.25
Application of Fair Trading Act 1989
sec.25 Application of Fair Trading Act 1989
This Act does not limit the application of the Fair Trading Act 1989 , including the Australian Consumer Law (Queensland) forming part of that Act, to the acquisition, under a residence contract, of goods or services, within the meaning of that Act.
s 25 amd 2010 No. 54 s 67 sch
sec.26
Certain age restrictions on residence not unlawful
sec.26 Certain age restrictions on residence not unlawful
Despite the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 , it is not unlawful for a scheme operator to discriminate on the basis of age if the discrimination merely limits residence in a retirement village to older members of the community and retired persons.
pt.2
Retirement village schemes
Retirement village schemes
pt.2-div.1
Registration
Registration
sec.27
Application for registration of a retirement village scheme
sec.27 Application for registration of a retirement village scheme
A person may apply to the chief executive to register a retirement village scheme.
See part 15 for transitional and savings provisions about existing retirement village schemes.
The application must be in the approved form and accompanied by—
particulars of the following—
the land on which the retirement village’s buildings and facilities are, or are to be, constructed;
the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator undertakes are, or are to be, available for the village when the scheme is registered;
the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator intends to make available for the village after the scheme is registered, depending on the sales activity, finance availability, or market conditions, for the village;
the terms under which persons are, or are to be, invited to enter into the scheme under the residence contracts for the retirement village;
other particulars of the scheme prescribed under a regulation; and
a copy of the village comparison document for the scheme; and
the application fee prescribed under a regulation; and
if, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 88AA (1) —the amount of the costs required to be paid.
A requirement mentioned in subsection (2) (d) is sufficiently made of the applicant if it is made generally of applicants in the approved form or notified on the department’s website.
s 27 amd 2008 No. 69 s 74 ; 2017 No. 42 s 92
(sec.27-ssec.1) A person may apply to the chief executive to register a retirement village scheme. See part 15 for transitional and savings provisions about existing retirement village schemes.
(sec.27-ssec.2) The application must be in the approved form and accompanied by— particulars of the following— the land on which the retirement village’s buildings and facilities are, or are to be, constructed; the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator undertakes are, or are to be, available for the village when the scheme is registered; the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator intends to make available for the village after the scheme is registered, depending on the sales activity, finance availability, or market conditions, for the village; the terms under which persons are, or are to be, invited to enter into the scheme under the residence contracts for the retirement village; other particulars of the scheme prescribed under a regulation; and a copy of the village comparison document for the scheme; and the application fee prescribed under a regulation; and if, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 88AA (1) —the amount of the costs required to be paid.
(sec.27-ssec.3) A requirement mentioned in subsection (2) (d) is sufficiently made of the applicant if it is made generally of applicants in the approved form or notified on the department’s website.
(a) particulars of the following— (i) the land on which the retirement village’s buildings and facilities are, or are to be, constructed; (ii) the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator undertakes are, or are to be, available for the village when the scheme is registered; (iii) the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator intends to make available for the village after the scheme is registered, depending on the sales activity, finance availability, or market conditions, for the village; (iv) the terms under which persons are, or are to be, invited to enter into the scheme under the residence contracts for the retirement village; (v) other particulars of the scheme prescribed under a regulation; and
(i) the land on which the retirement village’s buildings and facilities are, or are to be, constructed;
(ii) the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator undertakes are, or are to be, available for the village when the scheme is registered;
(iii) the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator intends to make available for the village after the scheme is registered, depending on the sales activity, finance availability, or market conditions, for the village;
(iv) the terms under which persons are, or are to be, invited to enter into the scheme under the residence contracts for the retirement village;
(v) other particulars of the scheme prescribed under a regulation; and
(b) a copy of the village comparison document for the scheme; and
(c) the application fee prescribed under a regulation; and
(d) if, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 88AA (1) —the amount of the costs required to be paid.
(i) the land on which the retirement village’s buildings and facilities are, or are to be, constructed;
(ii) the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator undertakes are, or are to be, available for the village when the scheme is registered;
(iii) the accommodation units and communal facilities the scheme operator intends to make available for the village after the scheme is registered, depending on the sales activity, finance availability, or market conditions, for the village;
(iv) the terms under which persons are, or are to be, invited to enter into the scheme under the residence contracts for the retirement village;
(v) other particulars of the scheme prescribed under a regulation; and
sec.28
Registration of retirement village scheme
sec.28 Registration of retirement village scheme
The chief executive may register, or refuse to register, a retirement village scheme for which an application for registration has been made.
The chief executive’s decision must be made within 60 days of the later of—
the day the application is received; or
if the particulars with the application do not conform with the requirements of section 27 (2) and the chief executive asks for further particulars, the day the particulars are given.
The chief executive may register the scheme only if satisfied—
the application complies with section 27 ; and
the applicant is not prohibited from operating a retirement village scheme under section 88 .
If the chief executive registers the scheme, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant a registration certificate, in the approved form, stating the day the scheme was registered.
If the chief executive refuses to register the scheme, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
If the chief executive fails to decide the application in the time required under subsection (2) , the chief executive is taken to have refused the application.
See section 29 about applying to the tribunal to review a refusal decision made, or taken to have been made, by the chief executive under this section.
s 28 amd 2006 No. 6 s 12 ; 2009 No. 24 s 753
(sec.28-ssec.1) The chief executive may register, or refuse to register, a retirement village scheme for which an application for registration has been made.
(sec.28-ssec.2) The chief executive’s decision must be made within 60 days of the later of— the day the application is received; or if the particulars with the application do not conform with the requirements of section 27 (2) and the chief executive asks for further particulars, the day the particulars are given.
(sec.28-ssec.3) The chief executive may register the scheme only if satisfied— the application complies with section 27 ; and the applicant is not prohibited from operating a retirement village scheme under section 88 .
(sec.28-ssec.4) If the chief executive registers the scheme, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant a registration certificate, in the approved form, stating the day the scheme was registered.
(sec.28-ssec.5) If the chief executive refuses to register the scheme, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.28-ssec.6) If the chief executive fails to decide the application in the time required under subsection (2) , the chief executive is taken to have refused the application. See section 29 about applying to the tribunal to review a refusal decision made, or taken to have been made, by the chief executive under this section.
(a) the day the application is received; or
(b) if the particulars with the application do not conform with the requirements of section 27 (2) and the chief executive asks for further particulars, the day the particulars are given.
(a) the application complies with section 27 ; and
(b) the applicant is not prohibited from operating a retirement village scheme under section 88 .
sec.28A
Deregistration of retirement village scheme
sec.28A Deregistration of retirement village scheme
This section applies if the chief executive reasonably believes that either—
a scheme operator is implementing an approved closure plan for a retirement village scheme; or
a retirement village scheme is no longer operating.
The chief executive may, by written notice (a deregistration notice ) given to the scheme operator, deregister the scheme, effective from—
if subsection (1) (a) applies—the day that, under the approved closure plan, the scheme will stop operating; or
if subsection (1) (b) applies—30 days after the deregistration notice is given to the scheme operator.
The chief executive must also give the scheme operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
s 28A ins 2006 No. 6 s 13
amd 2009 No. 24 s 754 ; 2017 No. 42 s 93
(sec.28A-ssec.1) This section applies if the chief executive reasonably believes that either— a scheme operator is implementing an approved closure plan for a retirement village scheme; or a retirement village scheme is no longer operating.
(sec.28A-ssec.2) The chief executive may, by written notice (a deregistration notice ) given to the scheme operator, deregister the scheme, effective from— if subsection (1) (a) applies—the day that, under the approved closure plan, the scheme will stop operating; or if subsection (1) (b) applies—30 days after the deregistration notice is given to the scheme operator.
(sec.28A-ssec.3) The chief executive must also give the scheme operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(a) a scheme operator is implementing an approved closure plan for a retirement village scheme; or
(b) a retirement village scheme is no longer operating.
(a) if subsection (1) (a) applies—the day that, under the approved closure plan, the scheme will stop operating; or
(b) if subsection (1) (b) applies—30 days after the deregistration notice is given to the scheme operator.
sec.29
Application to QCAT for review
sec.29 Application to QCAT for review
A person whose application to register a retirement village scheme has been refused, or is taken to have been refused, may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the decision.
However, if the chief executive is taken to have refused the application under section 28 , the period within which the person may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision is 88 days after the application to register the scheme was made.
The scheme operator may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the chief executive’s decision to deregister a retirement village scheme.
s 29 amd 2006 No. 6 s 14
sub 2009 No. 24 s 755
(sec.29-ssec.1) A person whose application to register a retirement village scheme has been refused, or is taken to have been refused, may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the decision.
(sec.29-ssec.2) However, if the chief executive is taken to have refused the application under section 28 , the period within which the person may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision is 88 days after the application to register the scheme was made.
(sec.29-ssec.3) The scheme operator may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the chief executive’s decision to deregister a retirement village scheme.
sec.30
Section sec.30
s 30 amd 2006 No. 6 s 15
om 2009 No. 24 s 755
sec.31
Section sec.31
s 31 om 2009 No. 24 s 755
sec.32
Section sec.32
s 32 om 2009 No. 24 s 755
sec.33
Section sec.33
s 33 om 2009 No. 24 s 755
sec.34
Offence to operate etc. an unregistered retirement village scheme
sec.34 Offence to operate etc. an unregistered retirement village scheme
If a retirement village scheme is not registered, the scheme operator or proposed scheme operator must not—
operate the scheme; or
induce or invite a person to participate in the scheme by—
residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or
paying an ingoing contribution; or
doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
use a document, or publish an advertisement, to induce or invite a person to participate in the scheme by—
residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or
paying an ingoing contribution; or
doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
extend an existing retirement village.
Maximum penalty—540 penalty units.
However, the scheme operator or proposed scheme operator does not contravene subsection (1) (c) if the document or advertisement merely invites expressions of interest in the scheme.
In this section—
advertisement includes an advertisement made by publishing a statement or claim—
in a document, including a newspaper or magazine; or
by broadcast, electronic communication, telecommunication, video or film.
induce includes attempt to induce.
(sec.34-ssec.1) If a retirement village scheme is not registered, the scheme operator or proposed scheme operator must not— operate the scheme; or induce or invite a person to participate in the scheme by— residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or paying an ingoing contribution; or doing another act in relation to the scheme; or use a document, or publish an advertisement, to induce or invite a person to participate in the scheme by— residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or paying an ingoing contribution; or doing another act in relation to the scheme; or extend an existing retirement village. Maximum penalty—540 penalty units.
(sec.34-ssec.2) However, the scheme operator or proposed scheme operator does not contravene subsection (1) (c) if the document or advertisement merely invites expressions of interest in the scheme.
(sec.34-ssec.3) In this section— advertisement includes an advertisement made by publishing a statement or claim— in a document, including a newspaper or magazine; or by broadcast, electronic communication, telecommunication, video or film. induce includes attempt to induce.
(a) operate the scheme; or
(b) induce or invite a person to participate in the scheme by— (i) residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or (ii) paying an ingoing contribution; or (iii) doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
(i) residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or
(ii) paying an ingoing contribution; or
(iii) doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
(c) use a document, or publish an advertisement, to induce or invite a person to participate in the scheme by— (i) residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or (ii) paying an ingoing contribution; or (iii) doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
(i) residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or
(ii) paying an ingoing contribution; or
(iii) doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
(d) extend an existing retirement village.
(i) residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or
(ii) paying an ingoing contribution; or
(iii) doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
(i) residing in the retirement village to which the scheme relates; or
(ii) paying an ingoing contribution; or
(iii) doing another act in relation to the scheme; or
(a) in a document, including a newspaper or magazine; or
(b) by broadcast, electronic communication, telecommunication, video or film.
pt.2-div.2
Retirement village scheme register
Retirement village scheme register
sec.35
Retirement village scheme register
sec.35 Retirement village scheme register
The chief executive must keep a register for retirement village schemes.
The register must include the following items (the records ) for each registered scheme—
copies of the following documents—
the registration certificate;
the village comparison document and notices about material changes to information in the village comparison document given under section 74 (5) ;
if former section 36 applies to the scheme operator under section 237I —the public information document and notices about inaccuracies in the public information document given under former section 36 ;
the particulars of the scheme mentioned in section 27 (2) (a) ;
a copy of each independent quantity surveyor’s written report given to the chief executive under section 92 (6) or 98 (8) ;
the annual financial statements and audit reports given to the chief executive under section 113 (4) .
The records are to be kept on the register for at least 10 years.
A person may, on payment of the fee prescribed under a regulation—
inspect the register at a place or places decided by the chief executive; or
take extracts from, or obtain a copy of details in, the register.
The register may be kept in any form that allows a person to have access to it under subsection (4) .
In this section—
former see section 237H .
s 35 amd 2005 No. 14 s 2 sch ; 2017 No. 42 s 94 ; 2023 No. 5 s 11
(sec.35-ssec.1) The chief executive must keep a register for retirement village schemes.
(sec.35-ssec.2) The register must include the following items (the records ) for each registered scheme— copies of the following documents— the registration certificate; the village comparison document and notices about material changes to information in the village comparison document given under section 74 (5) ; if former section 36 applies to the scheme operator under section 237I —the public information document and notices about inaccuracies in the public information document given under former section 36 ; the particulars of the scheme mentioned in section 27 (2) (a) ; a copy of each independent quantity surveyor’s written report given to the chief executive under section 92 (6) or 98 (8) ; the annual financial statements and audit reports given to the chief executive under section 113 (4) .
(sec.35-ssec.3) The records are to be kept on the register for at least 10 years.
(sec.35-ssec.4) A person may, on payment of the fee prescribed under a regulation— inspect the register at a place or places decided by the chief executive; or take extracts from, or obtain a copy of details in, the register.
(sec.35-ssec.5) The register may be kept in any form that allows a person to have access to it under subsection (4) .
(sec.35-ssec.6) In this section— former see section 237H .
(a) copies of the following documents— (i) the registration certificate; (ii) the village comparison document and notices about material changes to information in the village comparison document given under section 74 (5) ; (iii) if former section 36 applies to the scheme operator under section 237I —the public information document and notices about inaccuracies in the public information document given under former section 36 ;
(i) the registration certificate;
(ii) the village comparison document and notices about material changes to information in the village comparison document given under section 74 (5) ;
(iii) if former section 36 applies to the scheme operator under section 237I —the public information document and notices about inaccuracies in the public information document given under former section 36 ;
(b) the particulars of the scheme mentioned in section 27 (2) (a) ;
(c) a copy of each independent quantity surveyor’s written report given to the chief executive under section 92 (6) or 98 (8) ;
(d) the annual financial statements and audit reports given to the chief executive under section 113 (4) .
(i) the registration certificate;
(ii) the village comparison document and notices about material changes to information in the village comparison document given under section 74 (5) ;
(iii) if former section 36 applies to the scheme operator under section 237I —the public information document and notices about inaccuracies in the public information document given under former section 36 ;
(a) inspect the register at a place or places decided by the chief executive; or
(b) take extracts from, or obtain a copy of details in, the register.
sec.36
Section sec.36
s 36 sub 2006 No. 6 s 16
om 2017 No. 42 s 95
sec.37
Section sec.37
s 37 amd 2006 No. 6 s 17
om 2017 No. 42 s 95
pt.2-div.3
Chief executive may apply for court orders
Chief executive may apply for court orders
sec.38
Chief executive may apply for order appointing a manager of a retirement village
sec.38 Chief executive may apply for order appointing a manager of a retirement village
The chief executive may apply to the District Court for a management order if the chief executive reasonably believes—
the scheme operator has not complied with section 40A (2) , 40B (1) , 40F (1) or (2) , 41C (2) , 41D (1) , 41H (1) or (2) , 113D or 113H (1) or (2) ; or
the order is otherwise necessary to protect the interests of residents of a particular retirement village.
In urgent circumstances—
the application may be made ex parte; and
the management order may be made on an interim basis.
If the court makes a management order, it may, at any time, make any ancillary order it considers necessary to support the management order.
A manager appointed under a management order must, at the request of the chief executive, report to the chief executive about how the manager has exercised, or will exercise, functions of the scheme operator under the order.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If a manager is appointed under a management order to exercise a function of a scheme operator, this Act applies to the exercise of the function as if the manager were the scheme operator.
In this section—
management order means an order appointing a stated person, as manager of a retirement village, to exercise—
all the functions of the scheme operator; or
stated functions of the scheme operator; or
all the functions, other than stated functions, of the scheme operator.
s 38 sub 2017 No. 42 s 96
(sec.38-ssec.1) The chief executive may apply to the District Court for a management order if the chief executive reasonably believes— the scheme operator has not complied with section 40A (2) , 40B (1) , 40F (1) or (2) , 41C (2) , 41D (1) , 41H (1) or (2) , 113D or 113H (1) or (2) ; or the order is otherwise necessary to protect the interests of residents of a particular retirement village.
(sec.38-ssec.2) In urgent circumstances— the application may be made ex parte; and the management order may be made on an interim basis.
(sec.38-ssec.3) If the court makes a management order, it may, at any time, make any ancillary order it considers necessary to support the management order.
(sec.38-ssec.4) A manager appointed under a management order must, at the request of the chief executive, report to the chief executive about how the manager has exercised, or will exercise, functions of the scheme operator under the order. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.38-ssec.5) If a manager is appointed under a management order to exercise a function of a scheme operator, this Act applies to the exercise of the function as if the manager were the scheme operator.
(sec.38-ssec.6) In this section— management order means an order appointing a stated person, as manager of a retirement village, to exercise— all the functions of the scheme operator; or stated functions of the scheme operator; or all the functions, other than stated functions, of the scheme operator.
(a) the scheme operator has not complied with section 40A (2) , 40B (1) , 40F (1) or (2) , 41C (2) , 41D (1) , 41H (1) or (2) , 113D or 113H (1) or (2) ; or
(b) the order is otherwise necessary to protect the interests of residents of a particular retirement village.
(a) the application may be made ex parte; and
(b) the management order may be made on an interim basis.
(a) all the functions of the scheme operator; or
(b) stated functions of the scheme operator; or
(c) all the functions, other than stated functions, of the scheme operator.
sec.38A
Management and administration of retirement village scheme by manager
sec.38A Management and administration of retirement village scheme by manager
An expense incurred by a manager in, or an amount charged by a manager for, exercising functions of a scheme operator must be paid from—
the general services charges fund; or
another fund from which the scheme operator would have been able to pay the expense if the manager had not been appointed.
The State is not liable for—
an expense incurred by a manager in exercising functions of a scheme operator; or
any liability of a scheme operator if a manager is appointed to exercise functions of the scheme operator.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that the exercise of a function of a scheme operator by a manager is not a service for the purpose of section 108 .
In this section—
manager means a manager appointed under section 38 .
s 38A ins 2017 No. 42 s 97
(sec.38A-ssec.1) An expense incurred by a manager in, or an amount charged by a manager for, exercising functions of a scheme operator must be paid from— the general services charges fund; or another fund from which the scheme operator would have been able to pay the expense if the manager had not been appointed.
(sec.38A-ssec.2) The State is not liable for— an expense incurred by a manager in exercising functions of a scheme operator; or any liability of a scheme operator if a manager is appointed to exercise functions of the scheme operator.
(sec.38A-ssec.3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the exercise of a function of a scheme operator by a manager is not a service for the purpose of section 108 .
(sec.38A-ssec.4) In this section— manager means a manager appointed under section 38 .
(a) the general services charges fund; or
(b) another fund from which the scheme operator would have been able to pay the expense if the manager had not been appointed.
(a) an expense incurred by a manager in exercising functions of a scheme operator; or
(b) any liability of a scheme operator if a manager is appointed to exercise functions of the scheme operator.
sec.39
Additional power of chief executive to seek an order
sec.39 Additional power of chief executive to seek an order
This section applies if the chief executive considers, on reasonable grounds, that a person is contravening section 34 .
The chief executive may apply to the District Court for an order to stop the person from contravening the section.
The court may make any order, including an interim order, it considers appropriate.
(sec.39-ssec.1) This section applies if the chief executive considers, on reasonable grounds, that a person is contravening section 34 .
(sec.39-ssec.2) The chief executive may apply to the District Court for an order to stop the person from contravening the section.
(sec.39-ssec.3) The court may make any order, including an interim order, it considers appropriate.
pt.2-div.4
Cancelling registration of retirement village
Cancelling registration of retirement village
sec.40
Definition for division
sec.40 Definition for division
In this division—
residents meeting notice see section 40B (1) (b) .
s 40 ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
sec.40A
Notice about cancelling registration
sec.40A Notice about cancelling registration
This section applies if a scheme operator proposes to close a retirement village scheme.
The operator must give the chief executive notice about the proposal in the approved form.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
For subsection (1) , a scheme operator proposes to close a retirement village scheme if the scheme operator proposes to—
wind down the retirement village scheme; or
stop operating the retirement village scheme, including temporarily.
s 40A ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40A-ssec.1) This section applies if a scheme operator proposes to close a retirement village scheme.
(sec.40A-ssec.2) The operator must give the chief executive notice about the proposal in the approved form. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.40A-ssec.3) For subsection (1) , a scheme operator proposes to close a retirement village scheme if the scheme operator proposes to— wind down the retirement village scheme; or stop operating the retirement village scheme, including temporarily.
(a) wind down the retirement village scheme; or
(b) stop operating the retirement village scheme, including temporarily.
sec.40B
Requirement to prepare closure plan
sec.40B Requirement to prepare closure plan
The scheme operator must, within 28 days of giving a notice under section 40A (2) (the notice period ) or any extension of the notice period granted under subsection (3) , give each resident of the retirement village—
a proposed closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and
a notice (a residents meeting notice ), in the approved form, that states—
if the proposed closure plan is not approved under section 40D (1) (a) , within a stated reasonable period that is not less than 21 days after the giving of the residents meeting notice, the scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) ; and
if the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) , a resident may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision under section 41A .
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The scheme operator may, within the notice period, apply to the chief executive for an extension of the notice period.
The chief executive may grant the extension if the chief executive is satisfied it is not reasonably practicable for the scheme operator to comply with subsection (1) within the notice period.
s 40B ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40B-ssec.1) The scheme operator must, within 28 days of giving a notice under section 40A (2) (the notice period ) or any extension of the notice period granted under subsection (3) , give each resident of the retirement village— a proposed closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and a notice (a residents meeting notice ), in the approved form, that states— if the proposed closure plan is not approved under section 40D (1) (a) , within a stated reasonable period that is not less than 21 days after the giving of the residents meeting notice, the scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) ; and if the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) , a resident may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision under section 41A . Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.40B-ssec.2) The scheme operator may, within the notice period, apply to the chief executive for an extension of the notice period.
(sec.40B-ssec.3) The chief executive may grant the extension if the chief executive is satisfied it is not reasonably practicable for the scheme operator to comply with subsection (1) within the notice period.
(a) a proposed closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and
(b) a notice (a residents meeting notice ), in the approved form, that states— (i) if the proposed closure plan is not approved under section 40D (1) (a) , within a stated reasonable period that is not less than 21 days after the giving of the residents meeting notice, the scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) ; and (ii) if the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) , a resident may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision under section 41A .
(i) if the proposed closure plan is not approved under section 40D (1) (a) , within a stated reasonable period that is not less than 21 days after the giving of the residents meeting notice, the scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) ; and
(ii) if the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) , a resident may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision under section 41A .
(i) if the proposed closure plan is not approved under section 40D (1) (a) , within a stated reasonable period that is not less than 21 days after the giving of the residents meeting notice, the scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) ; and
(ii) if the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan under section 40D (1) (b) , a resident may apply to the tribunal for a review of the decision under section 41A .
sec.40C
Meaning of closure plan
sec.40C Meaning of closure plan
A closure plan , for a retirement village scheme, is a written plan about closing the retirement village scheme.
A closure plan for a retirement village scheme must be in the approved form and state the matters prescribed by regulation.
s 40C ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40C-ssec.1) A closure plan , for a retirement village scheme, is a written plan about closing the retirement village scheme.
(sec.40C-ssec.2) A closure plan for a retirement village scheme must be in the approved form and state the matters prescribed by regulation.
sec.40D
Approval of closure plan
sec.40D Approval of closure plan
A proposed closure plan may be approved—
by the residents, by a special resolution at a residents meeting; or
on application under subsection (3) , by the chief executive.
If the proposed closure plan is approved under subsection (1) (a) , the scheme operator must give the chief executive a copy of the approved closure plan within 14 days of the vote.
The scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of a proposed closure plan if—
the residents, by special resolution at a residents meeting, vote against the approval of the proposed closure plan; or
the proposed closure plan is not approved under subsection (1) (a) within the period stated in the residents meeting notice.
Before deciding the application, the chief executive must—
give each resident of the retirement village a written notice stating that—
the scheme operator has applied for approval of the proposed closure plan; and
the resident may make submissions to the chief executive about the proposed closure plan in a stated way and by a stated day; and
if a resident of the retirement village requests a copy of the proposed closure plan—give a copy of the proposed closure plan to the resident; and
have regard to any submissions made to the chief executive by the residents in the stated way and by the stated day.
After receiving an application for approval of a proposed closure plan, the chief executive must decide—
to approve the plan; or
to give the scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the plan.
The chief executive’s decision must be made within 90 days of the later of—
the day the application is received; or
if the chief executive reasonably requires further information for the purpose of making the decision and asks the scheme operator for the further information—the day the information is given.
The chief executive may approve the proposed closure plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for the closure of the retirement village scheme.
If the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan, the chief executive must give—
written notice of the decision to the scheme operator; and
a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
Before giving a direction under subsection (4) (b) , the chief executive must—
give the operator a written notice stating—
that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed closure plan (the proposed action ); and
the particulars of the action to be taken; and
the reasons for the proposed action; and
that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (4) (b) , the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
If the chief executive fails to decide the application in the time required under subsection (4A) , the chief executive is taken to have approved the proposed closure plan.
s 40D ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40D-ssec.1) A proposed closure plan may be approved— by the residents, by a special resolution at a residents meeting; or on application under subsection (3) , by the chief executive.
(sec.40D-ssec.2) If the proposed closure plan is approved under subsection (1) (a) , the scheme operator must give the chief executive a copy of the approved closure plan within 14 days of the vote.
(sec.40D-ssec.3) The scheme operator may apply to the chief executive for approval of a proposed closure plan if— the residents, by special resolution at a residents meeting, vote against the approval of the proposed closure plan; or the proposed closure plan is not approved under subsection (1) (a) within the period stated in the residents meeting notice.
(sec.40D-ssec.3A) Before deciding the application, the chief executive must— give each resident of the retirement village a written notice stating that— the scheme operator has applied for approval of the proposed closure plan; and the resident may make submissions to the chief executive about the proposed closure plan in a stated way and by a stated day; and if a resident of the retirement village requests a copy of the proposed closure plan—give a copy of the proposed closure plan to the resident; and have regard to any submissions made to the chief executive by the residents in the stated way and by the stated day.
(sec.40D-ssec.4) After receiving an application for approval of a proposed closure plan, the chief executive must decide— to approve the plan; or to give the scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the plan.
(sec.40D-ssec.4A) The chief executive’s decision must be made within 90 days of the later of— the day the application is received; or if the chief executive reasonably requires further information for the purpose of making the decision and asks the scheme operator for the further information—the day the information is given.
(sec.40D-ssec.5) The chief executive may approve the proposed closure plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for the closure of the retirement village scheme.
(sec.40D-ssec.6) If the chief executive approves the proposed closure plan, the chief executive must give— written notice of the decision to the scheme operator; and a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(sec.40D-ssec.7) Before giving a direction under subsection (4) (b) , the chief executive must— give the operator a written notice stating— that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed closure plan (the proposed action ); and the particulars of the action to be taken; and the reasons for the proposed action; and that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(sec.40D-ssec.8) If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (4) (b) , the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.40D-ssec.9) If the chief executive fails to decide the application in the time required under subsection (4A) , the chief executive is taken to have approved the proposed closure plan.
(a) by the residents, by a special resolution at a residents meeting; or
(b) on application under subsection (3) , by the chief executive.
(a) the residents, by special resolution at a residents meeting, vote against the approval of the proposed closure plan; or
(b) the proposed closure plan is not approved under subsection (1) (a) within the period stated in the residents meeting notice.
(a) give each resident of the retirement village a written notice stating that— (i) the scheme operator has applied for approval of the proposed closure plan; and (ii) the resident may make submissions to the chief executive about the proposed closure plan in a stated way and by a stated day; and
(i) the scheme operator has applied for approval of the proposed closure plan; and
(ii) the resident may make submissions to the chief executive about the proposed closure plan in a stated way and by a stated day; and
(b) if a resident of the retirement village requests a copy of the proposed closure plan—give a copy of the proposed closure plan to the resident; and
(c) have regard to any submissions made to the chief executive by the residents in the stated way and by the stated day.
(i) the scheme operator has applied for approval of the proposed closure plan; and
(ii) the resident may make submissions to the chief executive about the proposed closure plan in a stated way and by a stated day; and
(a) to approve the plan; or
(b) to give the scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the plan.
(a) the day the application is received; or
(b) if the chief executive reasonably requires further information for the purpose of making the decision and asks the scheme operator for the further information—the day the information is given.
(a) written notice of the decision to the scheme operator; and
(b) a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(a) give the operator a written notice stating— (i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed closure plan (the proposed action ); and (ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and (iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and (iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed closure plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(b) have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed closure plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
sec.40E
Revision of approved closure plan
sec.40E Revision of approved closure plan
The chief executive may, on the chief executive’s own initiative or on the application of the scheme operator, give the scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise an approved closure plan.
The chief executive may approve the revised closure plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the revised closure plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for the closure of the retirement village scheme.
If the chief executive approves the revised closure plan, the chief executive must give—
written notice of the decision to the scheme operator; and
a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
Before giving a direction under subsection (1) to a scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must—
give the operator a written notice stating—
that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved closure plan (the proposed action ); and
the particulars of the action to be taken; and
the reasons for the proposed action; and
that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (1) to a scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
s 40E ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40E-ssec.1) The chief executive may, on the chief executive’s own initiative or on the application of the scheme operator, give the scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise an approved closure plan.
(sec.40E-ssec.2) The chief executive may approve the revised closure plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the revised closure plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for the closure of the retirement village scheme.
(sec.40E-ssec.3) If the chief executive approves the revised closure plan, the chief executive must give— written notice of the decision to the scheme operator; and a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(sec.40E-ssec.4) Before giving a direction under subsection (1) to a scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must— give the operator a written notice stating— that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved closure plan (the proposed action ); and the particulars of the action to be taken; and the reasons for the proposed action; and that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(sec.40E-ssec.5) If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (1) to a scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(a) written notice of the decision to the scheme operator; and
(b) a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(a) give the operator a written notice stating— (i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved closure plan (the proposed action ); and (ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and (iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and (iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved closure plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(b) have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved closure plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
sec.40F
Requirement to implement approved closure plan
sec.40F Requirement to implement approved closure plan
A scheme operator must, when closing a retirement village scheme, comply with an approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The scheme operator must, at the request of the chief executive, notify the chief executive about how the approved closure plan is being implemented by the scheme operator.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
s 40F ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40F-ssec.1) A scheme operator must, when closing a retirement village scheme, comply with an approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.40F-ssec.2) The scheme operator must, at the request of the chief executive, notify the chief executive about how the approved closure plan is being implemented by the scheme operator. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
sec.40G
Discontinuing closure of retirement village scheme
sec.40G Discontinuing closure of retirement village scheme
This section applies if—
a scheme operator has given a notice to the chief executive under section 40A (2) ; and
the scheme operator decides not to proceed with the closure of the retirement village scheme.
The operator must give the chief executive, and each resident of the retirement village, notice (a notice of discontinuation ) of the decision in the approved form.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the operator gives a notice of discontinuation to the chief executive, any approved closure plan, for the closure of the retirement village scheme, is no longer approved.
s 40G ins 2017 No. 42 s 99
(sec.40G-ssec.1) This section applies if— a scheme operator has given a notice to the chief executive under section 40A (2) ; and the scheme operator decides not to proceed with the closure of the retirement village scheme.
(sec.40G-ssec.2) The operator must give the chief executive, and each resident of the retirement village, notice (a notice of discontinuation ) of the decision in the approved form. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.40G-ssec.3) If the operator gives a notice of discontinuation to the chief executive, any approved closure plan, for the closure of the retirement village scheme, is no longer approved.
(a) a scheme operator has given a notice to the chief executive under section 40A (2) ; and
(b) the scheme operator decides not to proceed with the closure of the retirement village scheme.
sec.40H
Applying to cancel registration
sec.40H Applying to cancel registration
A scheme operator may ask the chief executive to cancel the registration of the retirement village scheme if the operator—
stops operating the scheme; or
proposes to stop operating the scheme.
The request must be written.
s 40H (prev s 40) amd 2017 No. 42 s 98 (1)
renum 2017 No. 42 s 98 (2)
(sec.40H-ssec.1) A scheme operator may ask the chief executive to cancel the registration of the retirement village scheme if the operator— stops operating the scheme; or proposes to stop operating the scheme.
(sec.40H-ssec.2) The request must be written.
(a) stops operating the scheme; or
(b) proposes to stop operating the scheme.
sec.41
Cancelling registration
sec.41 Cancelling registration
Subsection (2) applies if—
the scheme operator asks the chief executive to cancel the registration of the retirement village scheme under section 40H ; and
if a statutory charge existed over the retirement village land—the chief executive has released the charge; and
the chief executive is satisfied—
the scheme operator has implemented the approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and
cancelling the registration of the retirement village scheme is appropriate.
The chief executive may—
cancel the registration of the scheme; and
record the cancellation in the register.
s 41 sub 2017 No. 42 s 100
(sec.41-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if— the scheme operator asks the chief executive to cancel the registration of the retirement village scheme under section 40H ; and if a statutory charge existed over the retirement village land—the chief executive has released the charge; and the chief executive is satisfied— the scheme operator has implemented the approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and cancelling the registration of the retirement village scheme is appropriate.
(sec.41-ssec.2) The chief executive may— cancel the registration of the scheme; and record the cancellation in the register.
(a) the scheme operator asks the chief executive to cancel the registration of the retirement village scheme under section 40H ; and
(b) if a statutory charge existed over the retirement village land—the chief executive has released the charge; and
(c) the chief executive is satisfied— (i) the scheme operator has implemented the approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and (ii) cancelling the registration of the retirement village scheme is appropriate.
(i) the scheme operator has implemented the approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and
(ii) cancelling the registration of the retirement village scheme is appropriate.
(i) the scheme operator has implemented the approved closure plan for the retirement village scheme; and
(ii) cancelling the registration of the retirement village scheme is appropriate.
(a) cancel the registration of the scheme; and
(b) record the cancellation in the register.
sec.41A
Application to tribunal for review
sec.41A Application to tribunal for review
A person who has been given a QCAT information notice under this division may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the decision.
s 41A ins 2017 No. 42 s 100
pt.2-div.5
Change of scheme operator
Change of scheme operator
sec.41B
Definitions for division
sec.41B Definitions for division
In this division—
existing scheme operator see section 41C (1) .
new scheme operator see section 41C (1) .
s 41B ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
sec.41C
Notice about change of scheme operator
sec.41C Notice about change of scheme operator
This section applies if a scheme operator (the existing scheme operator ) proposes to transfer control of a retirement village scheme’s operation to another person (the new scheme operator ).
The existing scheme operator must give the chief executive notice about the proposal in the approved form.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
s 41C ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41C-ssec.1) This section applies if a scheme operator (the existing scheme operator ) proposes to transfer control of a retirement village scheme’s operation to another person (the new scheme operator ).
(sec.41C-ssec.2) The existing scheme operator must give the chief executive notice about the proposal in the approved form. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
sec.41D
Requirement to prepare transition plan
sec.41D Requirement to prepare transition plan
The existing scheme operator must, within 28 days of giving a notice under section 41C (2) (the notice period ) or any extension of the notice period granted under subsection (3) , give the chief executive a proposed transition plan for the change of scheme operator.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The existing scheme operator may, within the notice period, apply to the chief executive for an extension of the notice period.
The chief executive may grant the extension if the chief executive is satisfied it is not reasonably practicable for the existing scheme operator to comply with subsection (1) within the notice period.
s 41D ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41D-ssec.1) The existing scheme operator must, within 28 days of giving a notice under section 41C (2) (the notice period ) or any extension of the notice period granted under subsection (3) , give the chief executive a proposed transition plan for the change of scheme operator. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.41D-ssec.2) The existing scheme operator may, within the notice period, apply to the chief executive for an extension of the notice period.
(sec.41D-ssec.3) The chief executive may grant the extension if the chief executive is satisfied it is not reasonably practicable for the existing scheme operator to comply with subsection (1) within the notice period.
sec.41E
Meaning of transition plan
sec.41E Meaning of transition plan
A transition plan , for a retirement village scheme, is a written plan about transitioning control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator.
A transition plan for a retirement village scheme must be in the approved form and state the matters prescribed by regulation.
s 41E ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41E-ssec.1) A transition plan , for a retirement village scheme, is a written plan about transitioning control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator.
(sec.41E-ssec.2) A transition plan for a retirement village scheme must be in the approved form and state the matters prescribed by regulation.
sec.41F
Approval of transition plan
sec.41F Approval of transition plan
After receiving the proposed transition plan, the chief executive must decide—
to approve the proposed transition plan; or
to give the existing scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan.
The chief executive’s decision must be made within 90 days of the later of—
the day the proposed transition plan is received; or
if the chief executive reasonably requires further information for the purpose of making the decision and asks the existing scheme operator or the new scheme operator for the further information—the day the information is given.
The chief executive may approve the proposed transition plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for transitioning control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator.
For the purpose of deciding whether or not to approve the proposed transition plan, the chief executive may—
give a copy of the plan to a person whom the chief executive reasonably considers has an interest in the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation; and
receive and consider submissions from the person about the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation.
If the chief executive approves the proposed transition plan, the chief executive must give—
written notice of the decision to the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator; and
a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
Before giving a direction under subsection (1) (b) , the chief executive must—
give the operator a written notice stating—
that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan (the proposed action ); and
the particulars of the action to be taken; and
the reasons for the proposed action; and
that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (1) (b) , the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
If the chief executive fails to decide whether or not to approve the proposed transition plan in the time required under subsection (1A) , the chief executive is taken to have approved the proposed transition plan.
s 41F ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41F-ssec.1) After receiving the proposed transition plan, the chief executive must decide— to approve the proposed transition plan; or to give the existing scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan.
(sec.41F-ssec.1A) The chief executive’s decision must be made within 90 days of the later of— the day the proposed transition plan is received; or if the chief executive reasonably requires further information for the purpose of making the decision and asks the existing scheme operator or the new scheme operator for the further information—the day the information is given.
(sec.41F-ssec.2) The chief executive may approve the proposed transition plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for transitioning control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator.
(sec.41F-ssec.3) For the purpose of deciding whether or not to approve the proposed transition plan, the chief executive may— give a copy of the plan to a person whom the chief executive reasonably considers has an interest in the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation; and receive and consider submissions from the person about the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation.
(sec.41F-ssec.4) If the chief executive approves the proposed transition plan, the chief executive must give— written notice of the decision to the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator; and a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(sec.41F-ssec.5) Before giving a direction under subsection (1) (b) , the chief executive must— give the operator a written notice stating— that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan (the proposed action ); and the particulars of the action to be taken; and the reasons for the proposed action; and that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(sec.41F-ssec.6) If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (1) (b) , the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.41F-ssec.7) If the chief executive fails to decide whether or not to approve the proposed transition plan in the time required under subsection (1A) , the chief executive is taken to have approved the proposed transition plan.
(a) to approve the proposed transition plan; or
(b) to give the existing scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan.
(a) the day the proposed transition plan is received; or
(b) if the chief executive reasonably requires further information for the purpose of making the decision and asks the existing scheme operator or the new scheme operator for the further information—the day the information is given.
(a) give a copy of the plan to a person whom the chief executive reasonably considers has an interest in the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation; and
(b) receive and consider submissions from the person about the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation.
(a) written notice of the decision to the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator; and
(b) a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(a) give the operator a written notice stating— (i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan (the proposed action ); and (ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and (iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and (iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(b) have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the proposed transition plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
sec.41G
Revision of approved transition plan
sec.41G Revision of approved transition plan
The chief executive may, on the chief executive’s own initiative or on the application of the existing scheme operator, give the existing scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise an approved transition plan.
The chief executive may approve the revised transition plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the revised transition plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator.
If the chief executive approves the revised transition plan, the chief executive must give—
written notice of the decision to the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator; and
a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
Before giving a direction under subsection (1) to the existing scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must—
give the operator a written notice stating—
that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved transition plan (the proposed action ); and
the particulars of the action to be taken; and
the reasons for the proposed action; and
that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (1) to the existing scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
s 41G ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41G-ssec.1) The chief executive may, on the chief executive’s own initiative or on the application of the existing scheme operator, give the existing scheme operator a written direction to take action, or particular action, to revise an approved transition plan.
(sec.41G-ssec.2) The chief executive may approve the revised transition plan only if the chief executive is satisfied the revised transition plan provides for a clear, orderly and fair process for the transitioning of the control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator.
(sec.41G-ssec.3) If the chief executive approves the revised transition plan, the chief executive must give— written notice of the decision to the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator; and a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(sec.41G-ssec.4) Before giving a direction under subsection (1) to the existing scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must— give the operator a written notice stating— that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved transition plan (the proposed action ); and the particulars of the action to be taken; and the reasons for the proposed action; and that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(sec.41G-ssec.5) If the chief executive gives a direction under subsection (1) to the existing scheme operator on the chief executive’s own initiative, the chief executive must also give the operator a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(a) written notice of the decision to the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator; and
(b) a QCAT information notice for the decision to each resident.
(a) give the operator a written notice stating— (i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved transition plan (the proposed action ); and (ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and (iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and (iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved transition plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
(b) have regard to any written submissions made to the chief executive by the operator before the stated day.
(i) that the chief executive proposes to give the operator a direction to take action, or particular action, to revise the approved transition plan (the proposed action ); and
(ii) the particulars of the action to be taken; and
(iii) the reasons for the proposed action; and
(iv) that the operator may make written submissions to the chief executive about the proposed action before a stated day; and
sec.41H
Requirement to implement approved transition plan
sec.41H Requirement to implement approved transition plan
The existing scheme operator and new scheme operator must, when transitioning control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator, comply with an approved transition plan for the retirement village scheme.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The existing scheme operator and new scheme operator must, at the request of the chief executive, notify the chief executive about how the approved transition plan is being implemented.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
s 41H ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41H-ssec.1) The existing scheme operator and new scheme operator must, when transitioning control of the scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator, comply with an approved transition plan for the retirement village scheme. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.41H-ssec.2) The existing scheme operator and new scheme operator must, at the request of the chief executive, notify the chief executive about how the approved transition plan is being implemented. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
sec.41I
Discontinuing change of scheme operator
sec.41I Discontinuing change of scheme operator
This section applies if—
an existing scheme operator has given a notice to the chief executive under section 41C (2) ; and
the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator decide not to proceed with the transfer of the control of the retirement village scheme’s operation.
The existing scheme operator must give the chief executive notice (a notice of discontinuation ) of the decision in the approved form.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the existing scheme operator gives a notice of discontinuation to the chief executive, any approved transition plan, about the transitioning of the control of the retirement village scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator, is no longer approved.
s 41I ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41I-ssec.1) This section applies if— an existing scheme operator has given a notice to the chief executive under section 41C (2) ; and the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator decide not to proceed with the transfer of the control of the retirement village scheme’s operation.
(sec.41I-ssec.2) The existing scheme operator must give the chief executive notice (a notice of discontinuation ) of the decision in the approved form. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.41I-ssec.3) If the existing scheme operator gives a notice of discontinuation to the chief executive, any approved transition plan, about the transitioning of the control of the retirement village scheme’s operation from the existing scheme operator to the new scheme operator, is no longer approved.
(a) an existing scheme operator has given a notice to the chief executive under section 41C (2) ; and
(b) the existing scheme operator and the new scheme operator decide not to proceed with the transfer of the control of the retirement village scheme’s operation.
sec.41J
Effect of change of scheme operator
sec.41J Effect of change of scheme operator
This section applies if control of a retirement village scheme’s operation is transferred (the transfer ) from an existing scheme operator to a new scheme operator.
Within 14 days after the transfer takes effect, the new scheme operator must give, to each resident of the retirement village, a notice stating—
the scheme operator for the retirement village scheme has changed; and
the name, address and telephone number of the new scheme operator; and
the date the transfer took effect.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
Without limiting part 3 , division 6 , on and from the date the transfer takes effect the new scheme operator—
is the scheme operator for the retirement village scheme; and
obtains the benefits, and is subject to the obligations, of the previous scheme operator in relation to a residence contract associated with the retirement village scheme.
s 41J ins 2017 No. 42 s 101
(sec.41J-ssec.1) This section applies if control of a retirement village scheme’s operation is transferred (the transfer ) from an existing scheme operator to a new scheme operator.
(sec.41J-ssec.2) Within 14 days after the transfer takes effect, the new scheme operator must give, to each resident of the retirement village, a notice stating— the scheme operator for the retirement village scheme has changed; and the name, address and telephone number of the new scheme operator; and the date the transfer took effect. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.41J-ssec.3) Without limiting part 3 , division 6 , on and from the date the transfer takes effect the new scheme operator— is the scheme operator for the retirement village scheme; and obtains the benefits, and is subject to the obligations, of the previous scheme operator in relation to a residence contract associated with the retirement village scheme.
(a) the scheme operator for the retirement village scheme has changed; and
(b) the name, address and telephone number of the new scheme operator; and
(c) the date the transfer took effect.
(a) is the scheme operator for the retirement village scheme; and
(b) obtains the benefits, and is subject to the obligations, of the previous scheme operator in relation to a residence contract associated with the retirement village scheme.
sec.41K
Application to tribunal for review
sec.41K Application to tribunal for review
A person who has been given a QCAT information notice under this division may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the decision.
s 41K ins 2020 No. 24 s 151
pt.3
Residence contracts
Residence contracts
pt.3-div.1
Purpose and intention of part
Purpose and intention of part
sec.42
Purpose and intention of part
sec.42 Purpose and intention of part
The purpose of this part is to state minimum requirements for residence contracts.
However, it is not the intention of this part to prevent a scheme operator agreeing in a residence contract or otherwise to conditions that are more beneficial to a resident or former resident than the provisions of this part.
(sec.42-ssec.1) The purpose of this part is to state minimum requirements for residence contracts.
(sec.42-ssec.2) However, it is not the intention of this part to prevent a scheme operator agreeing in a residence contract or otherwise to conditions that are more beneficial to a resident or former resident than the provisions of this part.
pt.3-div.2
General
General
sec.43
Scheme operator may enter into residence contract only if scheme is registered
sec.43 Scheme operator may enter into residence contract only if scheme is registered
A scheme operator may enter into a residence contract for the retirement village with someone else only if the scheme is registered under this Act.
Maximum penalty—540 penalty units.
If a scheme operator enters into a residence contract in contravention of subsection (1) , the contract is not invalid or unenforceable for that reason only, but may be terminated under section 52 .
(sec.43-ssec.1) A scheme operator may enter into a residence contract for the retirement village with someone else only if the scheme is registered under this Act. Maximum penalty—540 penalty units.
(sec.43-ssec.2) If a scheme operator enters into a residence contract in contravention of subsection (1) , the contract is not invalid or unenforceable for that reason only, but may be terminated under section 52 .
sec.44
Person signing residence contract to be given copy
sec.44 Person signing residence contract to be given copy
When a person signs a residence contract with a scheme operator, the operator must immediately give the person a single bound document comprised of—
a signed copy of the contract; and
if it is intended to enter into another contract, the terms of which are known, that is ancillary to the residence contract—an unsigned copy of the other contract.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
s 44 sub 2006 No. 6 s 18
amd 2017 No. 42 s 102
(a) a signed copy of the contract; and
(c) if it is intended to enter into another contract, the terms of which are known, that is ancillary to the residence contract—an unsigned copy of the other contract.
sec.45
Form and content of residence contract
sec.45 Form and content of residence contract
A scheme operator must ensure each residence contract for the retirement village includes details, including the details prescribed by regulation, about the following—
the right to rescind the contract under section 48 before the cooling-off period ends;
if the cooling-off period starts on the day the residence contract is signed—the date the cooling-off period ends;
if the cooling-off period starts on the day a later event happens or another contract is entered into—the later event or other contract;
the ingoing contribution payable under the contract;
the exit fee payable under the contract;
the resident’s exit entitlement;
the services charges;
the amounts payable, and when the amounts are payable, by the resident for the maintenance reserve fund for the retirement village;
the insurance for the retirement village, and insurance for which the resident is responsible;
all conditions precedent to the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village;
the resident’s right to resell the right to reside in the accommodation unit;
the resident’s entitlement to audited and unaudited financial statements for the village;
the dispute resolution process established under this Act;
the statutory charge, if relevant to the resident’s title to, or interest in, the accommodation unit;
the resident’s and scheme operator’s rights to terminate the contract;
the funds the scheme operator is required to keep;
the retirement village facilities;
the retirement village land;
whether the resident and the scheme operator are to share any capital gain or capital loss after the resident’s right to reside in the unit is terminated and, if so, how it is to be shared;
another matter prescribed by regulation.
A regulation may prescribe a term that must be included in a residence contract (a required term ) or that must not be included in a residence contract (a prohibited term ).
A scheme operator must not enter into a residence contract that—
is not in the approved form; or
See section 227AA (2) .
does not include details required under subsection (1) ; or
does not include a required term; or
includes a prohibited term.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
A provision of a residence contract is of no effect to the extent it—
includes a prohibited term; or
purports to restrict or exclude the operation of a provision of this Act; or
is otherwise inconsistent with this Act.
s 45 amd 2002 No. 13 s 115 ; 2006 No. 6 s 19 ; 2017 No. 42 s 103
(sec.45-ssec.1) A scheme operator must ensure each residence contract for the retirement village includes details, including the details prescribed by regulation, about the following— the right to rescind the contract under section 48 before the cooling-off period ends; if the cooling-off period starts on the day the residence contract is signed—the date the cooling-off period ends; if the cooling-off period starts on the day a later event happens or another contract is entered into—the later event or other contract; the ingoing contribution payable under the contract; the exit fee payable under the contract; the resident’s exit entitlement; the services charges; the amounts payable, and when the amounts are payable, by the resident for the maintenance reserve fund for the retirement village; the insurance for the retirement village, and insurance for which the resident is responsible; all conditions precedent to the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village; the resident’s right to resell the right to reside in the accommodation unit; the resident’s entitlement to audited and unaudited financial statements for the village; the dispute resolution process established under this Act; the statutory charge, if relevant to the resident’s title to, or interest in, the accommodation unit; the resident’s and scheme operator’s rights to terminate the contract; the funds the scheme operator is required to keep; the retirement village facilities; the retirement village land; whether the resident and the scheme operator are to share any capital gain or capital loss after the resident’s right to reside in the unit is terminated and, if so, how it is to be shared; another matter prescribed by regulation.
(sec.45-ssec.2) A regulation may prescribe a term that must be included in a residence contract (a required term ) or that must not be included in a residence contract (a prohibited term ).
(sec.45-ssec.3) A scheme operator must not enter into a residence contract that— is not in the approved form; or See section 227AA (2) . does not include details required under subsection (1) ; or does not include a required term; or includes a prohibited term. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.45-ssec.4) A provision of a residence contract is of no effect to the extent it— includes a prohibited term; or purports to restrict or exclude the operation of a provision of this Act; or is otherwise inconsistent with this Act.
(a) the right to rescind the contract under section 48 before the cooling-off period ends;
(b) if the cooling-off period starts on the day the residence contract is signed—the date the cooling-off period ends;
(c) if the cooling-off period starts on the day a later event happens or another contract is entered into—the later event or other contract;
(d) the ingoing contribution payable under the contract;
(e) the exit fee payable under the contract;
(f) the resident’s exit entitlement;
(g) the services charges;
(h) the amounts payable, and when the amounts are payable, by the resident for the maintenance reserve fund for the retirement village;
(i) the insurance for the retirement village, and insurance for which the resident is responsible;
(j) all conditions precedent to the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village;
(k) the resident’s right to resell the right to reside in the accommodation unit;
(l) the resident’s entitlement to audited and unaudited financial statements for the village;
(m) the dispute resolution process established under this Act;
(n) the statutory charge, if relevant to the resident’s title to, or interest in, the accommodation unit;
(o) the resident’s and scheme operator’s rights to terminate the contract;
(p) the funds the scheme operator is required to keep;
(q) the retirement village facilities;
(r) the retirement village land;
(s) whether the resident and the scheme operator are to share any capital gain or capital loss after the resident’s right to reside in the unit is terminated and, if so, how it is to be shared;
(t) another matter prescribed by regulation.
(a) is not in the approved form; or Note— See section 227AA (2) .
(b) does not include details required under subsection (1) ; or
(c) does not include a required term; or
(d) includes a prohibited term.
(a) includes a prohibited term; or
(b) purports to restrict or exclude the operation of a provision of this Act; or
(c) is otherwise inconsistent with this Act.
sec.45A
Scheme operator to give notice of end of cooling-off period in particular circumstances
sec.45A Scheme operator to give notice of end of cooling-off period in particular circumstances
This section applies if the cooling-off period for a residence contract starts on the day a later event happens or another contract is entered into.
The scheme operator must, as soon as practicable after the later event happens or the other contract is entered into, give the resident written notice of—
the date the later event happens or the other contract is entered into; and
the date the cooling-off period ends.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
s 45A ins 2006 No. 6 s 20
(sec.45A-ssec.1) This section applies if the cooling-off period for a residence contract starts on the day a later event happens or another contract is entered into.
(sec.45A-ssec.2) The scheme operator must, as soon as practicable after the later event happens or the other contract is entered into, give the resident written notice of— the date the later event happens or the other contract is entered into; and the date the cooling-off period ends. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(a) the date the later event happens or the other contract is entered into; and
(b) the date the cooling-off period ends.
sec.46
Dealing with ingoing contribution
sec.46 Dealing with ingoing contribution
A person who receives an amount as an ingoing contribution under a residence contract must give it to one of the following persons (the trustee ) to hold in trust—
the public trustee;
the scheme operator’s lawyer;
a real estate agent;
any authorised trustee corporation under the Corporations Act , section 9 .
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the trustee receives an amount under subsection (1) , the trustee’s receipt for the amount is a sufficient discharge for the person for the amount paid.
The trustee must hold the amount in trust until the latest of—
the day the conditions precedent, if any, to the creation of the right to reside to which the amount relates are fulfilled; or
the day the cooling-off period ends; or
if the ingoing contribution relates to an accommodation unit that has not previously been occupied—the day the resident’s accommodation unit is suitable for habitation and the resident is entitled to vacant possession of the unit.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
At the end of the later day, the trustee must pay the amount to the person lawfully entitled to it.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
For subsection (3) (c) , without limiting when an accommodation unit is not suitable for habitation, an accommodation unit is not suitable for habitation if—
reticulated water is not connected to the unit; or
all sanitary installations are not installed or are not operational in the unit.
Despite subsection (1) , if a person receives an amount as an ingoing contribution under a residence contract after the end of the latest day mentioned in subsection (3) , the person may—
if the person is lawfully entitled to the amount—keep the amount; or
otherwise—pay the amount directly to the person lawfully entitled to it.
If there is a dispute between a resident and a scheme operator about who is lawfully entitled to the amount, the dispute is a retirement village dispute.
If a retirement village dispute arises under subsection (7) , the scheme operator must give the trustee written notice of the dispute immediately it arises.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the trustee is given a notice under subsection (8) , the trustee must hold the amount in trust until the dispute is resolved—
as provided for under this Act; or
by agreement, by deed, between the parties.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
However, if the contract is rescinded in the cooling-off period, the trustee must immediately pay the amount to the person by whom it was paid under the contract.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If a person (the payer ) who is required to pay an amount to someone (the payee ) under this section does not pay the amount, the payee may recover it, as a debt payable by the payer to the payee.
s 46 amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3 ; 2002 No. 13 s 116 ; 2006 No. 6 s 21
(sec.46-ssec.1) A person who receives an amount as an ingoing contribution under a residence contract must give it to one of the following persons (the trustee ) to hold in trust— the public trustee; the scheme operator’s lawyer; a real estate agent; any authorised trustee corporation under the Corporations Act , section 9 . Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.46-ssec.2) If the trustee receives an amount under subsection (1) , the trustee’s receipt for the amount is a sufficient discharge for the person for the amount paid.
(sec.46-ssec.3) The trustee must hold the amount in trust until the latest of— the day the conditions precedent, if any, to the creation of the right to reside to which the amount relates are fulfilled; or the day the cooling-off period ends; or if the ingoing contribution relates to an accommodation unit that has not previously been occupied—the day the resident’s accommodation unit is suitable for habitation and the resident is entitled to vacant possession of the unit. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.46-ssec.4) At the end of the later day, the trustee must pay the amount to the person lawfully entitled to it. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.46-ssec.5) For subsection (3) (c) , without limiting when an accommodation unit is not suitable for habitation, an accommodation unit is not suitable for habitation if— reticulated water is not connected to the unit; or all sanitary installations are not installed or are not operational in the unit.
(sec.46-ssec.6) Despite subsection (1) , if a person receives an amount as an ingoing contribution under a residence contract after the end of the latest day mentioned in subsection (3) , the person may— if the person is lawfully entitled to the amount—keep the amount; or otherwise—pay the amount directly to the person lawfully entitled to it.
(sec.46-ssec.7) If there is a dispute between a resident and a scheme operator about who is lawfully entitled to the amount, the dispute is a retirement village dispute.
(sec.46-ssec.8) If a retirement village dispute arises under subsection (7) , the scheme operator must give the trustee written notice of the dispute immediately it arises. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.46-ssec.9) If the trustee is given a notice under subsection (8) , the trustee must hold the amount in trust until the dispute is resolved— as provided for under this Act; or by agreement, by deed, between the parties. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.46-ssec.10) However, if the contract is rescinded in the cooling-off period, the trustee must immediately pay the amount to the person by whom it was paid under the contract. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.46-ssec.11) If a person (the payer ) who is required to pay an amount to someone (the payee ) under this section does not pay the amount, the payee may recover it, as a debt payable by the payer to the payee.
(a) the public trustee;
(b) the scheme operator’s lawyer;
(c) a real estate agent;
(d) any authorised trustee corporation under the Corporations Act , section 9 .
(a) the day the conditions precedent, if any, to the creation of the right to reside to which the amount relates are fulfilled; or
(b) the day the cooling-off period ends; or
(c) if the ingoing contribution relates to an accommodation unit that has not previously been occupied—the day the resident’s accommodation unit is suitable for habitation and the resident is entitled to vacant possession of the unit.
(a) reticulated water is not connected to the unit; or
(b) all sanitary installations are not installed or are not operational in the unit.
(a) if the person is lawfully entitled to the amount—keep the amount; or
(b) otherwise—pay the amount directly to the person lawfully entitled to it.
(a) as provided for under this Act; or
(b) by agreement, by deed, between the parties.
sec.47
Dealing with instruments assigning property under a residence contract
sec.47 Dealing with instruments assigning property under a residence contract
This section applies if the person (the assignor ) who enters into a residence contract to secure the person’s, or someone else’s, right to reside in a retirement village assigns property under the residence contract before the cooling-off period ends.
The scheme operator must ensure the assignment instrument is held in escrow by the public trustee or the scheme operator’s lawyer (the authorised person ).
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the residence contract is rescinded in the cooling-off period, the authorised person must release the assignment instrument to the assignor.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the residence contract is not rescinded in the cooling-off period, the authorised person must, at the end of the cooling-off period, release the assignment instrument to the assignee, or someone else at the assignee’s written direction.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
In this section—
assignee means the person in whose favour property is assigned under an assignment instrument.
(sec.47-ssec.1) This section applies if the person (the assignor ) who enters into a residence contract to secure the person’s, or someone else’s, right to reside in a retirement village assigns property under the residence contract before the cooling-off period ends.
(sec.47-ssec.2) The scheme operator must ensure the assignment instrument is held in escrow by the public trustee or the scheme operator’s lawyer (the authorised person ). Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.47-ssec.3) If the residence contract is rescinded in the cooling-off period, the authorised person must release the assignment instrument to the assignor. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.47-ssec.4) If the residence contract is not rescinded in the cooling-off period, the authorised person must, at the end of the cooling-off period, release the assignment instrument to the assignee, or someone else at the assignee’s written direction. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.47-ssec.5) In this section— assignee means the person in whose favour property is assigned under an assignment instrument.
pt.3-div.3
Rescinding residence contracts
Rescinding residence contracts
sec.48
Residence contract may be rescinded during cooling-off period
sec.48 Residence contract may be rescinded during cooling-off period
A person who, personally or for someone else, enters into a residence contract to secure the person’s, or other person’s, right to reside in a retirement village may, by written notice given to the scheme operator, rescind the contract before the cooling-off period ends.
sec.49
Reassignment of property acquired in cooling-off period
sec.49 Reassignment of property acquired in cooling-off period
This section applies if the assignee under an assignment instrument mentioned in section 47 acquires the property the subject of the assignment within the cooling-off period.
As soon as possible after the assignee becomes aware the residence contract has been rescinded, the assignee must reassign the property to—
the person from whom the assignee acquired it (the assignor ); or
someone else, at the assignor’s written direction.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The assignee must reassign the property free of all interests, mortgages and other charges to which it has become subject since the assignee acquired it.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The assignee is responsible for the costs, expenses and duties relating to the reassignment under this section.
(sec.49-ssec.1) This section applies if the assignee under an assignment instrument mentioned in section 47 acquires the property the subject of the assignment within the cooling-off period.
(sec.49-ssec.2) As soon as possible after the assignee becomes aware the residence contract has been rescinded, the assignee must reassign the property to— the person from whom the assignee acquired it (the assignor ); or someone else, at the assignor’s written direction. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.49-ssec.3) The assignee must reassign the property free of all interests, mortgages and other charges to which it has become subject since the assignee acquired it. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.49-ssec.4) The assignee is responsible for the costs, expenses and duties relating to the reassignment under this section.
(a) the person from whom the assignee acquired it (the assignor ); or
(b) someone else, at the assignor’s written direction.
sec.50
Scheme operator to compensate assignor if property assigned in cooling-off period is not reassigned
sec.50 Scheme operator to compensate assignor if property assigned in cooling-off period is not reassigned
This section applies if section 49 requires an assignee to reassign property on rescission of a residence contract but the assignee—
has disposed of the property; or
is unable, when the contract is rescinded, to discharge any interests, mortgages and other charges to which the property has become subject since the assignee acquired it.
The scheme operator for the retirement village to which the contract relates must pay compensation to—
the assignor; or
someone else, at the assignor’s written direction.
The amount of compensation payable—
is, after discounting for any GST payable on any supply relating to the payment of the compensation, the amount equalling the value attributed to the assigned property under the residence contract; and
may be recovered as a debt payable by the scheme operator to the assignor, or other person mentioned in subsection (2) (b) , in a court having jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount claimed.
If there are 2 or more scheme operators for the retirement village, the scheme operators are jointly and severally liable to pay the compensation.
s 50 amd 2000 No. 20 s 29 sch 3
(sec.50-ssec.1) This section applies if section 49 requires an assignee to reassign property on rescission of a residence contract but the assignee— has disposed of the property; or is unable, when the contract is rescinded, to discharge any interests, mortgages and other charges to which the property has become subject since the assignee acquired it.
(sec.50-ssec.2) The scheme operator for the retirement village to which the contract relates must pay compensation to— the assignor; or someone else, at the assignor’s written direction.
(sec.50-ssec.3) The amount of compensation payable— is, after discounting for any GST payable on any supply relating to the payment of the compensation, the amount equalling the value attributed to the assigned property under the residence contract; and may be recovered as a debt payable by the scheme operator to the assignor, or other person mentioned in subsection (2) (b) , in a court having jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount claimed.
(sec.50-ssec.4) If there are 2 or more scheme operators for the retirement village, the scheme operators are jointly and severally liable to pay the compensation.
(a) has disposed of the property; or
(b) is unable, when the contract is rescinded, to discharge any interests, mortgages and other charges to which the property has become subject since the assignee acquired it.
(a) the assignor; or
(b) someone else, at the assignor’s written direction.
(a) is, after discounting for any GST payable on any supply relating to the payment of the compensation, the amount equalling the value attributed to the assigned property under the residence contract; and
(b) may be recovered as a debt payable by the scheme operator to the assignor, or other person mentioned in subsection (2) (b) , in a court having jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount claimed.
pt.3-div.4
Terminating right to reside
Terminating right to reside
sec.51
Definition for div 4
sec.51 Definition for div 4
In this division—
resident includes a person who, for someone else, enters into a residence contract to secure the other person’s right to reside in a retirement village.
sec.52
Termination by resident
sec.52 Termination by resident
A resident may terminate the resident’s right to reside in a retirement village by 1 month’s written notice given to the scheme operator.
Also, a resident may terminate the resident’s right to reside in a retirement village by written notice given to the scheme operator if the retirement village scheme is not registered.
A notice under subsection (2) must—
be given within 14 days after the resident becomes aware the retirement village scheme is not registered; and
state the day, no earlier than the day on which notice is given, on which the termination takes effect.
If a resident terminates the resident’s right to reside in a retirement village under subsection (2) , the scheme operator must refund the full amount of the resident’s ingoing contribution to the resident within 30 days of the termination.
Maximum penalty—540 penalty units.
A resident may recover an amount owing under subsection (4) as a debt owed by the scheme operator.
(sec.52-ssec.1) A resident may terminate the resident’s right to reside in a retirement village by 1 month’s written notice given to the scheme operator.
(sec.52-ssec.2) Also, a resident may terminate the resident’s right to reside in a retirement village by written notice given to the scheme operator if the retirement village scheme is not registered.
(sec.52-ssec.3) A notice under subsection (2) must— be given within 14 days after the resident becomes aware the retirement village scheme is not registered; and state the day, no earlier than the day on which notice is given, on which the termination takes effect.
(sec.52-ssec.4) If a resident terminates the resident’s right to reside in a retirement village under subsection (2) , the scheme operator must refund the full amount of the resident’s ingoing contribution to the resident within 30 days of the termination. Maximum penalty—540 penalty units.
(sec.52-ssec.5) A resident may recover an amount owing under subsection (4) as a debt owed by the scheme operator.
(a) be given within 14 days after the resident becomes aware the retirement village scheme is not registered; and
(b) state the day, no earlier than the day on which notice is given, on which the termination takes effect.
sec.53
Termination by scheme operator
sec.53 Termination by scheme operator
A scheme operator may terminate a resident’s right to reside in the retirement village by giving the written notice required by this section to the resident.
If the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village is to be terminated on either of the following grounds, the scheme operator must give the resident 14 days notice—
the resident has intentionally or recklessly—
injured a person while the person is in the retirement village; or
seriously damaged the resident’s accommodation unit; or
seriously damaged property of another person in the retirement village;
the resident is likely, intentionally or recklessly, to do something mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) to (iii) .
The scheme operator must give the resident 2 months notice if the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village is to be terminated on any of the following grounds—
the resident has committed a material breach of the contract;
the scheme operator reasonably believes the resident has abandoned the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village;
the scheme operator and a person who has assessed the resident’s care needs under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cwlth) , section 22 .4 reasonably believe the resident’s type of accommodation is now unsuitable for the resident;
The resident resides in an independent living unit and now needs help with personal care not normally provided by the scheme operator.
the operator is implementing an approved closure plan.
The notice must state—
the grounds on which the right to reside is being terminated; and
the day by which the resident must vacate the retirement village.
If the scheme operator does not know the resident’s current address, the scheme operator may give the notice by publishing it in—
a newspaper circulating throughout the State; and
a newspaper circulating throughout Australia.
The scheme operator must not include the grounds for the termination in the newspaper notice.
Maximum penalty for subsection (6) —50 penalty units.
s 53 amd 2008 No. 69 s 73 sch ; 2017 No. 42 s 104
(sec.53-ssec.1) A scheme operator may terminate a resident’s right to reside in the retirement village by giving the written notice required by this section to the resident.
(sec.53-ssec.2) If the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village is to be terminated on either of the following grounds, the scheme operator must give the resident 14 days notice— the resident has intentionally or recklessly— injured a person while the person is in the retirement village; or seriously damaged the resident’s accommodation unit; or seriously damaged property of another person in the retirement village; the resident is likely, intentionally or recklessly, to do something mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) to (iii) .
(sec.53-ssec.3) The scheme operator must give the resident 2 months notice if the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village is to be terminated on any of the following grounds— the resident has committed a material breach of the contract; the scheme operator reasonably believes the resident has abandoned the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village; the scheme operator and a person who has assessed the resident’s care needs under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cwlth) , section 22 .4 reasonably believe the resident’s type of accommodation is now unsuitable for the resident; The resident resides in an independent living unit and now needs help with personal care not normally provided by the scheme operator. the operator is implementing an approved closure plan.
(sec.53-ssec.4) The notice must state— the grounds on which the right to reside is being terminated; and the day by which the resident must vacate the retirement village.
(sec.53-ssec.5) If the scheme operator does not know the resident’s current address, the scheme operator may give the notice by publishing it in— a newspaper circulating throughout the State; and a newspaper circulating throughout Australia.
(sec.53-ssec.6) The scheme operator must not include the grounds for the termination in the newspaper notice. Maximum penalty for subsection (6) —50 penalty units.
(a) the resident has intentionally or recklessly— (i) injured a person while the person is in the retirement village; or (ii) seriously damaged the resident’s accommodation unit; or (iii) seriously damaged property of another person in the retirement village;
(i) injured a person while the person is in the retirement village; or
(ii) seriously damaged the resident’s accommodation unit; or
(iii) seriously damaged property of another person in the retirement village;
(b) the resident is likely, intentionally or recklessly, to do something mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) to (iii) .
(i) injured a person while the person is in the retirement village; or
(ii) seriously damaged the resident’s accommodation unit; or
(iii) seriously damaged property of another person in the retirement village;
(a) the resident has committed a material breach of the contract;
(b) the scheme operator reasonably believes the resident has abandoned the resident’s right to reside in the retirement village;
(c) the scheme operator and a person who has assessed the resident’s care needs under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cwlth) , section 22 .4 reasonably believe the resident’s type of accommodation is now unsuitable for the resident; Example of accommodation that is now unsuitable for the resident— The resident resides in an independent living unit and now needs help with personal care not normally provided by the scheme operator.
(d) the operator is implementing an approved closure plan.
(a) the grounds on which the right to reside is being terminated; and
(b) the day by which the resident must vacate the retirement village.
(a) a newspaper circulating throughout the State; and
(b) a newspaper circulating throughout Australia.
sec.53A
How to work out particular exit fee for a residence contract
sec.53A How to work out particular exit fee for a residence contract
This section applies to an exit fee for a residence contract that is worked out under the contract having regard to the length of time the resident has resided in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates.
This section applies if the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 1 year’s residence in the unit and 6% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 2 years residence in the unit.
If the contract was entered into before the commencement of this section, the exit fee must be worked out on a daily basis unless the contract provides a way of working out the exit fee that is not on a daily basis.
If—
the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 1 year’s residence in the unit and 6% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 2 years residence in the unit; and
the resident resides in the unit for 1 year and 14 days, but not during a leap year;
the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract for the first year of residence plus 14 / 365 of 1% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract for the 14 days of the second year of residence.
If the contract is entered into after the commencement of this section, the exit fee must be worked out on a daily basis.
s 53A ins 2011 No. 45 s 243
(sec.53A-ssec.1) This section applies to an exit fee for a residence contract that is worked out under the contract having regard to the length of time the resident has resided in the accommodation unit to which the contract relates. This section applies if the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 1 year’s residence in the unit and 6% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 2 years residence in the unit.
(sec.53A-ssec.2) If the contract was entered into before the commencement of this section, the exit fee must be worked out on a daily basis unless the contract provides a way of working out the exit fee that is not on a daily basis. If— the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 1 year’s residence in the unit and 6% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 2 years residence in the unit; and the resident resides in the unit for 1 year and 14 days, but not during a leap year; the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract for the first year of residence plus 14 / 365 of 1% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract for the 14 days of the second year of residence.
(sec.53A-ssec.3) If the contract is entered into after the commencement of this section, the exit fee must be worked out on a daily basis.
(a) the exit fee is 5% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 1 year’s residence in the unit and 6% of the ingoing contribution payable under the contract after 2 years residence in the unit; and
(b) the resident resides in the unit for 1 year and 14 days, but not during a leap year;
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
pt.1-div.1 Introduction
Introduction
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Retirement Villages Act 1999 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
pt.1-div.2 Objects of Act and relationship with FTI Act
Objects of Act and relationship with FTI Act
sec.3 Objects
sec.3 Objects
The main objects of this Act are—
to promote consumer protection and fair trading practices in operating retirement villages and in supplying services to residents by—
declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and
facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
to encourage the continued growth and viability of the retirement village industry in the State.
The following are also objects of this Act—
to maintain public confidence in the retirement village industry by enhancing—
the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and
the accountability of scheme operators;
to encourage the adoption of best practice standards by the retirement village industry;
to provide a clear regulatory framework to ensure certainty for the retirement village industry in planning for future expansion;
to facilitate participation by residents, who want to be involved, in the affairs of retirement villages;
to provide for processes for resolving disputes between residents and scheme operators.
s 3 sub 2006 No. 6 s 4
amd 2023 No. 5 s 9
(sec.3-ssec.1) The main objects of this Act are— to promote consumer protection and fair trading practices in operating retirement villages and in supplying services to residents by— declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and to encourage the continued growth and viability of the retirement village industry in the State.
(sec.3-ssec.2) The following are also objects of this Act— to maintain public confidence in the retirement village industry by enhancing— the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and the accountability of scheme operators; to encourage the adoption of best practice standards by the retirement village industry; to provide a clear regulatory framework to ensure certainty for the retirement village industry in planning for future expansion; to facilitate participation by residents, who want to be involved, in the affairs of retirement villages; to provide for processes for resolving disputes between residents and scheme operators.
Retirement village
Operator: the person who manages and controls the retirement village (section 4). The operator has obligations throughout the Act relating to disclosure, contracts, village management, financial management, and exit entitlements.
Resident: a person who lives in residential premises in a retirement village (section 4). Residents include registered interest holders (those who own or have a registered leasehold interest), licensees, and tenants.
Residence contract: the contract between the operator and the resident governing the resident's right to occupy residential premises (section 4). The Act distinguishes residence contracts from service contracts and village contracts, though all three may be contained in a single document.
Ingoing contribution: the amount paid by a resident to obtain the right to occupy residential premises in the village. It may take the form of a purchase price (for a freehold interest), a loan (for a loan licence arrangement), or a premium for a lease.
Departure fee: a fee payable by a resident to the operator on departure, calculated as a proportion of the ingoing contribution, the market value of the premises, or another base specified in the contract. The Act imposes restrictions on how departure fees may be calculated and charged.
Exit entitlement: the amount payable to a former resident or their estate following termination of a residence contract. The Act requires the exit entitlement to be paid within specified timeframes.
Capital works fund: a fund maintained by the operator to fund capital replacement works (section 99). The Act prescribes how the fund must be established, maintained, and applied.
Village rules: written rules made by the operator relating to the use, enjoyment, control, and management of the village under Division 1 of Part 6. Village rules must be consistent with the Act and other laws (section 47) and may not be discriminatory.
Who it affects
Operators: who must comply with extensive disclosure, contracting, management, and financial obligations.
Residents and prospective residents: who are the primary beneficiaries of the Act's protections.
Families of residents: who may assist residents in understanding their rights or may administer estates.
NCAT (the Tribunal): which has jurisdiction to resolve disputes between residents and operators.
The Secretary (the head of the relevant government department): who has functions under the Act including making exit entitlement orders (section 182AC) and receiving compliance reports.
Financial institutions: that may hold residents' ingoing contributions in trust.
Strata and community land schemes: that coexist with retirement village regulation where the village has such an ownership structure.
Key obligations
Pre-entry disclosure (Part 3):
Operators must not advertise or promote a proposed village before development consent is obtained, or represent that a residential aged care facility is associated with the village before obtaining the requisite authorisations (sections 14-15).
Operators must give prospective residents a disclosure document in the prescribed form before the contract is signed.
Contracts (Part 5):
The operator must not permit a prospective resident to occupy residential premises before the resident enters into at least one written village contract (a residence contract or service contract) (section 24).
Village contracts must be in writing and comply with the requirements of the Act.
If a resident occupies without a contract, the former occupant has no liability for recurrent charges from that date, and the operator must make any refund due within one month (section 24(3)-(4)).
General management (Part 6):
Village rules must be made available to residents.
Village rules must be consistent with the Act and other applicable laws (section 47).
Operators must hold annual management meetings (section 72A) and allow residents to form a residents committee.
Operators must consult the residents committee on specified matters.
Financial management (Part 7):
Operators must maintain a capital works fund for capital replacement (section 99).
Operators must keep village accounts and make them available for inspection.
Operators must prepare an annual budget and accounts in accordance with the Act.
Exit obligations:
The operator must pay the exit entitlement to the resident (or estate) within the prescribed timeframe after the residence right terminates.
Failure to pay within the timeframe may give rise to an exit entitlement order by the Secretary under section 182AC.
Powers and discretions
NCAT jurisdiction (Part 8): the Tribunal has very broad jurisdiction. A resident may apply to the Tribunal for an order in relation to a village contract that is harsh, oppressive, unconscionable, or unjust (section 123(1)). The Tribunal may make orders including: requiring compliance with contractual obligations; varying a contract; awarding compensation; appointing an administrator of the village; and terminating a residence contract (section 128 et seq).
Secretary's exit entitlement orders (section 182AC): the Secretary may make an order requiring the operator to pay the resident's exit entitlement if the operator has failed to pay within the prescribed timeframe. This provides an administrative remedy independent of NCAT proceedings.
Operator's discretion on village rules (Part 6 Division 1): the operator may make village rules on the prescribed subject matters, but the rules must be fair and not discriminatory. Residents may challenge unfair rules through NCAT.
Financial management discretions (Part 7): operators have discretion in managing the capital works fund and setting annual budgets, subject to the Act's requirements for transparency, consultation, and accounting standards.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act creates a range of offences with specific penalty amounts. Examples:
Section 14 (advertising a proposed village before development consent): maximum 100 penalty units.
Section 15 (representing that aged care is associated without the relevant authorisations): maximum 100 penalty units.
Section 24(1) (permitting occupation without a contract): maximum 50 penalty units.
The Tribunal's broad order-making power under Part 8 provides the primary civil enforcement mechanism. The Secretary's exit entitlement orders under section 182AC provide administrative enforcement for unpaid exit entitlements.
Process and timelines
Residence contract termination (section 129):
For a registered interest holder (owner): the residence right terminates on completion of the sale or on payment of an exit entitlement order amount.
For an assignable lease: terminates on assignment.
For other residence contracts: terminates on the date the resident permanently vacates, which must be (except as otherwise provided) at least one month after written notice of intention to vacate. Can also terminate on death of the last surviving resident, disclaimer, Tribunal order, frustration, or abandonment.
Exit entitlement payment: the Act prescribes timeframes within which the operator must pay the exit entitlement after the residence right terminates. Failure to pay within the prescribed period may lead to a Secretary's exit entitlement order.
Annual management meeting (section 72A): must be held by the operator each year.
Capital works fund (section 99): must be established and maintained throughout the village's operation. The operator must prepare a capital works schedule and maintain the fund at the prescribed level.
NCAT dispute resolution: applications to the Tribunal may be made at any time. The Tribunal may determine whether to hold a hearing and may conduct hearings by audio link for NZ parties (referenced in the related Trans-Tasman legislation context).
Interactions with other law
Community Land Management Act 2021 (NSW): where part of a retirement village is subject to a community land scheme, the by-laws of that scheme apply to that part and the village rules in Division 1 of Part 6 do not apply (section 45).
Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW): where part of a village is subject to a strata scheme, the strata by-laws apply to that part in lieu of village rules (section 45).
Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW): the Retirement Villages Act applies to retirement village residence contracts; the Residential Tenancies Act does not apply to such contracts unless expressly stated (section 24(2)(b) context). Some occupancies in retirement villages may be residential tenancies if the operator and resident enter into a residential tenancy agreement to which this Act does not apply.
Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth): operators of retirement villages that also have a residential aged care facility must hold the required aged care approvals before representing that aged care is associated with the village (section 15).
National Disability Insurance Scheme: retirement village residents who are NDIS participants may have rights under both this Act and the NDIS framework.
Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) and Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW): interactions arise where retirement village tenure involves commercial leases or conveyancing of residential premises.
Gotchas
Source text duplication: the stored source text has 10 concatenated copies. Practitioners should use the NSW Legislation website version for definitive reference.
Contract type determines termination mechanism: the method of termination in section 129 differs depending on whether the resident is a registered interest holder, holds an assignable lease, or holds another form of residence right. Practitioners advising residents or operators on termination must identify the correct tenure category.
Exit entitlement timing obligations are strict: the Act imposes specific timeframes for payment of exit entitlements. The Secretary's order-making power under section 182AC means that operators who fail to pay face an administrative remedy as well as NCAT jurisdiction. Operators should ensure their systems track exit entitlement payment deadlines carefully.
Village rules are separate from, and subordinate to, the Act: village rules cannot override the Act or contradict its provisions. Rules that discriminate against residents, restrict lawful activities, or impose conditions beyond those authorised by the Act may be set aside by the Tribunal.
Capital works fund obligations are mandatory: operators must establish and maintain a capital works fund for capital replacement (section 99). Failure to do so is a breach of the Act and may expose operators to Tribunal orders.
Occupancy without a contract triggers automatic consequences: section 24(3) provides that if an operator permits occupation without a contract, the former occupant loses any liability for recurrent charges and the operator must make any refund due within one month. These consequences arise automatically without any order.
Part 3 disclosure obligations apply to advertising and pre-contract representations: sections 14 and 15 create offences for advertising proposed villages before development consent, or representing that aged care is available before the requisite approvals. These obligations arise before any contract is signed and are enforced by penalty notice or prosecution.
Practical examples
Entry into a retirement village under a loan licence: an elderly person pays an ingoing contribution of $800,000 to an operator in exchange for a licence to occupy a villa in a retirement village. The licence is not a registered interest. The operator must provide a disclosure document, and the parties must enter into a written residence contract and service contract. The contract must set out the departure fee schedule (for example, 2.5% of the ingoing contribution per year of occupancy, capped at 10%). When the resident later vacates, the operator must pay the exit entitlement (the ingoing contribution less the departure fee) within the prescribed period.
Resident committee and annual management meeting: the residents of a retirement village form a residents committee. Under Part 6, the operator must consult the committee before making or changing village rules, before changing recurrent charges (in specified circumstances), and before certain capital works decisions. The operator must hold an annual management meeting at which residents may raise issues. Residents who cannot attend in person may request proxy or electronic participation.
NCAT application for unconscionable contract term: a resident finds that the departure fee calculation in their contract would result in the operator retaining 30% of the ingoing contribution after only 3 years, leaving the resident with a minimal exit entitlement. The resident applies to NCAT under section 123(1) for an order declaring the relevant contract term harsh, oppressive, unconscionable, or unjust. The Tribunal may vary the departure fee provision or award compensation.
Exit entitlement order: an operator fails to pay a former resident's exit entitlement within the prescribed period following permanent vacation. The resident lodges a complaint with the Secretary. The Secretary makes an exit entitlement order under section 182AC requiring the operator to pay the resident the outstanding amount. The operator must comply with the order within the specified period.
(a) to promote consumer protection and fair trading practices in operating retirement villages and in supplying services to residents by— (i) declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and (ii) facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
(i) declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and
(ii) facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
(b) to encourage the continued growth and viability of the retirement village industry in the State.
(i) declaring particular rights and obligations of residents and scheme operators; and
(ii) facilitating the disclosure of information to prospective residents of a retirement village to ensure the rights and obligations of the residents and scheme operator may be easily understood; and
(a) to maintain public confidence in the retirement village industry by enhancing— (i) the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and (ii) the accountability of scheme operators;
(i) the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and
(ii) the accountability of scheme operators;
(b) to encourage the adoption of best practice standards by the retirement village industry;
(c) to provide a clear regulatory framework to ensure certainty for the retirement village industry in planning for future expansion;
(d) to facilitate participation by residents, who want to be involved, in the affairs of retirement villages;
(e) to provide for processes for resolving disputes between residents and scheme operators.
(i) the financial transparency of the operations of retirement villages; and
(ii) the accountability of scheme operators;
sec.3A Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
sec.3A Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
In this section—
inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
See also the modifying provision for this Act stated in the FTI Act , section 8 .
s 3A ins 2014 No. 8 s 150
(sec.3A-ssec.1) The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
(sec.3A-ssec.2) Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
(sec.3A-ssec.3) In this section— inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act. See also the modifying provision for this Act stated in the FTI Act , section 8 .
pt.1-div.3 Interpretation and basic concepts
Interpretation and basic concepts
sec.4 Definitions
sec.4 Definitions
The dictionary in the schedule defines particular words used in this Act.
s 4 amd 2002 No. 51 s 83
sec.5 What is a retirement village
sec.5 What is a retirement village
A retirement village is premises where older members of the community or retired persons reside, or are to reside, in independent living units or serviced units, under a retirement village scheme.
In this section—
premises does not include a site within the meaning of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 .
s 5 amd 2003 No. 74 s 155 sch 1
(sec.5-ssec.1) A retirement village is premises where older members of the community or retired persons reside, or are to reside, in independent living units or serviced units, under a retirement village scheme.
(sec.5-ssec.2) In this section— premises does not include a site within the meaning of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 .
sec.6 What is retirement village land
sec.6 What is retirement village land
Land is retirement village land if the land is used, or to be used, for a retirement village and, for land included in a community titles scheme, includes the lots and common property into which the land is subdivided.
s 6 amd 2021 No. 19 s 102
sec.7 What is a retirement village scheme
sec.7 What is a retirement village scheme
A retirement village scheme is a scheme under which a person—
enters into a residence contract; and
in consideration for paying an ingoing contribution under the residence contract, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to reside in a retirement village, however the right accrues; and
on payment of the relevant charge, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to receive 1 or more services in relation to the retirement village.
(a) enters into a residence contract; and
(b) in consideration for paying an ingoing contribution under the residence contract, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to reside in a retirement village, however the right accrues; and
(c) on payment of the relevant charge, acquires personally or for someone else, a right to receive 1 or more services in relation to the retirement village.
sec.8 Who is a retirement village scheme operator
sec.8 Who is a retirement village scheme operator
A person is a retirement village scheme operator if the person, alone or with someone else, controls the scheme’s operation or purports to control the scheme’s operation.
sec.9 Who is a resident
sec.9 Who is a resident
A resident of a retirement village is a person who has a right to reside in the retirement village and a right to receive 1 or more services in relation to the retirement village under a residence contract.
sec.10 What is a residence contract
sec.10 What is a residence contract
A residence contract is 1 or more written contracts, other than an excluded contract, about residence in a retirement village entered into between a person and the scheme operator.
A residence contract includes any other contract (an ancillary contract ) between the person and the scheme operator if the ancillary contract is dependent on, or arises out of, the making of the residence contract or another ancillary contract.
Without limiting the interests that a residence contract may be based on, a residence contract may be based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit.
To be a residence contract, a contract must—
either—
purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or
provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, a right in common with other residents in the retirement village, to use and enjoy the retirement village’s communal facilities; and
contain or incorporate—
a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and
if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
restrict the way in which, or the persons to whom—
the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or
if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
s 10 amd 2002 No. 13 s 124 sch ; 2006 No. 6 s 5 ; 2019 No. 13 s 36
(sec.10-ssec.1) A residence contract is 1 or more written contracts, other than an excluded contract, about residence in a retirement village entered into between a person and the scheme operator.
(sec.10-ssec.2) A residence contract includes any other contract (an ancillary contract ) between the person and the scheme operator if the ancillary contract is dependent on, or arises out of, the making of the residence contract or another ancillary contract.
(sec.10-ssec.3) Without limiting the interests that a residence contract may be based on, a residence contract may be based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit.
(sec.10-ssec.4) To be a residence contract, a contract must— either— purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, a right in common with other residents in the retirement village, to use and enjoy the retirement village’s communal facilities; and contain or incorporate— a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and restrict the way in which, or the persons to whom— the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
(a) either— (i) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or (ii) provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
(i) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or
(ii) provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
(b) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, a right in common with other residents in the retirement village, to use and enjoy the retirement village’s communal facilities; and
(c) contain or incorporate— (i) a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and (ii) if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
(i) a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and
(ii) if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
(d) restrict the way in which, or the persons to whom— (i) the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or (ii) if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
(i) the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or
(ii) if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
(i) purport to give a person, or give rise to a person having, an exclusive right to reside in an accommodation unit in the retirement village; or
(ii) provide for, or give rise to, obligations on a person in relation to the person’s or someone else’s residence in the retirement village; and
(i) a service agreement or an agreement to enter into a service agreement that includes a copy of the service agreement; and
(ii) if the contract includes an ancillary agreement that is not signed contemporaneously with the contract, an agreement to enter into the ancillary agreement that includes a copy of the ancillary agreement; and
(i) the right to reside in the retirement village may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime; or
(ii) if the contract is based on a freehold interest in an accommodation unit—the resident’s freehold property may be disposed of during the resident’s lifetime.
sec.11 What is an existing residence contract
sec.11 What is an existing residenc
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.