New regulations for retirement villages come into force

These measures include the introduction of a formal disputes resolution process, greater disclosure of information by operators, and statutory supervisors to provide a watchdog role over villages. A Code of Practice has also been approved. Copies can be downloaded from the Department of Building and Housing’s website: www.dbh.govt.nz

The Retirement Villages Act does not cover rest homes, which are regulated under separate legislation by the Ministry of Health.

The dispute resolution provisions come into force on 1 October 2006. From that date, every retirement village must have a way of dealing with complaints. Disputes that cannot be resolved internally will have access to a new, independent Disputes Panel.

From 1 May 2007, potential residents of retirement villages must receive full disclosure of information from operators, as specified in the regulations. Other new features include a cooling-off period of 15 working days, during which an intending resident can withdraw from an occupation right agreement. A lawyer will need to certify that the details and implications of the occupation right agreement contract have been clearly explained to the intending resident.

New villages will need to be registered with the Registrar of Retirement Villages from 1 May 2007, and existing villages by 1 November 2007, including those currently governed by the Securities Act. The Registrar of Retirement Villages is located in the Companies Office, within the Ministry of Economic Development.

Villages’ registration fees are funding the enhancements. The initial registration fee has been set at $540 for up to 34 units, $1,700 for 35 to 84 units, and $4,410 for 85 units and above. Annual fees will be $450 for up to 34 units, $1,510 for 35 to 84 units and $3,850 for 85 units and above. The fees include GST.

There are an estimated 400 retirement villages operating in New Zealand.

The retirement villages announcement follows recent government amendments to tenancy law and service provision for landlords and tenants, and the review of the Unit Titles Act.

Other reforms across the building and housing sector include: the review of the Building Code, the licensing of building practitioners, auditing and accrediting Building Consent Authorities, changes to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service, the introduction of a financial assistance pilot for the worst affected owners of leaky homes, product certification, and investigation of a home warranty insurance scheme.