Not-for-profit retirement villages are also known as Independent Living Units (ILUs). Most of them are one-bedroom units which are self-contained, with a bathroom, toilet and kitchen, so you can live independently. There are few ILUs remaining in Victoria, managed by many different not-for-profit organisations.
Eligibility for Independent Living Units is as varied as the number of organisations that manage them. Generally, they are available for people over 60 years of age who have retired from full-time employment. The vast majority of residents are on the aged pension.
| Cost before you move in | Ingoing costs of ILUs vary. Many charge a small ingoing fee, while others who focus on the needs of older people on low incomes do not. Even some not-for-profit providers may charge a high ingoing fee that might be out of reach. |
| Ongoing Costs | Ongoing charges of ILUs also vary. Most charge rent as an affordable percentage of your income. You should check to see if you are required to pay an exit fee when you move out. |
| Eligibility | Mostly for over-55s, some ILUs have different minimum ages. Many have a maximum income – requiring people to receive Centrelink, Pension payments, or to be retired. Many have a maximum asset limit. Use the retirementoptions.oldertenants.org.au website to find which you are eligible for, or call our Retirement Housing service for advice. |
| Location | The retirementoptions.oldertenants.org.au website shows locations and you can filter for ILU’s closer to your local area. |
| Changes you can make to your house | You can talk to the housing provider about what modifications you need. Under the Disability Discrimination Act, the housing provider can’t reasonably refuse a disability modification. |
| How long can you stay there? | Generally, ILU’s offer longer leases and more security than private rental. You can usually live there as long as you want to and are able to live independently. |
| How to Apply | Independent Living Units can be hard to find, contact and apply for. We have a Retirement Housing Database that is there to help you. Visit retirementoptions.oldertenants.org.au/ilus to see a map of them all! Many of those ILUs may not have vacancies, so give our retirement housing team a call on 96547380 if you are having trouble finding an ILU. |
All information contained on these pages is general in nature, and should not be considered advice. Information will be subject to change. Please contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.