Retirement Housing
HAAG campaigns for the rights of residents in all forms of retirement housing.
If you are seeking advice about choosing, living in, or leaving retirement housing, please see this page
Supreme Court decision on residential park DMFs
Deferred Management Fees (DMFs) are common in many residential parks, but recent VCAT and Supreme Court decisions could mean big changes to the ways they are charged across the state. This may have an impact on you if you’ve either paid a DMF in a residential park, or have a contract that requires you to… …
Posted in: News Updates, Residential Parks, Campaigns
Improvements for residential parks and older renters
The Victorian government just passed its Consumer Legislation Amendments bill, including some important reforms for renters and, especially, residential park residents …
Posted in: News Updates, Renter's rights, Residential Parks, Campaigns
The Boroughs
Life in a retirement village can be quite an adventure. This is certainly true for those living at The Boroughs in the beautiful surrounds of the New Mexico dessert. ‘The Boroughs’ becomes home for a reluctant Sam (Alfred Molina), still grieving from the death of his wife. At first, Sam is not wanting to join in with… …
Posted in: Reviews, Movie Reviews, Retirement Villages
“Happy for us” – Ingenia Gardens win
Shane and Fiona talk to Sue, a resident of Ingenia Gardens about the recent fine they receivied for not providing proper kitchens. She talks about the pros and cons about living in rental villages, and what the win means for residents. Shane goes into detail about the decision of Consumer Affairs Victoria, and what it… …
Posted in: Podcasts, Residential Parks, Campaigns, Victoria
Rental Village fined: hundreds of older people compensated for no kitchens
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has fined Ingenia Gardens over $1 million for failing to provide kitchens in rental units for hundreds of financially disadvantaged older people. HAAG first reported these breaches after hearing from many older residents who were unable to cook their own food in their units. Instead, Ingenia Gardens, their landlord, offered renters… …
Posted in: News Updates, Rental Villages, Retirement Housing Advice Service
TARTs with heart – Retirement and Tenancy issues for older people
Fiona talks to Liz and Sally about their work in the Tenancy and Retirement team – affectionally known as TARTs – involving wrap around support for older people living in private rental, retirement villages, residential parks, caravan parks and rental villages. To call the service, 03 96547389 option 2 www.oldertenants.org.au/retirement …
Posted in: Podcasts, Retiremement Accomodation Action Group, Renter's rights, Campaigns, Retirement Housing Advice Service, Tenancy, Victoria
From harassment to a happy home
Peter* was living in a caravan park in North Central Victoria. Neal*, the caravan park manager, had initiated a dispute when he discovered Peter, who was estranged from his family, didn’t have a will. Neal was worried about the difficult position the park would be in if a caravan owner died intestate – but rather… …
Posted in: Client Stories, Caravan Parks, North Central Victoria, Retirement Housing Advice Service
Commissioner calling for renters and retirement village residents for new consultative group
The Commissioner for Residential Tenancies and Social Housing is calling for older people to join her Renters advisory group, and a new group for Retirement Village residents. …
Posted in: News Updates, Renter's rights, Campaigns, Victoria
Not just unfair, unlawful: VCAT rules against village charging Deferred Management Fees
Housing for the Aged Action Group welcomes VCAT’s decision which found that the Residential Tenancies Act prevented a land lease village from charging Deferred Management Fees (DMFs). DMFs are a common kind of exit fee charged across several types of retirement housing, often costing departing residents or their families tens of thousands of dollars or… …
Posted in: Media Releases, Campaigns, Victoria
Victorian Retirement laws finally pass
Housing for the Aged Action Group welcomes the passing of new Retirement laws after a five year consultation period and many more years of advocacy from residents. The new laws include significant changes that will improve the day-to-day life of residents, such as a mandatory code of conduct for operators, standardized contracts for new residents,… …
Posted in: Media Releases, Campaigns, Victoria
Residential parks survey now open!
The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), in partnership with the Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, aim to research the issues faced by tenants in residential parks by engaging with residents, industry experts, housing professionals, and community organisations. A key part of the project includes surveys for residents and operators to identify their challenges. Residential Park… …
Posted in: News Updates, Residential Parks, Campaigns, Victoria