Whether you’re living in a retirement village, caravan or residential park, independent living unit or any other kind of Retirement housing, our information, advice and advocacy can help you navigate your way through the maze.
We provides free and confidential advice to financially disadvantaged people living in Retirement Housing, as well as workers who support them.
Call us on 1300 765 178, email retirement@oldertenants.org.au or inquire using the form below.
Our services are free, confidential and independent.
Enquire online
Eligibility
HAAG’s Retirement Housing Service provides information to anyone living in, or interested in Retirement Housing if you are
- over 55
- your income is insufficient to sustain your personal financial commitments,
- your main source of income is a Centrelink benefit, or
- you have no income
Please call 03 9654 7389 to discuss your unique situation.
Workers calling on behalf of eligible people are also welcome.
Common Issues
- Disputes with management
- Disputes about fees and charges
- Contractual disputes
- Responsibility for repairs and maintenance
Sounds familiar? We may be able to help.
Additional Support
Beyond giving personalized advice and advocacy, HAAGs Retirement Housing Advice Service can also offer:
- Community education about your rights and responsibilities as residents
- Support to join a working group
- Support to start a Residents Committee
Client Stories
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, Retirement Housing, North Central Victoria, Retirement Housing Advice Service
Overcoming bullies in Retirement Villages
Mary* is a HAAG member living in a retirement village in the west of Melbourne. She’s lived there since 2018, and enjoyed a couple of good years there before a new manager named Dean* started there in late 2019. Mary soon noticed tensions developing between her and Dean, but within a year these had erupted… …
Posted in: Client Stories, Retirement Housing, Retirement Villages, Retirement Housing Advice Service
Workers Advice Line
Do you have questions about your clients’ rights living in a retirement village, independent living unit, residential or caravan park, or other kind of retirement housing? Do you need help advocating on their behalf? Do you need advice to keep up with changes to the Residential Tenancies Act or to understand retirement village contracts and what they mean for people you work with?
Whatever the question, our friendly team love sharing their expert knowledge on everything Retirement Housing, including disputes with management, repair issues, breaches and evictions, residents’ committees or just finding affordable retirement housing options. We will work through your client’s options with you and leave you with some practical suggestions.
Give the team a call on 9654 7389 or email at retirement@oldertenants.org.au
Please note we do not give advice to retirement housing managers and operators, and cannot assist with disputes between residents.
Retirement Housing advice in other states
ACT Retirement Village Residents Association provides independent information, advice, advocacy and representation to residents of retirement villages.
NSW Tenants Union can provide advice on land lease communities
Retirement Village Residents NSW – a volunteer group that represents and supports residents of Retirement Villages in NSW.
ARPRA – peak body representing residents living in Residential Land Lease Communities in New South Wales (NSW).
Tenants Advice Service provides information and advice to NT tenants, including caravan parks.
NT Government information on long-stay caravan park rules
Queensland Retirement Village and Park Advice Services (QRVPAS) is a free legal service for residents to understand their rights under the Retirement Villages Act (Qld).
Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages is a “member-based non-profit association of residents, and a registered charity, run by a committee of volunteers with a strong consumer protection philosophy, who too are residents, well-versed in retirement village matters”.
Queensland Manufactured Home Owners Assocation is a member-based organisation promoting, advance, maintain and safeguard the combined and individual interests of manufactured home owners throughout Queensland
Alliance of Manufactured Home Owners (AMHO) advocate for the rights and protection of the tens of thousands of homeowners living in residential parks throughout Queensland by offering support services
South Australian Government resources for residential parks
SA Residential Parks Residents Association (SARPRA) represent the interests of residents of South Australian Residential Parks and advocates on behalf of members for improved living conditions. The Committee may assist potential residents to make an informed decision realting to parks and villages.
SA Retirement Villages Residents Association (SAVRA) a volunteer organisation representing the interests of Retirement Village residents in South Australia.
Tenants Union of Tasmania is a specialist community legal centre for residential tenants.
Tasmanian Association for Residents of Retirement Villages “act to advise and represent the interests of members by working with operators and Government to clarify your rights and assist you to effectively have a voice in your future”.
Western Australian Government resources relating to residential parks
Park Home Owners Association an incorporated association looking after the interests of permanent (long-stay) residents in WA residential parks and villages.
Village Retirement WA a volunteer-run peak body representing the rights and interests of all residents living in retirement Villages in WA.
Funding for the Retirement Housing Advice Service is provided by the Victorian Government via Consumer Affairs Victoria