Retirement Living Council proposes new pre-commitment checklist to counter amendment of SA Retirement Villages Act

In a joint submission to the proposed changes to the SA Retirement Villages Act 2016, the Retirement Living Council (RLC) is seeking to introduce plain language pre-commitment checklists in resident contracts to make it easier for prospective residents to understand the tenure they are entering into regarding their right to occupy.

“This is intended to provide a simple, up-front, one-page, plain-language checklist that assists a prospective resident in ensuring they understand the tenure model they are entering, the fees they are agreeing to pay, and their rights and obligations. Importantly, it also serves to remind and encourage prospective residents to seek independent legal and financial advice,” stated the submission by the RLC.

The council, its owner Property Council of Australia and more than 40 operator members also opposed proposed changes to exit entitlements and the timeframe for refurbishment.

“The most workable model for industry would be a 12 month exit entitlement timeframe that would commence from the point at which the property is ready to be marketed,” said the submission.

“The proposed 20 business days (for refurbishment) is unworkable. In the interests of accountability, a position that has majority support from our members is a 60 business days maximum refurbishment period from vacant possession.”