What is the Code of Residents Rights?

The Code of Residents' Rights outlines the basic rights you have as a resident living in a New Zealand retirement village under the Retirement Villages Act. A copy of it must be given to intending residents with their disclosure statement, as well as to any resident or potential resident if they ask for one.

Your rights include:

• The right to services and benefits as outlined in your ORA
• The right to be informed about anything that may affect your residency
• The right to be consulted about proposed changes that may affect you occupancy or ability to pay for services
• The right to complain and receive a timely response
• The right to have disputed resolved in a speedy and efficient manner
• The right to use a support person in your dealings with the village operator
• The right to be treated with courtesy and respect
• The right not to be exploited

You can download a summary of The Code of Residents’ Rights from the Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission website.

The full text of the Code of Residents' Rights is contained in Schedule 4 of the Retirement Villages Act, available to read here.