QUEENSLAND'S longed-for retirement village reforms have inched closer to reality, gaining royal assent from Governor Paul de Jersey.
State Parliament passed the amendments to the Retirement Villages Act 1999 along with changes to the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 just days before Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called a snap election, leaving the reforms up in the air.
While Governor de Jersey's sign-off sees the reforms become law, their implementation is not immediate: phase-in dates have yet to be finalised.
Changes to the Retirement Villages Act 1999 include:
- Simplified standard contracts.
- Clear upfront declaration of ongoing fees and charges.
- A minimum 21-day cool-off period to evaluate a contract before signing.
- Fairer unit reinstatement arrangements before resale.
- Enforceable behaviour standards for village operators and residents.
Amendments to the Manufactured Homes (Residential parks) Act 2003 included behaviour standards and limits on rent increases.