Proposed changes to Retirement Villages Act
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) has announced a package of changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003 and associated regulations and codes.
The changes include:
- new rules making operators responsible for the chattels and fixtures they own in residents’ units
- a new independent disputes resolution scheme to be established
- a maximum timeframe of 12 months for operators to pay a former resident the funds owing to them when they leave a village (with some exemptions and extensions available for operators if needed).
An amendment bill is expected to be introduced in the House by mid-2026. There will be an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to give feedback on the proposed changes during the select committee stage.
Please refer to the MHUD website for more information regarding the review.
Significant changes to the retirement village sector — Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga | Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Retirement Villages Act 2003 — Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga | Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Retirement village rule changes strengthen rights — Beehive website