Retirement villages

A retirement village is a community where older adults can live independently. These villages can offer a supportive environment that encourages social connections and a sense of community among residents.

Living in a retirement village can be costly and may require changes to your lifestyle. It is important to think carefully before deciding to move into one. Information on SA.GOV.AU will help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and provide guidance on choosing, living in, and leaving a retirement village.

Living in a retirement village

Learn more about choosing, living in and leaving a retirement village.

Find information about living in a retirement village on SA.GOV.AU

Retirement village operators

Retirement village operators have legal duties and rights under the Retirement Villages Act and the Retirement Villages Regulations. Operators can find guidance on SA.GOV.AU on how to follow retirement village law and manage a retirement village well.

Information for retirement village operators

Find information about retirement village law and how to manage a retirement village well on SA.GOV.AU.

Visit SA.GOV.AU for information on managing a retirement village

The Retirement Villages Unit

Our Retirement Villages Unit supports you with information and advice, protects your rights as a resident, and helps operators create safe and well-managed places to live. The Retirement Villages Unit:

  • Administers the Retirement Villages Act 2016 and Retirement Villages Regulations 2017, ensuring that retirement villages follow the legislation.
  • Provides general advice and information about retirement villages.
  • Assists in resolving disputes between residents and operators.
  • Maintains the South Australian Retirement Villages Register.

Contact the Retirement Villages Unit

Phone 8204 2420 9:00am to 4:00pm
Email: retirementvillages@sa.gov.au

Legislation

Retirement Villages Act 2016

Retirement Villages Regulations 2017

Page last updated 13 June 2025