A guide to retirement village living - available now

The decision to sell the family home and move into a retirement village is never easy. However, a new guide from the Queensland Office of Fair Trading aims to make sure the decision is an informed one.

Easing into village life is a guide to retirement village living in Queensland, Qld Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech said.

"It's an easy-to-use reference guide designed to help you understand everything from contracts and financial contributions to your rights if you leave the village," Mrs Keech said.

"The guide provides a plain English explanation of the laws governing retirement villages (Retirement Villages Act 1999) including recent changes that futher protect the rights of village residents."

The guide includes topics such as:

- what is a retirement village;
- things to consider before making the decision to live in a retirement village;
- shopping around for what suits you;
- options after you've signed the contract;
- associated costs and charges;
- dispute resolution; and
- your options if you want to leave the village.

To download a copy of Easing into village life visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.

www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au