News

Supreme Court decision on residential park DMFs

Deferred Management Fees (DMFs) are common in many residential parks, but recent VCAT and Supreme Court decisions could mean big changes to the ways they are charged across the state. This may have an impact on you if you’ve either paid a DMF in a residential park, or have a contract that requires you to pay one when you leave. Some parks are also offering to amend residents’ leases to ensure exit fees are lawful.

Improvements for residential parks and older renters

The Victorian government just passed its Consumer Legislation Amendments bill, including some important reforms for renters and, especially, residential park residents

New Renter Rights Service for Older Victorians Welcomed

Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) welcome the announcement by the Victorian Government of a suite of new renters’ rights service for older Victorians. The Older Persons Housing Rights Service will be assisting people aged 55 years and older to understand and exercise their rights as renters and residents of retirement villages and residential parks. HAAG will partner with Tenants Victoria to provide legal and non-legal advice and advocacy to older people who may struggle to access other renter services, or face additional barriers due to their age or housing circumstances.

Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments hears HAAG

The Victorian Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments has released it's final report, with many recommendations aligning with HAAG's submission, while stopping short on addressing challenges in caravan parks, retirement villages and other types of housing. 

Fixing Older People's Housing in the Victorian Election Campaign

Victorians are going to the polls in November 2026, and there has never been a better time to keep housing for older people on the agenda. HAAG has developed an election platform that priorises older people's housing. Read about what we are asking candidates to commit to and get involved in the election campaign here

Rental Village fined: hundreds of older people compensated for no kitchens

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has fined Ingenia Gardens over $1 million for failing to provide kitchens in rental units for hundreds of financially disadvantaged older people. HAAG first reported these breaches after hearing from many older residents who were unable to cook their own food in their units. Instead, Ingenia Gardens, their landlord, offered renters meal plans, at an additional cost. This is a breach of Victoria’s minimum standards which requires all rental properties to have safe and functional kitchens.

Tax reforms welcome but more needed for older people’s housing

HAAG congratulates the Albanese Government for taking the initiative to deliver much needed reform to negative gearing and the Capital Gains Tax Discount. It is a strong first step towards a fairer and more affordable housing market. It's a really good start towards shifting emphasis from housing as an investment, towards housing as a home. The revenue raised from winding back these incentives should be directly invested in increasing public and community housing stock.

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