Codes of conduct for retirement village residents

The codes of conduct for retirement village residents sets clear expectations for how you contribute to a safe, fair and respectful community.

Who this code applies to

This code applies to every resident living in a retirement village. It explains the standards of behaviour expected when you interact with:

  • other residents
  • prospective residents
  • village staff
  • the village operator
  • visitors and others in the village.

Mandatory requirements for residents

You must follow the mandatory requirements in this code. If you do not follow these requirements, it is a breach of your residence contract.

You must not:

  1. Harass or intimidate anyone
    • This includes other residents, staff, the operator and any visitors.
    • Harassment includes bullying, threatening behaviour or persistent unwanted behaviour.
  2. Put others at risk of serious harm
    • You must not behave in any way that could seriously endanger someone’s safety or wellbeing.
  3. Damage property
    • You must not intentionally or recklessly damage any property in the village.
    • This includes your residence, shared areas, facilities and other people’s belongings.
  4. Behave in a way that unreasonably and detrimentally harms others' wellbeing
    • You must not repeatedly behave in ways that unreasonably and negatively affect other people’s safety or wellbeing.

Good practice principles

As a resident, you are expected to:

  1. Respect others
    • Treat everyone with dignity, including residents, prospective residents, staff and the operator.
    • Respect people’s backgrounds, abilities, identities, culture and rights under the Act.
  2. Act with integrity, honesty and consideration
    • Be honest, considerate and fair in how you behave towards others.
    • This includes other residents, staff, the operator and any visitors.
  3. Help keep the village safe
    • Act in ways that support a safe environment for everyone in the village.
    • Follow safety instructions when they are given.
  4. Respect people’s peace, comfort and privacy
    • Keep noise to a reasonable level.
    • Respect the privacy of your neighbours and others in the village.
  5. Communicate respectfully
    • Be respectful in all conversations and interactions, including in person, online and in writing.
  6. Follow the village rules
    • Comply with the residence rules at all times.
    • Make sure your guests follow the rules too.
  7. Deal honestly with the registrar
    • Be honest and act in good faith in any dealings with the registrar.

Related information

On this site

Legislation


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Page last updated 2 February 2026

Provided by:
Department of Human Services
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/retired-assisted-living/retirement-villages/codes-of-conduct-for-residents
Last Updated:
02/02/26
Printed on:
22/06/26
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2026
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