Schedule 1 of the Retirement Villages Regulations 2017 (SA) sets out codes of conduct that must be followed by residents, retirement village staff, and operators.

It is a term of every residence contract that the operator and the resident must follow the code of conduct that applies to them [Retirement Villages Act 2016 (SA) s 63(2)].

If an operator breaches a code of conduct, they are liable to pay a fine of up to $2,500 or an expiation fee of $210 [s 63(3)]. From 5 December 2026, this will be extended to all retirement village staff [s 63(4)].

Prospective residents must be given copies of the codes of conduct that apply to residents, retirement village staff, and the operator before signing a residence contract [s 22(1)(f)].

All codes of conduct set out good practice principles that residents, retirement village staff and operators are expected to follow. These principles share some common features including respecting the dignity and diversity of all residents, prospective residents and others in the village, respecting the peace, comfort, and privacy of all residents, and acting honestly and in good faith in all interactions.

Residents

Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Retirement Villages Regulations 2017 (SA) sets out the code of conduct that applies to residents. Under the code, a resident must not:

Retirement village staff

Schedule 1 Part 2 sets out the code of conduct that applies to village managers, senior managers and anyone else employed or engaged by or on behalf of a retirement village operator. Under the code, retirement village staff must not:

Operators

Schedule 1 Part 3 sets out the code of conduct that applies to retirement village operators. This code of conduct includes the requirements that apply to retirement village staff outlined above. In addition, an operator must not:

An operator must undertake reasonable consultation with the retirement village residents' committee and with residents regarding particular matters as set out in detail in the Retirement Villages Regulations 2017 (SA) [see Schedule 1 Part 3 clauses 10 - 12].

From 5 December 2026, retirement village operators will be legally required to ensure that they and all retirement village staff undertake approved training in relation to the code of conduct that applies to them [Retirement Villages Act 2016 (SA) s 63 as amended from 5 December 2026]. Further information about the required training will be released during 2026.