The following is a list of answers to questions most commonly asked:

Question 1
If I am on the wait list does it mean I will be offered a unit?

Answer
Yes. Units are offered to applicants on the wait list in date order that their original application is received.

Question 2
How do I place my name on the wait list for Macarthur Village?

Answer
Complete the application form and return in the reply paid envelope. A wait list fee of $200.00 must accompany the application.

Question 3
Is my deposit refundable if my circumstances change or I change my mind?

Answer
Yes. The deposit is fully refundable.

Question 4
When will final payment be required on the unit?

Answer
Final payment is due on the entry date which is agreed between the resident and IRT.

Question 5
Do I own the unit after I have paid an Ingoing contribution?

Answer
No. The residents enter into a “loan/licence” agreement with the Illawarra Retirement Trust. The licence agreement grants you a right to occupy the unit but you do not own the unit nor do you have a legal interest in the unit. This agreement is drawn up to comply with the NSW Retirement Village Legislation. Residents should discuss the agreement with their legal advisor.

Question 6
What are the fortnightly recurrent charges for my unit?

Answer
Recurrent charges are calculated on a fixed formula based on the Aged Pension and are dependent upon the number of people occupying the unit.
Single occupant fee is 30% of the Single Aged Pension
Couple occupants fee is 25.5% of the Couple Aged Pension
Refer to separate information sheet for specific amounts.

Question 7
What costs are covered by the fortnightly recurrent charges?

Answer
Recurrent charges cover costs relating to:
- Council and water rates.
- Building insurance.
- External building and grounds maintenance.
- Ongoing maintenance of units including fixtures and fittings supplied by IRT.
Not covered by these fees are electricity, telephone and personal contents insurance.

Question 8
How much deposit will I have to pay for my unit?

Answer
Residents will be requested to pay a holding deposit of 2% of the Ingoing Contribution.

Question 9
How much of the money paid for entry to the village will the resident (or the resident’s estate) get back when the resident/s leaves?

Answer
The amount of retention is 2% per annum calculated on a daily basis up to a maximum of 5 years.

Question 10
Does the resident receive any capital increase in the value of the unit?

Answer
No. The IRT does not pay any capital increase in the value of the unit once the resident/s vacates the unit.

Question 11
Are recurrent charges decreased on departure or death of a spouse/partner of a unit, or increased by any additional occupant?

Answer
Yes. The recurrent charges are dependent upon the number of people occupying the unit.

Question 12
Can a resident move or be moved from one part of the village to another and under what circumstances?

Answer
Yes. The resident/s may move at his/her request subject to the availability of accommodation and financial arrangements at the time. A transfer fee applies.

Question 13
What happens if my needs change and I can no longer live independently in my unit?

Answer
IRT offers a range of residential aged care facilities in Sydney, the Illawarra, the ACT and the South Coast of NSW including a residential care facility (low care) being built on the site of Macarthur Village. Support through optional services and linkages with community services is also available in the Campbelltown area.

Question 14
Can I have visitors stay with me in my unit?

Answer
Yes. Residents are welcome to have houseguest’s or visitors. The Chief Executive Officer’s approval will be required if the guest stays longer than 6 weeks.

Question 15
Can I have a pet in the unit?

Answer
There are no restrictions on a small bird in a cage or fish in a bowl. Any other pets will require the approval of management in writing following the full agreement of ALL other residents of the village. The full agreement of residents is to be obtained by the residents themselves through signatures.

Question 16
Are there parking facilities on site?

Answer
Yes. Undercover secure basement parking will be available for residents of Macarthur Village. Limited visitor parking will also be available on site.

Question 17
What noise restrictions will apply?

Answer
Residents are responsible for ensuring that noise is kept to a minimum with respect for one’s neighbour. Any action undertaken by residents should have in mind the common interest of all residents.

Question 18
Will the cleaning or washing of balconies be permissible?

Answer
It is the resident’s responsibility to clean his or her own balconies. When washing or cleaning balconies, the resident has a responsibility not to adversely impact on residents below.

Question 19
Is it permissible to hang washing on my balcony?

Answer
It is the resident’s responsibility to ensure washing is hung on lines and in spaces provided. If such items are hung on the balcony or any part of the premises it must be in such a way as not to be visible from the outside of the building.

Question 20
Is the resident responsible for checking their electrical appliances prior to occupying the unit?

Answer
Yes. It is the resident’s responsibility to ensure that all electrical appliances that are not new, are checked by a qualified electrical tradesperson and tagged to be in good repair prior to occupying the unit.

Question 21
What type of village security will be provided?

Answer
Random mobile security patrols will be provided. IRT provide and maintain locks or other security devices to units.

Question 22
Is the resident responsible for the connection of electricity and telephone?

Answer
Yes. It is the resident’s responsibility to have the electricity and telephone connected prior to occupying the unit as are all the charges incurred for connection and use.

Question 23
Is the resident responsible for contents insurance?

Answer
Yes. It is the resident’s responsibility to insure all personal effects and furniture, if so desired.

Question 24
Are there any village rules?

Answer
Yes, village rules applicable to Macarthur Village will be issued to resident/s at time of being offered a unit and form part of the Residence Agreement that is entered into by resident/s prior to occupying the unit. The Village Rules are not designed to be restrictive but to enhance resident lifestyle. Many of the rules are covered in this question/answer document.

Information in this document is current as at August 2005 and subject to change.