Who is able to become a resident of Chatsford?

At least one resident occupying a town house must be 55 years of age or more. Residents are expected to be able to care for themselves independently. It is important that the type of residence you choose is appropriate for your requirements. To help us assist you in choosing your new home, we may require that your doctor provides a declaration affirming that you have selected the accommodation most suitable for you.

Can my visitors use the common facilities?

Yes, the common facilities are there for residents and their families and friends, provided that guests are accompanied by a resident and that they do not disturb the privacy and enjoyment of other residents. If you wish, you can arrange to have a meal with your guests in the dining room. Naturally, advanced notice is requested.

Can I bring a pet?

Research has revealed deeply divided opinion from residents on the ownership of pets. At Chatsford several residents have lap dogs and a few more have cats. Our current policy is that any pet not strictly living within a residents home (caged bird or the like) can only enter Chatsford if the owner has applied in writing to the Body Corporate. The final descision will be made in consultation with the Chatsford Residents Association.

I have heard that it is possible to buy an Occupation Right Agreement with a friend.

Yes, joint ownership is possible.

What happens when I leave Chatsford?

When you exit your home your Occupation Right Agreement Payment will be refunded to you, less a deduction based on the number of years you have been a resident in our community. The only exception to this is in the unlikely event that your property has devalued, in which case during your occupancy, your refund is based on the devalued price, less a deduction based on the number of years.

How is the deduction calculated?

The overall deduction is made up of two components:

  1. Your Community Contribution: This is a deduction of 3% of your Occupation Right Agreement Payment each year for the first five years of occupancy (i.e. up to a maximum of 15%).
  2. Your Chatsford Village Trust Contribution: This is a deduction of 1% of your Occupation Right Agreement Payment each year for the first five years of occupancy (i.e. a maximum of 5%).

How your contributions are spent

This deduction is applied in the following way:

  1. Community Contribution
    Your Community Contribution helps finance our ability to provide all of the community amenities that our residents are able to use and enjoy during their time at Chatsford. A portion of this contribution also covers the return on investment for the developers of Chatsford.
  2. Chatsford Village Trust Contribution
    The Trust was established to ensure that there are funds available to help with any future upgrades and major maintenance costs within Chatsford.

What other costs will I incur after I have bought my Occupation Right Agreement?

Chatsford residents are responsible for their own town house's rates, personal electricity, telephone services, personal chattels. Note: Residents whose only income is New Zealand Superannuation, an allowance is generally available from Income Support Services.

May I make alterations to my home, install fixtures & fittings to my taste?

You can redecorate the interior of your home at any time and make minor changes (other than structural changes.) Any Structural changes require the permission of the Manager and probably the local building inspector. Indiscriminate changes and additions could well result in a loss of property value for you and your neighbours.

What are the common areas in Chatsford?

The common areas include all roadways, gardens, pathways, recreational areas such as the bowling rink, bird aviaries and internal areas housed within the club house, (bowling room, billiards room, lounge, kiosk, dining room, kitchens, hairdresser's salon, library etc).

What are the Manager's responsibilities?

The manager is appointed by Chatsford Management to manage Chatsford. The Manager is accountable for documenting all income and expenditure incurred in their name and as such must present a summation of these at each annual general meeting of the Body Corporate.

If my health deteriorates who will care for me?

You have the choice of receiving supportive care in your home or (if it is deemed appropriate by your health advisers) transferring to Birchleigh Residential Care Centre for this care. Whereever possible, Chatsford residents are offered priority access to Birchleigh Residential Care Centre. If you meet the appropriate 'need' and 'asset criteria' for this care, it is paid for by the government. If on the other hand you do not meet these tests, you will be responsible for the cost of this care.

Am I guaranteed care for life?

The majority of residents can spend their last days at Chatsford if they choose to. Very high levels of support may necessitate a move to our Rest Home (currently less than 4% of New Zealand's over 65 years old population require this level of support). Birchleigh Residential Care Centre is generally still able to care for residents where their health deteriorates to require long stay hospital care or specialist dementia care. However, under very exceptional circumstances we may not be able to meet a resident's health requirements. In such circumstances a resident may need to transfer to a hospital or specialist care facility to receive appropriate treatment.

If you have any further questions about life at Chatsford please contact us.























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