Welcome to the Lifestyle Communities refund portal
About the DMF refund program
Lifestyle Communities has established a refund program in relation to Deferred Management Fees (DMFs) previously paid by certain former residents. The program follows the recent Court of Appeal decision concerning DMF provisions contained in certain Lifestyle Communities Residential Site Agreements (RSA). Lifestyle Communities has established a structured process through which former residents who wish to apply for a request that their DMF be refunded can register and submit an application for assessment. The program provides a repayment pathway for eligible applicants, with payments of any refund being made within 21 days of a successful application being finalised.
It is important for all applicants to be aware that this program is voluntary. You are not required to participate in this refund program, and you are entitled to seek independent legal advice and pursue a refund via your legal advisors and/or through VCAT or the court system.
Applications will be assessed against the program criteria and supporting information available. A summary of key program criteria includes (without limitation):
- The voluntary repayment program is only available where:
- the residential site agreement was entered into on or after 1 September 2011;
- the agreement contains a DMF mechanism of the type considered by the Court of Appeal; and
- a DMF was paid to Lifestyle Communities on or after 7 July 2019.
- Applications must be made by the former resident(s) named in the RSA, or by their authorised legal representative (such as an attorney under a Power of Attorney or an executor).
- Proof of identity and, where applicable, proof of legal authority is required before any claim can be assessed. While someone may assist a former resident with their application, payment will only be made to an account in the name of the former resident(s) (or, in the case of an attorney or executor, an account held on behalf of the resident or their estate).
- Repayments will be equal to the deferred management fees (DMFs) previously paid. For example, if an eligible former resident paid Lifestyle Communities a DMF of $48,000, they will be offered a repayment of $48,000. Lifestyle Communities will make payment within 21 days after all program requirements have been completed.
- Any repayment is conditional on the applicant signing a settlement deed, including a release of Lifestyle Communities from any further claims relating to the DMF.
If you fall outside of the scope of the above criteria, you may wish to seek independent legal advice. Your lawyer can contact us at DMFenquiries@lifestylecommunities.com.au.
Lifestyle Communities retains responsibility for determining eligibility to participate in this voluntary program and any repayment amount.
Deloitte has been engaged to assist with the administration of the refund program.
Register a claim
If you are a former resident and wish to apply to be considered under the program for a repayment, you can register and submit an application through the secure ClaimsView platform.
The registration process will allow you to:
- provide your details
- submit supporting information
- verify your identity where required, and
- receive updates regarding the status of your application.
Submitting an application does not automatically mean that you are eligible for repayment. Each application will be assessed on its individual circumstances and in accordance with the program criteria.
Registration link
Acting on behalf of someone else?
Applications may also be submitted by authorised representatives or persons acting on behalf of another person, including under a Power of Attorney, as a representative of a deceased estate, or under another form of valid authority. Supporting documentation will be required to verify your authority to act on behalf of another person.