The privatisation of health and social services brings about important ethical debates. In this context, the phenomenal expansion of private residences for the elderly raises worried concerning the residents’ rights (liberty of choice, quality of life, access to health care and protection against abuse). Relying on a qualitative and quantitative study done in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, the author presents the opinion of the workers from the public sector and the residences’ owners concerning these issues. The results show significant differences of visions but a consensus about the necessary of a governmental intervention to insure the rights of vulnerable residents. Bringing up ethical stakes underlying an eventual regulation of the private residences, the author goes beyond preconceived ideas to enrich the debate around the question.