When searching for a mobile home community, there are many factors to consider. For many older Americans, whether retirees or pre-retirees, settling in a 55+ community can be a wise choice.
What is a 55+ age-qualified community?
Although each community can choose to define themselves in different ways, there are some things that Active Adult Communities have in common:
- No one under the age of 18 may be a full-time resident, although visitation rules vary among communities.
- At least 80 percent of the homes will be occupied by someone age 55 or older.
- Someone who is not yet 55 may live with their 55+ spouse.
- Many communities are in good proximity to health-care facilities.
Amenities
Age-qualified communities attract like-minded people who will share in use of the communities resources and amenities.
These can include:
- Recreational resources like golf, shuffleboard, swimming, and organized activities.
- On-side amenities like kitchens, laundry, BBQ areas.
By living in Active Adult Housing, age-qualified people can benefit from the value of shared resources and recreation, and sense of community.
How can I find out if a community is really a 55+? I see signs stating they are but no one can tell me for sure if they are for sure. Who approves these communities to be a 55+? Many thanks Gary
Hi Gary –
Great question. It’s a murky area. This much we do know. In 1995 Congress passed the The Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995. According to the act, in order to qualify as a 55+, age-qualified community, the housing community/facility must
satisfy each of the following requirements:
a) at least 80 percent of the occupied units must be occupied by at least
one person 55 years of age or older per unit;
b) the owner or management of the housing facility/community must
publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate an
intent to provide housing for persons 55 years or older; and
c) the facility/community must comply with rules issued by the
Secretary for verification of occupancy through reliable surveys and
affidavits.
Our understanding (and we we look into this and publish an update on this to our blog), is the approval and accreditation process varies by state and must conform the steps outlined above. This quote is also instructive:
“The Department will look at the totality of the circumstances in the
investigation of a complaint alleging that the facility or community does not
qualify as housing for older persons”
We will look into this and provide more information in our blog post about this subject. Stay tuned..