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.
What is a all-ages community?
An All Ages community is, quite simply, a community with no age restrictions.
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..
My daughter will be 55 the beginning of 2022, can I buy a mobile home in a 55 senior park for her now and she live in it
Hi Marilyn, yes, in most any 55+ community we don’t believe there would be any issue with buying a home for your daughter who is less than a year from being 55 years old.
I’m 55 but my partner moved in is only 40 ,can they make me sell my place.I think it’s crazy trying to control me and tell me who and what age I can have to live with me and date.
Highly unlikely. Most 55+ communities only require that one person (lease holder) in the household be 55+ and if a partner is adult-age, then that is a non-issue. That said, check your lease. Is there anything in the lease that specifically says something about under 55 years age co-habitation partners? Always read the fine print in a lease.
Hello Peter H.,
I’m 53, and was wondering if it’s possible that I could qualify in your 55+ community?
Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.
Hi Kelly, sorry for the delayed response. It is possible to get an exception because you are only just a few years away from 55. Contact the community manager directly and ask this question. Most are happy to make the exception on a case-by-case basis.
I personally am tired of looking for senior only 55 plus living only to find it’s simply false. Individuals move into senior housing because its a great deal then the first thing they do is move in their 20 year-olds and or grandkids. Then the loud music starts, the screaming and hollering all day, the running outside in the car ports, patios etc. being loud and disrespectful. Senior housing means that and if you want your Kids and grandkids with you constantly then move into a NON-RESTRICTED housing tract. If other seniors who move to these areas wanted all that nonsense they would simply move to a cheaper apartment or a residential area filled with the noise and headaches. We live in a stick home now and are looking to sell and move to a senior only area based on these exact complaints. We have a HOA but it fails in enforcing RULES and REGULATIONS. I do not want pay MORE in monthly financial spending for leased land when it no better then being in a simple residential free for all home. We lived in a Senior only that allowed under age as stated here and it became a drug infested, high crime mobile home area. Police even refused to enter unless 3 or more. All due to lack of rule enforcements and allowed younger (20’s) to move in with Mommy and Daddy or Grand Parents. I wish these 55 + Advertised senior living institutions would really tell the truth about before individual purchase. 55 means NOTHING in reality. a 55 year old can have their name on the home , pay the rent and anyone can live there claiming family, care taker whatever. Are there any REAL SENIOR LIVING PLACES WHO REALLY CARE ABOUT SENIORS final days on earth?
Thank you for your heartfelt comment. The quality of life inside a 55+ community is directly correlated to the quality of the owner and management of the community. There are some very fine community owners and operators of 55+ communities who run a tight ship. Unfortunately, there are some bad actors who are either absentee owners or don’t care. The bottom line: do your research. Find community reviews, and if you have the ability, talk to residents who live there.
Update: In 1995 Congress passed 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”
There is a community in dade city called Scotland yards my husband and I ate both over 50 but under 55 can we buy in there seeing the 80-20 rule also we have no kids and no pets.
Hello, you might just qualify. We suggest you contact the manager at Highlands at Scotland Yards and inquire.
Hi. I am looking for a home in a +55 park. However, my credir score is low. My brother wants to buy a mobile home for me to live in. I would be paying him for lot rent and he would be paying the owners of the park. Why isnt this acceptable in most parks. Why is my credit score matter if he is paying everything. He has the cash money. Can you help with this issue. Thank you
Not sure we can help. Speculating here but we think if your brother has good credit and is the titled owner of the home and is also paying the lot rent to the park (with you reimbursing him) and has signed the lease agreement with the park owner then I see no reason why you couldn’t live in the house as you see fit – as long as you meet their age requirement. That said, we recommend having a real estate attorney review the purchase agreement and lease agreement to make sure you are in compliance – there are legal aid organizations in your area that may offer free advice and review. Best of luck!
Hello my name is Luis and I love the community willow lake estates in Illinois and the site doesn’t’ say its a 55+ community. is it possible to move there being younger? I have kids but they are to themselves and don’t really talk or bother anyone. I’ve seen many of these places but it seems like they are only for 55+. I don’t like the typical mobile home parks. please help.
Thanks
Hi Luis, Willow Lakes community is an age-qualified community. Some age-qualified communities may accommodate potential residents within a few years of age 55, but most won’t allow children no matter how well behaved they are. Here is some more information on 55 communites you may find helpful: https://blog.mhbo.com/2018/12/05/what-is-a-55-age-qualified-community/
Best of luck!
I am 54 and trying to get into a 55 + community , some tell me yes some tell me no.. they have homes for sale but never for rent and the lot fees are outragious.. and I heard .whomever manages the property can raise the lot rent every year.. is there a way to sign a contract when buying a home that there is a lot rent restriction not to exceed 1000.00..(for example) or have an option to buy that piece of land with the home.its not as cheap as people think.. if your mortagage is 800 and the lot rent is 800 that 1600 a month.. how do they do that on a fixed income? and tehn on top of that there property taxes per year..
The short answer is likely “No” but not impossible. Most parks, but not all, raise the monthly lot rent on an annual basis to keep pace with inflation and with increases in other operating costs and won’t deviate from this for one-off agreements. It is possible to purchase the land underneath a home, but this option is almost always ONLY available in “Resident Owned Communities” also known as “ROC” communities and there are not a lot of these communities around. The bottom line is you need to get in writing from the community operator what the percentage annual lot rent fees increases will after a lease is signed. We hope that helps.