An age-restricted community or age-segregated community is a housing area, often gated, that restricts ownership to individuals who are over a set age. Often the minimum age is 50 years, but it could be 55 or even 60.
In addition to restrictions on ownership, such communities frequently have age requirements for residency as well. These communities are set up to accommodate older individuals who would like to live in an area without the perceived problems of having children around.[1] In most cases a younger spouse or significant other is permitted to live in the community as long as one member meets the minimum age requirement.[2]
Age-qualified communities, also known as 55+ communities, lifestyle communities or retirement communities, are oftentimes planned communities that offer homes and community features that are attractive to 55+ adults. These might include a clubhouse or lifestyle center with a good many activities, sometimes with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, exercise facilities, craft rooms, demonstration kitchens, Wall St. rooms, decks and patios for gathering.[3]
While in the United States discrimination in housing is generally prohibited, the Fair Housing Act of 1968[4] and the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (109 STAT. 787)[5] allow communities to restrict ownership to older individuals.
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A common problem occurs when the homeowner dies; if the surviving resident of the home does not meet the requirements for ownership, she or he is forced to sell the home. This can happen even if the survivor is the spouse of the deceased.
Another common problem comes up when a change in the family situation means a grandparent becomes responsible for a grandchild. Often grandchildren are prohibited from living more than a short time in an age-restricted community.