All About Senior Rental Apartments

Senior rental apartments seem like a contradiction of the U.S. housing laws because the Fair Housing Act protects you from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap or familial status (families with children under the age of 18 and pregnant women). However, when the fair Housing Act was amended in 1988, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and familial status, Congress preserved housing specifically designed to meet the needs of senior citizens provided that it met certain conditions.

Requirements for Senior Rental Housing

A rental qualifies as “senior housing” if any of the following requirements are met:

• It houses at least one person 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the apartments, and adheres to a policy demonstrating intent to house persons 55 or older
• It is occupied solely by persons 62 or older
• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has determined that the dwelling is specifically designed for and occupied by elderly persons under a Federal, State or local government program

Therefore, if your apartment building satisfies the legal definition of senior housing, families with children can be legally excluded. Exceptions are made by HUD regulations if you are under the minimum age and are handicapped.

Categories of Senior Apartments

There are three pricing categories of apartments (although all may not be available in your market):

• Market rate
• Above market rate (luxury)
• Affordable

Market rate offers the same unit size and number of bedrooms and baths as non-age-restricted rentals in your area at a competitive monthly rate. The senior orientation of your age-restricted community may offer different amenities and other advantages geared toward seniors’ needs and preferences.

Above market rate (luxury) rentals may appeal to you if you are an affluent senior desiring a “home” in a second city, or need a maintenance-free apartment without relinquishing luxuries. When economizing is unnecessary, this age-restricted market may allow you to maintain the lifestyle you’re accustomed to.

Affordable (low income) apartments are in high demand. In most areas, you’ll find them in short supply because cultural, social and medical changes have increased the need for this type of housing. “Affordable” differs from one community to another, but usually means that you earn (or receive) the median income in your county and aren’t required to spend more than 30 percent of your income on rent and utilities.

Affordable housing programs are structured by regulations from federal, county or city government legislation. Vouchers, bonds, grants and tax credits are among the programs designed for affordable housing. To learn about affordable housing opportunities in your area, contact city or county housing agencies. Local senior centers and Agencies on Aging may also be capable of acting as apartment locators for you.

Independent Living Services in Your Apartment

Another option is Independent Living, which includes services offered to you in your apartment. Services may be optional and charged separately from your rent. The most common services offered are housekeeping and transportation, and shared meals. This option is best if you’re unable to continue living alone. By evaluating your needs and locating appropriate assistance, you will find the senior apartment residence that is right for you.

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Lisa Bernstein: As a long-time apartment dweller and seasoned condominium trustee, I have dealt with numerous landlord-tenant, property management, and day-to-day apartment complex issues. My extensive, direct experience has led to invaluable insights into apartment life from both the tenant and management perspectives.