# What 55+ Means on an Apartment Listing > How 55+ communities are designated, which labels only look similar, and how we label buildings. Ennova Highlands is not 55+. URL: https://newapartmentsfortworth.com/guide/what-55-plus-means/ Last-Modified: 2026-10-26 Guide # What "55+" Means on an Apartment Listing (and When It Doesn't) How 55+ communities are designated under the Housing for Older Persons Act, which labels only look similar, and how we label buildings. Ennova Highlands, for example, is not 55+. Written by New Fort Worth Apartment Team [/about/#new-fort-worth-apartment-team →](/about/#new-fort-worth-apartment-team) · Updated October 26, 2026 ![Single-level new apartment courtyard with shaded seating and limestone walls](/images/featured/single-level-new-apartment-courtyard-with-shaded-s.webp) ## What does 55+ mean? A 55+ community is housing designated for older persons under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). That designation is an exemption from the familial status protections of the Fair Housing Act. Our list of 55+ new apartments [/55-plus-new-apartments/ →](/55-plus-new-apartments/) only includes buildings designated this way. The core rule is the 80% test. At least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 or older. The community must also publish policies that show it intends to serve older residents, and it verifies age, often at lease signing. Each community sets its own policy within those rules, such as whether a younger spouse or caregiver can live there. ## How is 62+ different? A 62+ community is stricter. Every resident must be 62 or older, with limited exceptions such as certain on-site staff. If you see “62+” on a listing, that’s the rule. ## Which labels only look similar? Several terms show up in listings that sound like 55+ but may not be: | Label | Is it age-restricted? | | --- | --- | | 55+ community (designated) | Yes, under the 80% rule | | 62+ community | Yes, all residents 62+ | | Active adult | Sometimes; check the designation | | Independent living | Sometimes; often includes services | | Senior-friendly | No; usually describes features only | Ennova Highlands sometimes shows up in 55+ searches. It is not a 55+ community. Its plan suffixes are still being confirmed. ![Label example graphic: a 'Who can rent here: 55+' chip on a card](/images/content/label-example-graphic-showing-a-who-can-rent-here-.webp) ## How do we label buildings? When a building is designated 55+, we put a ‘Who can rent here: 55+’ chip above the price. It’s the same system we use for income-restricted labels [/income-restricted-new-apartments/ →](/income-restricted-new-apartments/) . These buildings stay out of market-rate medians and “from” cells, and the area table counts them in a separate column. On our board, the designated 55+ new community is currently The Luxe at Matlock. When fewer than 3 communities qualify, the snapshot says “Ask us,” because one building can’t make a fair median. > **Labels describe buildings, not people** > > We follow the Fair Housing Act. A label tells you the building’s designation. It never suggests who should or shouldn’t live somewhere. ## A labeled policy example Policies vary within the HOPA rules. Here’s how one community’s policy might read, as a made-up example: | Policy item | Example | | --- | --- | | Minimum age | At least one resident 55 or older per unit | | Younger spouse or partner | Allowed | | Caregiver | Allowed with documentation | | Guests | Stays over a set number of days need approval | | Age verification | Photo ID at lease signing | Ask for the written policy before you apply. If a household member is under 55, check the policy covers your situation. ## What should you ask a 55+ community? - What’s the age policy, and how is age verified? - Can a younger spouse, partner, or caregiver live in the unit? - Which units have elevator access or are on the ground floor? - What’s the whole price: base, special, fees, and year two? Every building on the New Build Board [/new-construction-apartments/ →](/new-construction-apartments/) is priced the same way, including 55+ communities. Tell us your move date and areas, and we’ll send the whole price for each qualifying community. ## Learn more about 55+ New Apartments We'll text you within minutes during our hours, then send a same-day shortlist. See the page [/55-plus-new-apartments/ →](/55-plus-new-apartments/) ## Questions renters ask about this ### Does 55+ mean everyone must be 55? Not necessarily. Federal rules require at least 80% of occupied units to have one resident 55 or older, and each community sets its own policy within that. ### Is an 'active adult' label the same as 55+? Not always. Some active adult communities are designated 55+, and some aren't. We label a building 55+ only when it's designated that way. ### Which new 55+ communities are on your board? Currently The Luxe at Matlock. When fewer than 3 communities qualify, the snapshot shows 'Ask us.' ### What's the difference between 55+ and 62+? A 62+ community requires every resident to be 62 or older, with limited exceptions. A 55+ community uses the 80% rule. ### Do you guarantee the price or my approval? No. The community sets both pricing and approval, and we confirm them in writing before you sign. ## Where to use this ![New apartment building entrance with a covered drop-off and level walkways](/images/content/new-apartment-building-entrance-with-a-covered-dro.webp) Find ### 55+ New Apartments New 55+ communities with clear 'Who can rent here' labels. Open [55+ New Apartments →](/55-plus-new-apartments/) ![Modern mid-rise apartment entrance with a warm wood canopy](/images/content/modern-mid-rise-apartment-entrance-with-warm-wood-.webp) Find ### Income-Restricted New Apartments New communities with income-restricted units, labeled above the price and never pushed or hidden. Open [Income-Restricted New Apartments →](/income-restricted-new-apartments/) ![Aerial view of new apartment communities across the Fort Worth side](/images/content/aerial-view-of-new-apartment-communities-spread-ac.webp) Find ### New Build Board A map and cards for every new community in scope, with the whole price on each card. Open [New Build Board →](/new-construction-apartments/) Free to you · Your rent is the same either way ## Get the whole price before you tour Tell us your move date, budget, and where you need to be. We'll make the calls, collect the fee sheets, and do the math for every building that fits. Get my shortlist [/contact/ →](/contact/) See the New Build Board [/new-construction-apartments/ →](/new-construction-apartments/) What happens next: We'll text you within minutes during our hours, then send a same-day shortlist. We don't guarantee pricing or approval. The community sets both, and we confirm them before you sign.