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 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.
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. 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 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.
