55 and over buildings?

Question

Do you have to do anything to to make a property 55 and over? Is it registered differently in the city?  I closed on an 8 unit building yesterday and everyone who lives there is 55 ad over. I have 1 vacant unit and want to designate the building as 55 and over so I can discriminate based on age went looking for a new tenant.  Do I just put up a plaque on the building saying it's so or do I need to do something with the local building department? does anyone have any experience with this?  The building is in Elyria.

Heidi Zuhlke · Answer

Hi Phil, we recently purchased a multi-unit and we are classifying it as a 55 and older building.  From everything I read, there isn't anything you necessarily need to do to get it officially designated.  It seems to me that you can call your building a 55+ as long as you meet the criteria where 80% of units must have someone on the lease over 55.  It references that your actions will also need to support the 55+, so your advertisements/lease/etc.  You'll also need proof of age (copy of state ID or birth certificate) for all tenants in case HUD or someone else comes asking, but I feel that would only happen if someone complained.  Here is a link to the memo my lawyer gave me to review when I asked her about it, I thought it very helpful!

https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_7769.PDF

Charles Brown · Answer

@Phil Morgan,I'm not sure about Elyria's local code, my thought in general is that all is needed is to advertise it as Senior Housing, maybe someone else will chime in with more info from that area, James Wise may be able to shed some light on it

Phil Morgan · Answer

I know you can qualify a building as 55 and over as long as 80% or more of the tenants are over the age of 55.  It qualifies for that already.  I will have to contact Elyria building department and see what they have to say about it.  I have made friends over there so hopefully they go easy on me.

James Wise · Answer

Thanks for thinking of me Phil.

To be honest I have never done this. So no 1st hand experience. Off the top of my head places you should look are gonna be

Overview of Ohio's Fair Housing

HUD.gov

Elyria Building Department

After55.com

Karen Margrave · Answer

@Phil Morgan Maybe you can find what you're looking for here It seems like it's relatively simple.

I haven't done a lot of research on the 55 and over housing, but I have been reading on different concepts and lifestyles for Boomers and seniors. There are over 10,000 people a day turning 65, and that will continue for the next several years, making Baby Boomers a huge segment of the real estate market. I know that there are density bonuses for development of housing geared towards seniors, but I'm not sure on the specifics etc.

From the generation that brought us communal living, there's also a growing trend in shared housing, allowing those that appreciate having a nice home, but don't want to live alone or be responsible for the maintenance of a home, to share the expenses and maintenance, etc. It's also very popular with students, singles, and various groups that are connected in some way. I was reading on one community that were artists. I must admit my interest comes from being a boomer myself, and have considered doing a project of some type geared towards boomers. (aka seniors in R.E.)

Benjamin Leung · Answer

Really I think requirements can change so much between city to city I would contact the city zoning and permits or look at the individual city code. Also, just check on the federal level what it means and what responsibilities are in the a 55+ community.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_for_Older_Pe...

55 and over buildings?

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