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HOPA 55+ Act

woman and dog on walking path in one of Columbus' retirement communities

HOPA Changed the Way Age-Qualified- Active adult and senior Communities are Designed

The Housing for Older Persons Act, or HOPA, eliminates the requirement of 55 communities to have senior care services. This amendment to the Fair Housing Act enabled developers to offer housing that is age-eligible but does not offer “significant facilities and services” designed for frail or less able elderly persons.

This new law, signed into place in 1995, opened the doors for development of senior living residences for active people over 55 years of age. Learn more about housing options with resources from HUD now.

Within this concept, residents can enjoy life in an age-qualified environment. Developers can offer active adults all the fun amenities and services of conventional apartment complexes or condominium communities, without any required healthcare services.

The law maintains that 55 and older communities follow an 80/20 rule, in which 80% of the homes must be occupied by at least one person who is 55 years of age or older. While there are many caveats and exceptions to this general rule, the 80/20 rule is the standard in 55+ senior living communities nationwide.

Communities for active adults age 55 and older have generally been very well received in markets all over the United States over the past two decades, and as the baby boomer generation continues to downsize, demand for more units of this type, with amenities that appeal to active adults will increase. Development of active adult communities, senior living apartments, condominiums and patio homes targeting empty nesters has increased significantly over the past decade in all markets, and even while it slowed during the years following the housing market crash, momentum picked up considerably during the recovery years.

Treplus Communities is at the forefront of designing a truly unique type of housing for active adults age 55 and older. Built with all the critical Universal Design features, single-story designs and open floor plans, the units enable residents to enjoy simplified living. Treplus Communities are are accessible and adaptable. Fresh, contemporary unit designs, upscale amenities and features make them superior to any luxury apartment property today.