As the population of older adults continues to grow, age-qualified housing—commonly referred to as “Senior Living”, 55+ or 62+ communities—has become an essential segment of the multifamily housing industry. With that growth comes the increasing importance of understanding the unique intersection between fair housing laws and senior living policies. From age qualification standards and marketing language to handling accommodation requests and navigating evolving resident needs, age-qualified housing presents both opportunities and legal responsibilities.

This 60-minute webinar is designed specifically for professionals working in or managing properties designated for older adults. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) intersect—and how to avoid common compliance pitfalls while promoting inclusive, legally sound communities.

Packed with real-world examples, case studies, and practical strategies, this session will demystify the complexities of age-qualified housing, clarify what it truly means to be “55+ compliant,” and address how fair housing protections extend beyond age to cover disability, familial status, race, national origin, and other protected classes—even within communities that restrict tenancy by age.

Why should attend this:

Fair housing compliance is a non-negotiable part of operating any multifamily property—but when it comes to age-qualified housing, the rules are even more nuanced. If your property markets itself as “55+,” “age-restricted,” or “senior housing,” there are critical legal responsibilities you must understand to stay compliant, avoid costly complaints, and serve your residents appropriately.

If you’ve ever asked questions like…

“Can we turn away applicants under 55 if we’re a 55+ community?”

“What documentation do we need to prove we meet the 80% age rule?”

“Are we allowed to deny children living at the property?”

“What happens when a resident’s caregiver doesn’t meet the age requirement?”

“Do we have to allow service animals in a 55+ community?”

…then this session is not just helpful—it’s essential.

Areas covered in the session:

• What HOPA really says—and what it doesn’t?
• Understand the legal definition of "housing for older persons"
• Learn the key differences between 55+ and 62+ designations
• Examine how to maintain legal exemption from familial status protections
• How age-restricted communities are still subject to fair housing law
• Explore how protections for disability, race, sex, and national origin still apply
• Learn to manage reasonable accommodation requests in senior housing settings
• Recordkeeping, verification, and compliance requirements under HOPA
• Identify what documentation is required to maintain your age-restricted status
• Learn how to handle mixed-age households, guests, and permanent caregivers
• Best practices for avoiding discrimination claims and unintentional violations
• Analyze advertising do’s and don’ts for senior living communities
• Identify red flags in policy language, signage, and leasing procedures
• How to respond to common resident needs through a fair housing lens
• Address accessibility modifications, emotional support animals, and live-in aides
• Examine how health issues, mental disabilities, and frailty impact enforcement

Who should attend this:

• Multi-site Managers
• On-site Managers 
• Leasing Managers
• Housing Director
• Housing Authority Staff
• Property Manager
• Community Manager
• Senior Living Professionals
• Landlords/ Owners
• Training and Development Professionals
• Compliance Professionals and HR Professionals.

* There will be time allowed for questions at the end of the presentations. (Live Session)

*Not able to attend the live session? Choose an On-Demand session to watch the session later.