Many older residents are curious about senior apartments. They wonder what senior apartments are, the benefits of living in one, the requirements they must meet to live in one and how much it costs. Seniors can rest assured knowing that there are minimal eligibility requirements associated with these types of apartments.
Moreover, the cost of living in a senior apartment is usually less than that of a regular apartment. In addition, there are numerous benefits to living in senior apartments. They vary from one complex to the next and depend on the amenities that are provided.
Review the sections below to discover more information about living in a senior apartment and how to search for senior apartment listings.
What is a senior apartment?
Senior apartments are apartment properties that are developed to accommodate senior tenants. They enable older Americans to live more independently and at a lower cost compared to apartments that are available for tenants of all ages.
Senior apartments typically enforce age requirements on their tenants. Because of this requirement, seniors can experience a sense of community with their peers and fellow tenants. Additionally, senior apartment buildings and properties are usually quiet calm compared to regular apartments.
This is because apartments for seniors are often designed with less floors and fewer stairs to increase accessibility for the tenants.
Many senior apartments offer and provide numerous services for their older residents. Some of these include housekeeping, cooking and community activities. Some residences may offer more or less services.
Moreover, some complexes offer services for a fee while others include them in the rent agreement. Seniors who are interested in the previously mentioned services should ask their prospective apartment complex if they are offered and if they are included with their monthly fees.
Seniors can find apartments at varying sizes. However, apartments of different sizes and styles are priced differently. In addition, senior housing is not only found in apartment complexes. There are also senior townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and condominiums.
Older residents looking for senior apartments often inquire about those types of dwellings include. Those who are curious about what they should expect from a senior apartment should find out about the amenities offered.
Just as it is essential to find out about the costs and available services of an apartment, prospective tenants should also ask the apartment complex directly about its amenities. Senior apartment amenities often include:
- A laundry with washers and dryers.
- Cleaning services.
- Furnished units.
- Central air conditioning and heating features.
- Walk-in showers with built-in safety features.
When determining which apartment would make the best dwelling, it is essential to visit each property. Also, it can be beneficial to visit unannounced to see how the staff works when they are unprepared for guests. When touring apartment complexes, consider the following:
- Friendliness of the staff and residents.
- Use of the common areas.
- Conditions of the grounds.
- Perceived safety of the neighborhood.
- Handicap access.
- Presence of a 24-hour alert system.
- Amenities available.
To find more detailed information about senior apartments, download our free guide.
Learn About Senior Apartment Requirements
As previously mentioned, most senior apartments enforce a minimum age requirement for tenants. Usually, apartment complexes require applicants to be between 55 and 62 years of age to be considered for tenancy.
However, in cases in which only one spouse meets the age requirement but the other does not, both will be accepted into the residence in most cases.
There are exceptions to the age requirement in some cases. The exception applies to certain recipients of housing assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD permits residents with disabilities who are at least 19 years of age to rent in senior housing unit as long as they meet all other requirements.
Furthermore, HUD contributes to the funding of certain senior housing complexes. As a result, these dwellings are available at lower costs for seniors. However, these older tenants must satisfy income requirements in order to obtain this low-cost housing.
Learn About Senior Apartment Costs
Many seniors, especially those with limited or fixed incomes, worry about the cost of living in a senior apartment. The cost of senior housing units varies depending on several factors. One factor is the area that residents choose to live in.
Additionally, the current market rate for rentals has an impact on cost. Furthermore, an apartment’s size and style factors into the total cost of rent. Moreover, the amenities that are included and whether the complex is designed to house senior citizens impact the amount that residents will have to pay.
Often, there are numerous senior apartment complexes available in residents’ immediate areas. Thus, interested seniors have the opportunity to tour and inquire several locations near them. Investigating apartments in local areas can give elderly residents an idea about the average cost of living in their current area.
It can give them a better idea about which amenities are worth paying more for or if they would rather save on their rental costs. However, renting a senior apartment in one area is usually a more affordable option than renting a regular apartment. Additionally, seniors who earn low incomes are encouraged to search for senior apartments that are funded by HUD. This way, they can ensure that their monthly rent payments will be low.
Learn About Senior Apartment Listings
Certain areas have an abundance of senior housing options. Even in areas with few senior apartments, interested residents can find them in their local apartment listings or through online searches. Housing units for older tenants can be usually be found in rental magazines or newspapers.
Additionally, the United States Administration on Aging office can provide resources for any resident looking for senior apartments. The U.S. Administration on Again usually has listings of senior apartments in different areas including low-income housing options for seniors. Representatives may also be able to provide information on income guidelines and other requirements in order to attain housing in low-income HUD rentals.
As mentioned before, eligible seniors can obtain a senior apartment for a much lower cost. To read more about finding senior apartment listing, download our comprehensive guide.