Explore ADA-accessible homes with zero-threshold entries, roll-in showers, lever handles, and universal design features—searches customized for the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA).
What is ADA-compliant or ADA Accessible?
“ADA-compliant” means meeting the accessibility requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so that a building or space can be used independently and safely by people with disabilities. Key elements include:
List of Key Features in ADA-Compliant Properties
Accessible routes
— Continuous, unobstructed paths from parking areas and sidewalks into and through a building
— Minimum clear widths (usually 36 inches) and gentle slopes on rampsEntrances and doorways
— At least one zero-step (grade-level) entrance or ramped entry
— Door clearances of at least 32 inches when open, with lever-style hardwareInterior circulation
— Hallways and corridors wide enough for wheelchair turning (typically a 60-inch turning circle)
— Maneuvering clearances at turns, at elevators, and in lobbiesRestrooms and bathing facilities
— Grab bars at toilets and in showers
— Roll-in showers or transfer-type showers with fold-down seats
— Accessible sinks (knee clearance) and mirrors mounted at lower heightsKitchens and counter areas (in residential settings)
— Lowered counters or adjustable-height work surfaces
— Accessible clearances under sinks and cooktopsControls, signage & alarms
— Light switches, thermostats, and outlets mounted between 15 and 48 inches above the floor
— Tactile (Braille) signage on room identifiers and exit signs
— Visual-and-audible fire alarmsParking and exterior features
— Designated accessible parking stalls with adjacent access aisles
— Curb ramps and detectable warning surfaces at street-curb crossings
By adhering to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, properties ensure equal access and usability for people with mobility, visual, hearing, and other disabilities—enhancing safety, comfort, and independence for all occupants and visitors.
HOPA
What Is HOPA?
The Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA) amends the Fair Housing Act to permit certain communities to lawfully limit occupancy to older adults. Under HOPA, age-restricted (“55+”) or senior communities are exempt from the Fair Housing Act’s familial-status provisions—meaning they may exclude families with children—so long as they comply with specific federal requirements Wikipedia.
HOPA Compliance Requirements
To qualify for and maintain HOPA status, a community must meet three core criteria:
80% Occupancy Rule: At least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident aged 55 or older.
Published Policies: The association must adopt and publicly adhere to written policies demonstrating its intent to operate as age-restricted housing.
Biennial Verification: Every two years, the community must verify residents’ ages—typically via surveys and sworn declarations—to ensure continued compliance Florida Condo & HOA Law Blog.
What “No HOPA” Means
When a property listing or community indicates “No HOPA,” it means the development does not hold a HOPA exemption and therefore cannot impose age-only occupancy restrictions. In practical terms:
The community must comply fully with the Fair Housing Act’s protections for families with children.
There is no legal basis to advertise the property as “55+,” nor to refuse occupancy to minors or households with children MediumReal-ativity.com.
Implications for Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: Families and individuals of any age may reside or visit without age-based limitations.
Sellers/Brokers: Marketing materials must not reference age restrictions, and the community must treat all applicants equally under familial-status protections (e.g., cannot limit children’s access to common amenities) Justice.gov.
Understanding whether a community is “HOPA” or “No HOPA” is crucial: it directly affects who can live there and what marketing claims are permissible under federal housing law.