Children in a Retirement Community

[tobygardner]

I have a client who is retired and has been living in the same retirement building for the past 10 years and just took custody of their grandchildren.  The apartment has enough bedrooms for the children.  Being children, do they have to move?  Does it matter if it is temporary custody or permanent custody?

[angelawilcox]

While some retirement communities have swing sets and little playgrounds for visiting grandchildren, others cap the number of days that minors can spend the night. The idea is that they don't want under-aged residents moving in on a permanent basis. This kind of policy may feel draconian to those who cherish every hour with their grandchildren and want the little ones over as much as possible. It also might preclude your adult kids from returning to the nest if they can't find jobs. It's best to check the community's policy about visitors who are younger than the minimum age requirement and make sure you are in agreement before you commit to living there. I understand that you have resided in this particular building for 10 years and it would be best to speak with the housing management about the current situation. If the leasing manager states that you can't reside there with the grandchildren ask for information on income based housing for your family. It doesn't hurt to ask them to be a reference for you at your new residence.

[tobygardner]

I was afraid that it is pretty standard policy to limit the time grandchildren can spend the night. You offered good advice. Thanks, Angela. Do you think legally there may be protections to keep her from being evicted until she can move?

[angelawilcox]

The client should have a leasing agreement that covers moving or eviction procedures. In this case I'd like to know if the management is aware of the custody case in general? This custody information will be helpful to the retirement build management.

If the property management has been notified properly that allows time for the leasing agreement to be discussed and clarified. Keeping all parties current on any changes of income or number of potential residence can avoid possible immediate eviction. Keeping all parties aware doesn't mean the client won't eventually have to move. I'm stating more suitable arrangements between the client and management can be made to help the client within the moving process.

[tobygardner]

Thank you. You have hit on something very important: communication between the resident and management is key. I appreciate that w/in that communication management may be more willing to be flexible. That's what's needed in this case: time so the resident can relocate.