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A developer in Flint is marketing a new senior housing community and wants to restrict occupancy to residents aged 55 and older. A 40-year-old applicant is denied and files a complaint, arguing that age discrimination is prohibited under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The developer claims a legal exemption applies. Which of the following best describes the legal situation?

Correct Answer

B) The developer may qualify for the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) exemption, which can override state age discrimination protections for qualifying senior communities

The federal Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), an amendment to the Fair Housing Act, provides an exemption allowing communities to restrict occupancy to persons 55+ (or 62+) if they meet specific requirements: at least 80% of occupied units must have one resident 55 or older, the community must publish and follow policies demonstrating intent to be housing for older persons, and the community must comply with HUD rules. This federal exemption can apply even in Michigan, where age is a state-protected class under the Elliott-Larsen Act, because HOPA provides a specific carve-out for qualifying senior housing.

Answer Options
A
The developer has no valid exemption because the Elliott-Larsen Act prohibits all age-based restrictions in housing
B
The developer may qualify for the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) exemption, which can override state age discrimination protections for qualifying senior communities
C
The developer is exempt because the applicant is under 60, and Michigan law only protects persons 60 and older from age discrimination
D
The developer must accept the applicant because Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Act age protection applies to all persons 18 and older without exception

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

elliott_larsenage_protectionhopa_exemptionsenior_housingstate_vs_federal

Related Concepts

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds, while conversion is the unauthorized use of client funds for the broker's own benefit. Both are serious violations that can result in license revocation.

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client trust funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds; conversion is the misappropriation of those funds.

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