Civil Code Section 51.3 permits specified age restrictions in connection with housing and defines “senior citizen housing development” as a residential development for senior citizens that has at least 35 dwelling units. It also defines “qualifying resident” or “senior citizen” to mean a person 62 years of age or older, or 55 years of age or older in a senior citizen housing development. It further defines “qualified permanent resident” to mean certain other residents who meet specified requirements, including, among others, being a cohabitant, spouse, support person, or a disabled person who is a child or grandchild of the senior citizen.

Civil Code Section 51.3(d) requires the covenants, conditions, and restrictions or other documents or written policy of a senior citizen housing development to permit temporary residency, as a guest of a senior citizen, by a person of less than 55 years of age for not less than 60 days in any year.

This bill would amend Civil Code Section 51.3 to additionally require the covenants, conditions, and restrictions or other documents or written policy of a senior citizen housing development to permit a qualifying resident, as defined, to share their dwelling unit with a qualified roommate pursuant to a lease or other written agreement with the qualified roommate.

Existing law permits a qualified permanent resident in a senior citizen housing development to be entitled to continue their occupancy, residency, or use of a dwelling unit upon the death, dissolution of marriage, hospitalization, or other prolonged absence of the qualifying resident.

This bill would also amend Civil Code Section 51.3 to authorize a qualified roommate to be entitled to continue their occupancy, residency, or use of a dwelling unit in these circumstances if that qualified roommate is 55 years of age or older.

Existing law excepts Riverside County from these provisions.