Can a senior housing community deny me housing based on my age or disability?

Senior housing communities can restrict housing by age (usually to those 55+ or 62+), but may not discriminate based on disability. Discrimination within these criteria is illegal.

How do I ask for an accessibility modification in my rental?

Submit a written request or a HUD sample letter to your landlord explaining the needed accommodation. Landlords must consider reasonable modifications.

What should I do if I get an eviction notice in senior housing?

Contact a legal aid office or housing support service promptly and try to resolve the issue with your landlord before any court date.

Where are senior housing disputes handled in North Carolina?

Most disputes are handled by the District Court in the North Carolina Court System.

Are there standard forms for reasonable accommodation in North Carolina?

There is no official form, but you can use HUD's sample reasonable accommodation request letter.

Senior Housing Rights and Protections in North Carolina

Special Housing Types & Situations North Carolina published June 21, 2025

Senior renters in North Carolina have unique housing rights and protections designed to ensure their homes remain safe, accessible, and free from discrimination. If you or a loved one lives in senior housing, understanding these legal protections can help you respond confidently if you face concerns about eviction, rent increases, maintenance, or discrimination. North Carolina law—backed by federal and state agencies—offers comprehensive support for seniors seeking secure and dignified housing.

What is Senior Housing in North Carolina?

Senior housing refers to residential communities that restrict residency to older adults—often those aged 55 or above—or offer specific accommodations for aging, such as accessible design or on-site services. Examples include independent living, assisted living, and "55+" communities. Many of these are covered by special housing laws.

Legal Protections for Seniors: Federal and State Framework

Seniors in North Carolina senior housing are protected both by North Carolina state law and by important federal statutes such as the Fair Housing Act. North Carolina’s North Carolina Fair Housing Act also prohibits discrimination based on age, disability, and other factors. These laws apply in most rental situations, including senior and assisted-living communities operated privately or by housing authorities.

Key Rights for Seniors in Housing

No Discrimination: Landlords and property managers cannot refuse housing, set different terms, or harass renters based on age, disability, race, religion, or other protected status.
Reasonable Accommodations: If you have a physical or mental disability, you may request changes (such as grab bars, ramps, or service animal exceptions) so you may use your home fully. These are called "reasonable accommodations." Landlords must consider them unless they pose an undue hardship.
Protection Against Eviction: The eviction process must follow strict legal steps. Seniors have the same rights as all tenants under the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act and can only be evicted for legitimate legal reasons.
Right to Safe and Habitable Housing: Senior renters have the right to a safe, well-maintained, and accessible living space. Landlords must address major repairs and maintain essential services.

How to Request Reasonable Accommodations in Senior Housing

A "reasonable accommodation" is a change to rules, policies, or services that helps a person with disabilities use their home. Examples include allowing a service animal or installing bathroom grab bars.

There is no standardized North Carolina state form for reasonable accommodation. However, renters typically submit a written request to their landlord or property manager. You may use the HUD sample letter from HUD’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource as a guide.

When to use: If you or someone in your household has a disability and needs a policy change or modification to use the housing fully.
How to use: Write a letter to your landlord explaining your disability-related need. Attach supporting medical documentation if necessary.

Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a senior housing community, you may file a complaint with:

Form Name: HUD Form 903
When/How to Use: Use this to report discrimination based on age, disability, or other protected categories. You can file it online, by mail, or by phone. For example, if a landlord in a 55+ community refuses a reasonable accommodation, you may submit this form through the HUD website linked above.

North Carolina’s Main Housing Tribunal

Eviction and housing disputes are typically heard by the North Carolina Court System (District Court), which handles small claims such as evictions and landlord-tenant disagreements.

Eviction Rules in Senior Housing

Seniors in specially designated housing are covered by the same eviction protections as all North Carolina renters. Landlords must provide written notice and follow the legal process as described in the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act.

Eviction typically requires a court order after a hearing if the tenant does not voluntarily leave.
Seniors on government-subsidized housing may have additional notice protections and opportunities to cure violations.

Tip: If you receive an eviction notice, try to communicate promptly with your landlord to resolve the problem and seek legal help if needed.

Common Forms and Where to Find Them

Request for Reasonable Accommodation (HUD Sample Letter): For asking your landlord for a change to rules or physical modifications. Download HUD Sample Letter
Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint – HUD Form 903: Used to file a fair housing complaint with HUD online or via mail. Form 903 & Instructions

FAQ: Senior Housing in North Carolina

Can a senior housing community deny me housing based on my age or disability?
Generally, senior housing can legally restrict housing to those 55+ or 62+, but discrimination within those criteria (such as refusing a person with a disability) is illegal under the Fair Housing Act and North Carolina law.
How do I ask for an accessibility modification in my rental?
Submit a written request (or use the HUD sample letter) to your landlord explaining your needs. They must consider reasonable modifications unless it would cause undue hardship.
What should I do if I get an eviction notice in senior housing?
Do not ignore it. Contact the North Carolina legal aid office or seek legal resources. Consider discussing the issue directly with your landlord before your court date.
Where are senior housing disputes handled in North Carolina?
Most landlord-tenant disputes are handled at the District Court level in the North Carolina Court System.
Are there forms for reasonable accommodation requests?
While there is no official state form, you can use HUD's sample letter or similar documentation to submit your request.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

North Carolina law and federal law protect seniors living in specialized communities from discrimination and unfair eviction.
Reasonable accommodations help seniors with disabilities enjoy equal housing opportunities.
For disputes, renters can seek help through HUD, the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, or District Court.

Staying informed about your rights makes it easier to advocate for safe, accessible, and fair housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (Fair Housing Unit) – Help with housing discrimination complaints.
North Carolina Court System – Find local courts to handle eviction and rental disputes.
HUD North Carolina Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Office – Federal complaint process and guidance for seniors.
Legal Aid of North Carolina – Free or low-cost legal support for North Carolina renters.
North Carolina Housing Coalition – Resources, education, and advocacy for housing issues.