Hemet has some of the most popular age-restricted neighborhoods in the Inland Empire. Communities like Four Seasons at Hemet, Solera Diamond Valley and Seven Hills draw buyers who want single-level living, clubhouses and quieter streets. Many owners eventually move closer to family, into assisted living, or inherit a home from a parent. That's often when the question comes up: can I rent this house out, and what do I have to do differently?
You usually can. But a 55+ community has rules that a regular Hemet rental doesn't, and getting them wrong can cost you a tenant, a fine from the association, or a fair housing complaint. Here's what to check before you list.
1. Confirm the community's age rule in writing
Start with the CC&Rs and any written occupancy policy. In Riverside County, senior housing rules are governed by California Civil Code Sections 51.10 to 51.12, not the Section 51.3 rules used in most other counties. Federal law (the Housing for Older Persons Act) also applies to communities that operate as 55+ housing.
In practical terms, most Hemet 55+ communities require that at least one person living in the home is 55 or older and plans to live there as their primary residence. Other household members may be allowed if they fit categories the law defines, such as:
- A spouse or cohabitant of the qualifying resident
- A person 45 or older living with the qualifying resident
- A live-in caregiver providing substantial health care
- In some cases, a disabled child or grandchild who needs to live with the senior
Every association writes its own version, so read yours closely. Some are stricter than others about who else can live in the home.
2. Know the guest limits
Your tenant's younger family members can visit, but there are limits. In Riverside County, the governing documents set how long a guest under 55 can stay, up to 60 days in a year. If your tenant's adult son "visits" for six months, the HOA can come after you as the owner, not just the tenant. Put the guest limits in the lease, or attach the HOA rules, so the tenant has agreed to them in writing.
3. Check the HOA's rental rules
California law generally doesn't let an HOA ban rentals outright. Under Civil Code Section 4741, an association can prohibit short-term rentals of 30 days or less, and it can cap the share of homes that are rented, but the cap can't be lower than 25 percent. If a cap exists, ask whether there's a waiting list before you plan around a move-out date.
Also ask the HOA or management company:
- Do they need a copy of the lease or a tenant registration form?
- How do tenants get gate access, clubhouse cards or pool keys?
- Is there a fee to transfer amenity rights to a tenant?
- What exterior items, like landscaping, are the owner's responsibility?
4. Screen for the age rule the right way
Age is the one place where a 55+ rental can lawfully say no to an applicant who is otherwise qualified. That means you need to verify it, not assume it. Ask for a government-issued ID for the qualifying resident and keep a copy in the file. Associations also have to keep age verification records, so they may ask you for the same information.
Outside the age requirement, normal fair housing rules apply. Use the same income, credit and rental history standards for every applicant, following a consistent tenant screening process. In California, rental assistance like a Housing Choice Voucher counts as a source of income, so you can't turn someone down just because part of their rent comes from a voucher. If an applicant asks for a reasonable accommodation, like a grab bar or a ramp, handle it the same way you would in any other rental.
5. Set up the lease and deposit correctly
A few details matter more in a senior community:
- Rent caps: If you own the home as an individual, it may be exempt from California's statewide rent cap (AB 1482), but only if the lease includes the required exemption notice. Don't skip it.
- Security deposit: Since July 1, 2024, most California landlords can collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit. Some small landlords can collect two. Check which group you're in before you quote a number.
- Mobile homes are different. Many of Hemet's senior parks are mobilehome communities, which fall under a separate set of state laws. This guide covers site-built houses and condos.
6. Price for the right renter
The tenant pool for a 55+ home is smaller than for a typical Hemet house, but these renters often stay longer and take good care of the home. Price against other age-restricted rentals in the same community, not against family homes across town. Single-story layouts, low-maintenance yards and walk-in showers are worth highlighting in the listing.
Thinking about renting your Hemet home?
Magnum Property Management manages single-family homes, condos and townhomes across Hemet and Southwest Riverside County, including homes in age-restricted communities. We'll review your HOA's rules with you, price the home against the right comparables, and handle screening, leases and maintenance from start to finish.
Learn more about our Hemet property management services, or contact us for a free rental analysis.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by community, so review your CC&Rs and talk with your HOA or an attorney about your specific situation.
