property lease terms question

April 6, 2009 2:26 PM

The owners of a number of flats in the UK have got together to form a management company. Part of their responsibilities is to set the rules of ownership. Is it possible for them to change the rules so that no tenant under 55 can move into the properties?

Most of the owners are middle aged and are keen to maintain that balance, they are the landlord and directors of the resident's association.

They know they can change things like, no pets, noise, etc but can they change something as fundamental as this?

posted by trashcan to work & money (3 comments total)

It appears that the UK age discrimination law only applies to employment training and education. It does not apply to discrimination relating to consumer products and services, so you can probably legally put an age clause. Of course someone could still take you to court about it. IANAL
posted by furtive at 3:02 PM on April 6

Although I don't know the law exactly, much over-Xs only accommodation does already exist. Depending on your contract type, it may be that they can simply refuse to renew when it expires, and issue new contracts.

Perhaps a little more information about this situation and how this might affect you would be useful if you want advice about it.
posted by Sova at 3:20 PM on April 6

I know that in the US senior housing has a federal exemption. I also know that, as a landlord, I would not attempt such a conversion without the assistance of competent legal advice.
posted by dhartung at 11:45 PM on April 6