A. Nothing in this chapter regarding unlawful discrimination because of familial status shall apply to housing for older persons. As used in this section, "housing for older persons" means housing: (i) provided under any state or federal program that is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons, as defined in the state or federal program; or (ii) intended for, and solely occupied by, persons sixty-two years of age or older; or (iii) intended for, and solely occupied by, at least one person fifty-five years of age or older per unit. The following criteria shall be met in determining whether housing qualifies as housing for older persons under clause (iii) of this subsection:
1. At least eighty percent of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person fifty-five years of age or older per unit; and
2. The publication of, and adherence to, policies and procedures which demonstrate an intent by the owner or manager to provide housing for persons fifty-five years of age or older.
B. Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of:
1. Persons residing in such housing as of September 13, 1988, who do not meet the age requirements of clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection A, provided that new occupants of such housing meet the age requirements of those clauses; or
2. Unoccupied units, provided that such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection A.
1991, c. 557; 1992, c. 322; 2000, c. 30.
Structure Code of Virginia
Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law
§ 36-96.1. Declaration of policy
§ 36-96.3. Unlawful discriminatory housing practices
§ 36-96.3:2. Reasonable accommodations; interactive process
§ 36-96.5. Interference with enjoyment of rights of others under this chapter
§ 36-96.6. Certain restrictive covenants void; instruments containing such covenants
§ 36-96.7. Familial status protection not applicable to housing for older persons
§ 36-96.8. Powers of Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board
§ 36-96.9. Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer
§ 36-96.10. Procedures for investigation
§ 36-96.11. Reasonable cause determination and effect
§ 36-96.12. No reasonable cause determination and effect
§ 36-96.14. Issuance of a charge
§ 36-96.15. Prompt judicial action
§ 36-96.16. Civil action by Attorney General upon referral of charge by the Real Estate Board
§ 36-96.18. Civil action; enforcement by private parties
§ 36-96.20. Additional powers of the Real Estate Board; action on real estate licenses