Grandkids in Arizona 55+ Communities · Holiday Guest RulesCan the Grandkids Visit? Guest Rules in Arizona 55+ Communities
Yes, grandkids in Arizona 55+ communities are welcome. However, most communities limit how long young guests can stay. Here’s how the rules work, community by community, before the holidays.
By founder Jarl Kubat · Arizona 55+ Communities Real Estate · West USA Realty
With Thanksgiving and the holidays coming, one question comes up on almost every tour: “Can the grandkids come stay with us?” The short answer is yes. In fact, grandkids in Arizona 55+ communities are a normal, happy sight, especially around the holidays and spring break.
Still, every community has its own 55+ community guest rules. Founder Jarl Kubat has spent 22+ years helping buyers in Arizona 55+ and retirement communities, and he has seen these rules surprise people after they move in. So, here’s what to know first.
The short version
- Grandkids can visit. Every Arizona 55+ community we know of welcomes young guests.
- Long stays are limited. Many communities allow guests under 19 (or under 18) for about 90 days a year.
- They can’t move in. Young grandkids can visit, but they can’t live there full time.
- Amenities have guest rules. Pools and rec centers usually need a guest pass, and some set kids’ hours.
How the 90-day rule works for grandkids in Arizona 55+ communities
First, most Arizona 55+ communities follow the federal housing-for-older-persons law. As a result, at least one person in most homes must be 55 or older, and young people can’t live there. That’s why, in turn, the CC and Rs set a limit on how long young guests can stay.
In many communities, for example, the limit is about 90 days in any 12 months. Also, the days usually add up, so two weeks at Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas and a month in summer all count toward the same total. However, the age that counts as a “young guest” is not the same everywhere. For more on the age side, then, see our guide to the 80/20 rule in Arizona 55+ communities.
55+ community guest rules for grandkids, by community
Below is what the recorded CC and Rs we’ve read say about young guests. Keep in mind that rules can change, so confirm them for the exact home before you buy.
| Community | Who counts as a young guest | How long they can stay |
|---|---|---|
| Sun City | Under 19 | Up to 90 days in any 12 months |
| The Grand (formerly Sun City Grand) | Under 19 | Up to 90 overnight stays in any 365 days |
| Sun City Festival | Under 19 | Up to 90 overnight stays in any 12 months |
| Arizona Traditions | Under 21 | Up to 90 days per calendar year; stays may need to be split up |
| Westbrook Village | Under 18 | Up to 90 days in any 12 months |
| Heritage at Asante | Under 18 | Up to 90 days in any 12 months |
| SunDance | Under 18 | Up to 3 months in any 12 months |
| Fountain of the Sun (condos) | Under 18 | Up to 90 days in any 12 months |
Notice the difference at Arizona Traditions. Unlike most, it counts anyone under 21, not under 19. As a result, a college-age grandchild home for the summer counts toward the limit there. For the details in the two biggest Del Webb communities, read our Sun City age rules and The Grand age rules.
Pools, rec centers and guest passes for grandkids
Next, think about what grandkids in Arizona 55+ communities will actually do all day. In most communities, for instance, they can use the pools and rec centers with you and a guest pass or guest card. However, some communities set kids’ swim hours or keep certain pools for adults only.
For example, at Victory at Verrado, the 55+ pools follow the age rules. The Verrado pool your grandkids can use isn’t heated and is open about May to September. Therefore, a Christmas visit there means no swimming. That’s exactly the kind of detail we check for you before you buy.
Want communities where the grandkids will have fun too? Tell us how often they visit, and we’ll build your short list.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Send Us a MessageCan an adult child or grandchild live with you?
Often, yes, as long as they are old enough. In many Arizona 55+ communities, one resident must be 55 or older, and the other residents must be at least 19. For example, The Grand allows a resident 19 or older to live with an owner 45 or older. On the other hand, other communities set different ages, so ask before you plan on it.
Questions to ask about grandkids in Arizona 55+ communities
- What age counts as a young guest here: under 18, 19 or 21?
- How many days can they stay, and do the days add up over 12 months?
- Do guests need a pass for the pools and rec centers? Are there kids’ hours?
- Can an adult child live with us, and how old must they be?
- Can the grandkids stay at the house when we’re away?
A note from our founder
“Before we tour, I always ask how often the grandkids visit and for how long. If they come for a month every summer, that changes which communities I’ll show you. Overall, it’s much easier to pick the right community up front than to find out about a guest rule after you move in.” — founder Jarl Kubat (22+ years)
The federal rules behind all of this are in the housing for older persons regulations. In addition, each community adds its own guest limits in its CC and Rs.
Grandkids in Arizona 55+ communities: common questions
Can grandkids visit an Arizona 55+ retirement community?
Yes. Grandkids can visit every Arizona 55+ community we know of. Most communities limit how long guests under 18 or 19 can stay, often to about 90 days in a 12-month period, and they can’t live there full time.
How long can grandchildren stay in a 55+ community in Arizona?
In many communities, guests under 19 (or under 18) can stay up to about 90 days in any 12 months. A few are stricter. For example, Arizona Traditions counts anyone under 21 and limits them to 90 days a calendar year. Either way, always check the CC and Rs for the exact home.
Can my adult child or grandchild live with me in a 55+ community?
Often, yes, as long as they are old enough. In many Arizona 55+ communities, one resident must be 55 or older and other residents must be at least 19. However, some communities set a higher or lower age, so check the rules first.
Can the grandkids use the pool and rec centers?
Usually, yes, with you and with a guest pass or guest card. Many communities set kids’ swim hours or other limits. So, ask the association for its guest rules before you buy.
Planning a retirement move with family in mind?
Tell us how often the grandkids visit and what you want close by. After that, we’ll show you Arizona 55+ communities in the West Valley and East Valley that fit your family.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Send Us a MessageThis article is general information, not legal advice. Guest, age and amenity rules come from each community’s recorded documents and rules, which can change and can vary by section. Verify with the association before you buy. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent with West USA Realty.