Desert Gardens RV Oasis Cooperative
55+ Community Policy
(As of 12/20/07)

Desert Gardens RV Oasis is a community intended for residents 55 years of age and above. This policy is designed to comply with the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA), as amended. This community is housing for older persons as defined under Subsection (D), paragraph 3 of Arizona Revised Statutes Section 41-1491.04. The Cooperative reserves the right to amend these rules as needed to remain in compliance with HOPA.

1. General Rule. To comply with HOPA, all occupied units must be occupied by at least one individual 55 years of age or older, either an owner or a renter. 

2. Occupants and Minimum Age. The minimum occupant age at Desert Gardens is 55, with an exception made for younger spouses or significant others. An occupant is defined as a person who spends at least 30 nights per calendar year in a unit. 

3. Visitors and Persons Under 55. Visitors of any age are permitted but there are limits on visitors who are younger than 55. Persons under 55 may visit an occupied unit up to a total of 30 nights during each calendar year, but no visit by a person under 55 may last for more than 14 consecutive nights. Persons under 21 may not use the common facilities except under the supervision of an adult age 21 or older. Visitors must check in with the office upon arrival to receive a visitor’s pass. Visitors of any age who abuse the facilities or violate the Cooperative’s rules will have their use privileges suspended or revoked by the Cooperative’s Board or office.

4. Rental Units. Owners may rent out their units when they are not occupying them, subject to Cooperative’s rental rules. All rented units must be occupied by at least one individual age 55 or older. Proof of age must be presented at the office upon check-in. A birth certificate or a government issued picture ID with birth date will be considered valid proof of age.

5. Unit Cooperative Membership and Lease. Any individual or group of individuals age 55 and older who intend to occupy the unit may hold title to a unit cooperative membership and lease. Individuals or entities who will not occupy but rather intend to rent out a unit, may be exempted from the 55+ provision upon making a written declaration of such intent. The Cooperative’s Board will review requests for all purchases or title transfers on an individual basis and all decisions and evaluations will be made in compliance with the Fair Housing Act. 

6. Annual Surveys. The Cooperative will conduct an annual survey of occupants on or about each January 15th. Unoccupied units (except those with occupants who are temporarily away) and units occupied by employees of the Cooperative or the Developer will not be included in the surveys. The surveys will be maintained at the Cooperative’s office and will include:

• Names and ages of all occupants (other than visitors).
• A copy of a government issued ID with picture and birth date for all occupants who are 55 or older.
• A signed statement by at least one occupant of each unit who is 55 or older certifying that the survey information  for that unit is accurate.