Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing is usually a one or two-bedroom flat or bungalow, with its own front door, in a block or group of similar properties. It is designed to cater for retired and older people and create a community to promote friendship and a feeling of security. Some sheltered housing properties will share communal facilities such as a lounge‚ laundry and garden.

Sheltered housing properties are managed by housing associations who provide support services which may include regular visits and calls. A manager will provide support during office hours and may arrange social activities. They will liaise with care services and relatives to talk about care and support needs.

If you receive home care services these can continue to be given in the same way.

There is usually an alarm system in sheltered properties operated by pull-chords or a pendant alarm. All alarm calls will go through to a 24-hour call centre that will hold details on every tenant. In an emergency they will get the right help for you.

Grants are available for people on low incomes to meet the cost of support in some properties. Talk to the housing association that manages the site you’re interested in.

People who have capital or a property with a value above £23,500, or who have a high income, must pay their own support charges.

Sheltered properties are usually bought on a leasehold basis either from us or privately.

You can rent a sheltered property from a registered social landlord or privately.

Rent will depend on the size and location of the property. Service charges are sometimes added to cover cleaning and maintenance of communal areas and contribute towards other support services.

You can claim housing benefit to help with the rent and qualifying service charges if you are on a low income.

Find out which social housing properties are available using the HomeChoice website.