What type of agreement will I have and how secure is it?
Because we provide almshouse sheltered housing, your flat is protected by a trust so it can only ever be used for housing. We can never ask you to leave, unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example: you no longer meet the eligibility criteria or you don't comply with the terms of our agreement.
Rather than being a tenant, you will have a licence to occupy your home, making you a legal beneficiary of the Charity. We will issue a Letter of Appointment that sets out your rights and obligations.
Do I pay rent?
Instead of paying rent, you will make a weekly maintenance contribution (WMC) which is paid monthly in advance. You will pay £298.00 weekly (collected every 4 weeks) plus utilities and council tax. Your WMC may be covered by housing benefit payments.
What does the weekly maintenance contribution charge cover?
- contribution towards central staff and administration costs
- heating and hot water of communal areas
- maintenance and redecoration of buildings
- cleaning of communal areas
- lighting in communal areas
- upkeep of the gardens
- external cleaning of windows
- building insurance of the scheme
- maintenance of lift, entry phone system, TV aerial system, fire system and appliances
- laundry facilities
Heating charge
In addition, residents pay their own domestic electricity (lighting, cooking and other appliances), the cost of their telephone, their council tax and other living expenses.
Can I claim housing benefit
Residents can claim housing benefit, subject to status. It can either be paid to the residents or directly to the Charity.
The weekly maintenance contribution is eligible for housing benefit, however the heating charge is not.
Find our more
- find out more about our sheltered housing
- find out if you are eligible
- call for a chat on 020 8670 4504 (8.30am - 4.30pm: Mon - Fri)
- email almshouse@3chars.org.uk
- see our safeguarding policy
- privacy policy
Accommodation
We provide one-bedroomed, self-contained flats in a modern block at the top of Sydenham Hill in South London.
Apply
Find out more about eligibility and our application process for residency at The Heights.
Community
We have a large communal lounge where activities take place. Current groups include: Tea Club, Film night, Fish ‘n chip night, Bingo, Puzzles. There is also a piano, pool table, jigsaw table, table tennis table and selection of books for residents' use.
