Many older people want to lead an independent life in a home of their own. Sheltered housing is designed to provide this independence in a secure and friendly environment - they are not old people's homes.

The purpose is to enable you to remain independent for as long as possible. Tenants are not supervised. You have your own key to your own front door and may come and go as you please.

The scheme manager is the main source of support and there is always a range of facilities and social activities.

In sheltered schemes, you are a secure tenant like any other council tenant with similar rights and responsibilities. However, you cannot transfer the tenancy to any other family member and you may not buy your flat.

Who can apply

People aged 60 and over are eligible for sheltered housing. However, we are happy to consider applications from slightly younger people if it is felt that sheltered housing would meet their needs.

In the case of a couple where only one partner is over 60, approval would usually be given if the age gap is not too great.

We welcome applications from all regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexuality or disability.

Apply for sheltered housing

Contact the Sheltered Housing Team to apply.

After you have applied, we will arrange for a housing officer to visit you at home. The officer will complete reports on your existing housing, medical and social circumstances and they can also give you more information and advice.

Assessment

The assessment process aims to ensure that you gain the maximum priority to which you are entitled.

The officer will discuss the particular schemes and areas of your choice. They will try to give some indication of the kind of housing you may be able to get.

Alternatives

There are often waiting lists for many of our schemes.

In addition to our sheltered schemes, several housing associations manage schemes in the Royal Borough. Some are like ours, but others are designed to meet particular needs. There are, for example, schemes for ethnic groups (including Asian, Vietnamese and African-Caribbean) and other specific groups of people.

If you are interested in any of these schemes, or would like more information, please contact the Sheltered Housing Team.