Your guide to our properties to rent for over 55s
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Welcome to Anchor Thank you for enquiring about renting one of our properties. This brochure provides the information you need to understand whether Anchor rented housing is right for you and how to apply for your new home.
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Choosing your home We’re delighted you’ve expressed an interest in living with us. You’ll have received details about the location(s) you enquired about separately. If you’d like to visit, please contact the local manager using the number on the leaflet. Anyone aged 55 or over can apply for a property. You can choose where you want to live, but the property options will depend on your circumstances and what’s available. You may be able to move in straight away however, due to their popularity, we hold waiting lists for many of our locations and properties are allocated based on priority needs. Once you’ve decided that a location is right for you and that you’re eligible, the next step is to complete an application. Information about how to apply can be found later in this brochure
About us Anchor is England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life. With nearly 60 years’ experience in developing great housing and care choices, we offer over 54,000 homes for older people in almost 1,700 locations across the country. And we’re proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services, so that more people can have a home where they love living in later life.
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What will my new home be like? Our rental properties include mainly studios and one-bedroom flats, with a limited number of two and three-bedroom flats and bungalows. Properties are allocated based on your household size. A studio flat is easy to manage and homely. It can be ideal if you’re looking to downsize to a smaller property. You’ll have your own kitchen, spacious bathroom, bedroom/lounge, entrance hallway and lots of in-built storage. In a one, two or three-bedroom property or bungalow you’ll have your own separate kitchen, bathroom, lounge and bedroom(s). Independence and peace of mind Maintaining your independence is important to us and we pride ourselves on providing a warm, safe and comfortable setting. Your home will be completely self-contained, with your own front door and the option to decorate as you wish. Most properties have access to our 24-hour emergency call service and secure door entry system, alongside a manager to oversee estate services such as building maintenance, repairs and gardening.
You’ll also find a range of shared facilities to complement each private residence such as a lounge and attractive gardens where you can relax and spend time with friends. Note that some properties may not have access to the same shared facilities. What will my costs be? Your monthly payment will include the rent for your property, as well as the service charge. This covers the cost of the amenities you share with your neighbours, such as the manager service, the 24-hour emergency call service, repairs and maintenance services, window cleaning, gardening and the heating, lighting and upkeep of shared areas. The money you pay will vary depending on where you live and what services you receive. You’ll be given clear information on these charges when you view a property. You’ll be responsible for your own council tax, phone bills and electricity bills.
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Room to make friends You’ll find our locations often have a vibrant community, where you can interact with fellow residents. In some locations social committees have been set up to include everyone in the planning and delivery of social events. It’s completely up to you how much or little you wish to be part of the community. Pet friendly We understand that a pet can be a very important part of your life. You’re welcome to bring your pet with you, so long as you arrange this with the manager before you move. Wellbeing services You’ll have access to our Be Wise service, providing free and confidential advice, practical assistance and support on a range of topics. We can help you to claim the benefits you’re entitled to, get the best deal on your energy, and provide information and advice about getting online if needed. Each year we help residents receive over £1million in additional benefits and energy savings. Welcome your guests If you’d like your friends or family to stay over when they come to visit, most of our locations have a guest room which can be used for a small charge. Diverse community Residents are from all walks of life and we embrace diversity in all our locations. Dignity and respect are central to what we do, and the unique contributions of our colleagues and residents are valued and celebrated. We’re also an early adopter of the HouseProud Pledge scheme, introduced following research into the experiences of LGBT+ people living in social housing.
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Simple steps to applying for a property to rent
1. Check you’re eligible You must be aged 55 or over to apply 2. Decide which location(s) you want to apply for • You can apply to live in any of our properties throughout England. • You can apply for up to five rented housing locations. • Make sure you only apply for locations that you’re interested in as you can only refuse up to three offers before your application is closed for all locations. 3. Complete an application Apply for a property by calling our Customer Centre on 0800 731 2020 . Or visit your chosen location where the manager will take your application. In either case, we’ll take you through the process in person.
4. Next steps Where there is a vacant property and no waiting list, you’ll be able to view it and move in immediately. However, due to their popularity, many locations have a waiting list. Once we receive and have processed your application, you’ll receive a letter confirming that you’re on the waiting list for your chosen location(s) and advising you on what you can expect next. Your application will be held on the waiting list in date order. Note that we may need to offer a property to someone who’s applied after you and has a priority need for housing (see frequently asked questions).
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Frequently asked questions
How do you allocate properties on the waiting list? We’ll put your application on the waiting list in date order however there are several other factors that need to be taken into account: • We’re obliged to offer some of our empty properties to local authorities - this varies from location to location • When we do let from our own waiting list then we initially seek to offer properties to: − our own tenants and leaseholders who are seeking a transfer, subject to living with Anchor for at least 12 months, adhering to our tenancy agreement, and having an up-to-date rent account. Existing residents receive only one priority move with Anchor. − an applicant with a priority need for housing. This may include someone who urgently needs a specially adapted property. We aim to make the best use of our properties by matching the size of an applicant’s household to the size of the property and those with a better match will be offered a property first. Property type Preferred applicant household size Studio or 1 person bed flats Single applicant 1 bed 2 person flat Joint applicants 2 bed flat Applicants who require a 2 bed property due to household size or medical support needs How can I find out how long a waiting list is? We can let you know how many people are on the waiting list for location(s) you’re interested in as well as how many properties we’ve let to applicants on the waiting list in the past 12 months.
However, we’re unable to give you an exact timeframe for how long it will take to be offered a property. Timings will depend on the waiting list and a property becoming available. Can I take a tour of the location? Yes, the local manager will be happy to show you around, although you may not be able to see inside properties if they’re occupied. If you’d like to visit, please contact the local manager using the number on the location brochure. If you’d prefer, we can also offer virtual viewings using technology to support your decision-making, where this is possible. The local manager will provide important local information such as public transport options, car parking and scooter storage, social activities taking place, alongside room dimensions and what furnishings you can expect. They can also help you to complete an application if required. I’ve also applied to my local authority – can I still apply for an Anchor property? Yes. We work with a large number of local authorities. If you also apply to a local authority, you may increase your chances of finding a property. For more information, contact your local authority’s housing department. Can I buy a property instead of renting? If you’re interested in buying an Anchor property and would like more information, please call our Customer Centre on 0800 731 2020 or visit www.anchor.org.uk .
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To find out more and apply please call our Customer Centre on: 0800 731 2020 Monday–Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday 8am–4pm anchor.org.uk
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For our privacy notice please visit: www.anchor.org.uk/customer-privacy-notice If you wish to see a hard copy contact our Customer Centre
IMAGES Property images show the specific location, unless otherwise stated. People images show life in a typical Anchor community. IMPORTANT NOTICE The information, images and other details about the property and the services we offer at the property given in this brochure are correct as 1 April 2021. You are advised to contact an Anchor Hanover Group representative for further details and to satisfy yourself as to their accuracy before you agree to rent a property from us. Anchor Hanover Group is registered as a charitable housing association with registered society No 7843. Registered Provider No. LH4095.
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