Who may apply for a tenancy?
Anyone over the age of 55.
How do I apply for a tenancy?
You may telephone and arrange an informal visit to the house at any time. When a room becomes available a prospective tenant stays for a week as a guest to see if Abbeyfield life suits them and if the House can accommodate their needs. Following this a formal tenancy agreement is given.
What sort of tenancy agreement will I have?
You will have an Assured Periodic Tenancy. You pay rent monthly in advance and may terminate your lease at any time by giving two months’ notice.
How much is the rent?
For new leases from 2016 the room charge is £1350 per month.
What about future rent increases?
The rent is reviewed annually in April and residents are informed in writing at least 28 days in advance of any changes.
What is included in my rent?
Your monthly rent includes all meals, heating, lighting, the emergency on-call system, managing the gardens, and cleaning of communal areas and residents’ rooms. It also pays for the buildings’ insurance, maintenance and council tax.
Do I pay for my TV licence?
You are responsible for your own TV licence, but you do not have to pay for a TV licence if you are over 75.
Can I have my own telephone and internet connection?
Yes, but you are responsible for the costs of connection, line rental and calls.
Who pays the cost of my move?
This is your own responsibility.
What about contents insurance?
We strongly recommend that you insure the contents of your room.
Do I have sole use of my own room?
Yes, you will be the sole occupant of your own room.
Do I have my own key?
Yes. All residents have a keyfob which opens the automatic front door and their own room key. Each room has an intercom door-bell for outside visitors. A key safe is provided on the outside of each room for emergency access.
Are there en-suite rooms?
All our rooms now have en-suite facilities – a shower or bath, wc and hand-basin. A shared bathroom is available on the ground floor.
What about heating in my room?
All rooms are centrally heated and you can control the temperature of the radiator/s in your room. There are heated towel rails/radiators in all bath/shower rooms.
Are there cooking facilities in my room?
Each room has a small kitchen area with refrigerator and sink. Residents supply their own small electrical items, eg kettles, toasters for preparation of breakfasts and tea. Further cooking facilities are not supplied as lunch and supper are provided by our staff for residents each day.
What about furniture?
Rooms are let unfurnished, apart from an under-counter refrigerator and kitchen units provided by us. Please note that all soft furnishings, furniture and equipment you bring must comply with current Safety Regulations.
What about carpets and curtains?
Carpets and curtains are supplied. You may change them if you wish, but this will be at your own cost. Please speak to the staff about this.
Is my room cleaned?
Your room is cleaned and bedding changed and laundered once a fortnight. Extra cleaning/laundry may be organised at your own cost.
When and where are meals served?
Breakfast items are provided by the staff for residents to make breakfast in their own rooms. A two course lunch is served in the dining room at 1 pm. A light supper is served in the dining room at 6 pm on weekdays.
Can I help in the garden?
We have a gardening team who look after our gardens but you are welcome to help under their guidance if you wish.
Is there a staff member on duty at night?
Our housekeeping staff are non-resident. All residents are required to have a care-line which offers instant response in the case of an emergency. We organise and pay for this.
Can I have visitors?
Friends and relatives can visit you at any time. All visitors are required to sign in and out of the building to comply with fire safety regulations.
Can a visitor stay in the house?
We have two guest rooms, which are available at a small charge. Please speak to the staff if you wish to book.
What do I do about laundry?
Our staff launder residents’ bedding fortnightly and clean your room regularly. We make a small charge for extra personal laundry. You are welcome to use the modern laundry facilities, including washing machines, tumble dryers, irons and ironing boards, should you wish.
Can I smoke?
Abbeyfield is a non-smoking house. Smoking is not permitted in residents’ rooms, communal areas or gardens.
What if I become ill?
As a sheltered housing provider we are not registered to provide the level of care provided by a residential or nursing home. We will support you through minor illnesses. It is the responsibility of residents and/or their family/sponsor to arrange adequate support throughout periods of illness and to arrange medical appointments and transport, and personal care from outside providers if required.
Social events?
Shaftesbury itself, which is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has good amenities within a level walk of the house, and a lively Arts Centre.
We offer a range of social activities in the house and suggestions are always appreciated. Regular activities include a weekly chair exercise group, coffee mornings, and scrabble/card evenings.
