Frequently Asked Questions

APPLYING FOR AN ALMSHOUSE

What is an Almshouse
Who is eligible for an almshouse?
How do I qualify to live in the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouse?
What does the application process involve?
What are the advantages of living in an almshouse?
What are the disadvantages of living in an almshouse?
Can I arrange a visit to the almshouses?

FEES AND SERVICES

Does an almshouse resident pay rent?
Can I have a pet?
Is there a car park for residents?
Is smoking permitted within the Watford almshouses?
Can a relative stay overnight?
Do you provide Meeting or Event Room Hire?

An almshouse is charitable housing provided to people in a particular community. They provide self-contained, low-cost housing (usually a house, cottage or flat), mostly to older people who have a low income.

To qualify as a resident of The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses in Watford, an applicant must satisfy all the following basic criteria and conditions:

• I am single
• I am 60 years old or older
• I am in "need, hardship or distress" and of modest financial means
• I am an inhabitant of the Watford area or surrounding areas in the WD postcode for most of their life
• I am in good health and able to take care of myself (we do not offer medical assistance or other forms of care)
• I am keen to contribute to a community
• I have the right to live in the UK
• I do not own a property

The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses Charity provides an almshouse for up to 18 single men or women based in Watford, aged 60 or older, who are in financial and social need and are capable of living independently. All applicants go through a thorough application process when residential spaces become available. All residents must be eligible for an almshouse and meet the basic criteria, fill out an application form, have background checks and have an interview with trustees.

You will need to request and complete an application form, click here for various formats including download. If you meet all the requirements for residency, you will be called to an interview with a couple of Trustees at the Almshouses. You will be notified soon afterward as to whether you have been accepted as a resident.

Some of the advantages of living in an almshouse are listed below:

• You'll be part of a small community
• Low monthly maintenance contribution –less than market rent
• You’ll live in your local area
• You will have a site manager
• You’ll live in a beautiful historical almshouse building (with communal gardens)
• You’ll be near a shopping centre, bus stop, train station, bank, cafes, cinema and restaurants

Some of the disadvantages of living in an almshouse are listed below:

• It is often not suitable for people who can’t live independently
• The older buildings can be without adaptations that make them accessible for all older people, for example no level access or lift
• Long waiting lists and limited availability
• Residents are licensees, so have fewer housing rights than tenants. This means it could be easier to evict you

You can arrange a visit to have a look around the almshouses before you fill out a formal application. Contact us and we will be happy to arrange an appointment for you.

Our residents occupy the almshouses as a Licensee of the Trustees; technically, therefore, residency is not a "Secure Tenancy" under the Housing Act of 1980. “Residents” of The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses Charity do not pay rent - they pay a maintenance charge. This monthly maintenance contribution is according to their means. This includes the supply of water (hot and cold), central heating, and external lighting. This contribution qualifies for Housing Benefit and is capped at the maximum level of the Benefit to ensure it is affordable for residents.

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the Almshouse cottages or flats.

There is no parking provision available for residents. There is a small car park beside the almshouses for visitors, tradesmen working on-site, and care workers.

Smoking is not permitted within any of the Watford Almshouses although you may smoke in the gardens as long as it does not interfere with the comfort of others.

Relatives can stay for one night in a residents Guest Room accommodation at The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouse. This is as long as the trustees are informed in advance for fire and safety reasons. For longer stays, one flat is kept unoccupied so that, in certain circumstances (e.g. sickness), a close family member of a resident can stay for a short period at the discretion of the Trustees. A nominal charge is made to cover the cost of washing bed linen etc. If you would like to book this room, please contact us.

Yes, we do provide meeting and community events room hire services. We have facilities that can accommodate meetings and events of sizes up to 8 people and you can book it by the hour at a very low cost. Click here for more information or to Hire a Room.