Information for Applicants 

Thank you for your enquiry about coming to live at the Chawner Almshouses.  We hope that the following frequently asked questions may prove helpful and will enable you to decide if you want to apply to us for housing.

Where are the Almshouses?
Chawner Almshouses are situated on The Square in the village of Marchington, Staffordshire.

Can I apply for a Chawner Almshouse?
The Almshouses were originally built to provide accommodation for local people who found themselves homeless or living in poverty.

The criteria for being accepted onto our waiting list is:

• You must have a housing need or be experiencing some other form of hardship

• Have a close connection to the area, through the length of time that you, or close relatives have lived locally. 

• Be of limited financial means. 

• Must be capable of living independently, as no onsite care is provided.

• Non smokers 

• Pets by negotiation

All applications are considered without regard to religion, gender, or ethnic origin.  Our properties are suitable for single or double occupancy.

What happens when I send my form back?
When we get your form back we will check to see if you are eligible and if so you will be held on file until a vacancy occurs.  When an property becomes vacant you will be contacted to ensure your situation hasn’t changed, and that you still require accommodation. We will check all your details are up to date, and ask you to come in to see us. When we meet you we will go through your form and will give you a tour to see if you feel it is the right housing for you. 

If you are not eligible for our accommodation we will write to you as soon as possible to say so.

If we register you on our waiting list this does not mean we can help you straightaway, and we would advise you to keep looking at other options, particularly if your housing need is urgent. 

When we are in a position to offer you accommodation we will contact you to make sure you still want to be considered, check all your details are up to date and usually visit you at home. At this time we will also take up the references you have given us.

How are the Almshouses run?
The almshouses are run and managed by a voluntary Board of Trustees

What accommodation is provided?
The almshouses consist of three, double storey, single bedroom cottages housed in a historic building built in the 1860s.  All have gas fired central heating, fitted kitchens and modern bathrooms.

Each cottage has a generously sized rear garden, set out to lawns and vegetable areas. The front and side aspects are paved, and designed to be in keeping with the building. The building is listed and is situated inside the Marchington Conservation Area.

How much would I pay?
Our residents are not tenants but are beneficiaries of the charity - you would be given a licence to occupy rather than a tenancy agreement. So you wouldn’t pay rent but something called a “Monthly Maintenance Contribution” (MMC).  The current MMC is £320per month. This includes all service charges. If you need help with your housing costs you may be eligible for Housing Benefit support. You would pay for all your other bills yourself – electricity; gas and council tax.

Can I bring a pet?
Pets are allowed only by negotiation and only with the written authority of the Trustees.

Is there any parking?
The almshouses do not have garages or parking spaces. There is some restricted roadside parking immediately outside each almshouse. No resident has a guaranteed parking space.

Do I have to join in social events?
No social events are organised by the Trustees. Residents lead completely independent lives.

Are there lots of rules?
We aim to interfere as little as possible in the lives of residents.  However, as with any community we need to have some guidelines as to what is acceptable.  A Resident’s Handbook is given to each resident when they move in which sets these out in more detail and you would be asked to sign a form to confirm you understand your rights and obligations. You should note that as a licensee your security of tenure is limited and you should bear this in mind and seek advice if you are giving up secure accommodation. We rarely if ever however have to ask people to leave, unless you are no longer able to look after yourself or if you have broken the terms of your license in a serious way. 

Is there a no smoking policy?
Yes, we ask residents not to smoke in the properties.

Can I have friends and relatives to stay?
Visitors are not permitted to stay in an almshouse, except with the written consent of the trustees

Please complete the application form which is available by download from the website.

We look forward to receiving your application