Frequently Asked Questions
What is retirement housing?
Retirement housing, is accommodation which has been specifically designed for older people to live independently for as long as they wish and are able to do so. Unlike a residential care home residents live independently in their own private home. Nursing care does not form part of the services provided.
Who can apply?
People aged 65 years over over. The applicant must be fit to live alone and be able to look after themselves.
What happens with my housing application?
Upon receipt of your housing application, the application will be screened to determine if you meet the criteria for housing. If you do not meet this criteria, you will be notified at this stage.
If you do meet the criteria, the Housing Team will arrange to meet you to fully assess your situation and your need for housing. This may include visiting you at home and requesting certain documentation in support of your application. This process may also include contacting agencies to obtain supporting documentation.
Who can join the housing waiting list?
Due to the demand for our housing and in the interests of fairness in allocating our homes, we operate a housing waiting list. Only applicants who have been assessed as meeting our criteria for housing may be added to our waiting list. We restrict numbers on our waiting list as we only have a small number of vacancies each year. We also work with the London Borough of Bromley’s Housing Department and accept referrals from them for our rental properties. Due to the limited availability of properties, the Association may close the waiting list in circumstances where the number of approved applicants far outweighs the availability of housing. We will clearly state on our website if our waiting list is closed.
How are properties offered?
When vacancies arise, we will offer the property to an applicant from the waiting list. Properties are offered based on a range of factors including the size of the property required, priority needs, the date of acceptance onto our waiting list and the applicants readiness to move.
How big is an apartment?
There are different size apartments (studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom). Each apartment has a kitchen and bathroom with a walk in shower.
If I am a Glebe bungalow owner, can I move to an apartment?
If, at some point in the future, you are having difficulty managing your bungalow and/or think you would be more comfortable living in one of our apartments, nearer to amenities you will need to liaise with the housing team who will consider your request. If a move is agreed, your name will be added to the rental waiting list and you will be contacted, along with others on the list when a suitable vacancy arises.
What is a service charge?
A service charge is a monthly charge payable to your landlord in addition to rent to cover the cost of communal services provided. The Association uses the income from service charges and management fees to cover the costs of the Resident Services Team, maintenance of the grounds, buildings and common areas, insurance and management costs. The service charge or management fee is payable irrespective of whether or not you use the services provided.
Will my rent, service charge or management fee increase?
Rent, service charges and management fees are reviewed annually with any change taking effect from 1st April each year. As a not-for-profit housing association all income is used to support and invest in the Association.
Will there be staff on site?
Our Administration Team and our Maintenance Team are available during office hours. Our Resident Services Team will be your main contacts daily and operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What happens if there is an emergency?
If you need assistance in an emergency, you can press the emergency button or pull cord which has been fitted in all properties.
Will Glebe staff have access to my home?
The Association’s staff or contractors may sometimes require access to your home. If this is required, we will notify you in advance to seek your permission unless it is an emergency where it is not possible.
Can I bring my car/mobility scooter?
Parking is available on site. We have limited space for mobility scooters so you will need to join the waiting list if you have a scooter.
Is there a restaurant on site?
The Adams Hall restaurant provides lunches Monday to Friday to residents and their family and friends.
Is there a shop on site?
Yes. Our convenience shop stocks many everyday items such as milk, bread, eggs, stamps and greeting cards.
What happens if I have a guest stay over?
We have guest rooms available, for which advance booking and additional charges are required.
Can I bring a pet?
Cats or dogs are not permitted in Bencurtis Park, except for, registered assistance dogs. If you wish to have a pet such as a caged bird or fish in a tank or aquarium, please seek the consent of the Association in advance.
How can I get to West Wickham?
The 119 bus stops outside Glebe and goes to the shops in the high street. We also provide a minibus service to the high street, thanks to our volunteers.
How do I terminate my lease?
The lease requires that you must provide written notice to Glebe Housing Association if you wish to move out. The Association may commence the process of terminating the lease by providing 3 months’ notice in writing. This may occur if your affairs have been made subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Protection or if the Association considers that you are no longer capable of living in the bungalow due to ill-health or in the event of your death. Such decisions would be reached only after careful consideration and consultation with you and/or your next of kin as appropriate. The Association’s solicitor and your solicitor would communicate on the matter and the same process of buying back the bungalow and selling it on to a new leaseholder would apply.
How can I end my tenancy?
If you want to end your tenancy you must give a minimum of one month or four weeks’ written notice. You’re responsible for clearing your home, removing any rubbish and leaving the home in a reasonably decorated and clean condition.
What happens if a resident dies?
Should a loved one die the notice period is the same as ending a tenancy. We acknowledge that this can be a difficult and upsetting time for family members, and we will assist in making this process as simple as possible.
What happens when a bungalow becomes available for resale?
When the bungalow becomes available for resale, an independent market valuation of the remaining years on the lease is obtained and the Association will seek a suitable purchaser. The Association charges a fee of 7.5% which is deducted from the proceeds of the sale. A new 60-year reversionary lease is then granted to the new leaseholder.
Comments, compliments and complaints
Hearing your feedback is important to us and helps us improve our service. If you want to make a compliment, complaint or suggestion, contact the Administration Team.