Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing is a group of self-contained flats or bungalows with either one or two bedrooms, which you can buy or rent. It can also be called retirement housing. It might be a good option if you want to live in a smaller home that is easier to manage.

Sheltered housing usually has a scheme manager or warden. There may be an emergency alarm system providing 24-hour help as necessary.

Facilities will vary from scheme to scheme, but sheltered housing usually has:

• self-contained properties grouped together into a small complex
• scheme managers or wardens who are responsible for looking after the buildings and making sure the residents are safe and well. They may not be full-time or based on site
• a community alarm system
• communal areas such as a lounge, laundry room, guest flat and garden
• adaptations to make getting around easier and safer.

Sheltered housing schemes often arrange social activities among the residents, such as coffee mornings, film nights or a gardening club.

Advantages to moving into sheltered housing could include:

• having neighbours around you, but still keeping your privacy and independence
• help being available in an emergency
• more security than in private accommodation
• living in a more manageable property
• having communal facilities and opportunities to socialise.

Sheltered housing isn't right for everyone. Some possible disadvantages are that:

• there could be a waiting list
• there may be limited choice in some areas
• service charges can be high – these cover communal services like building repairs, heating and hot water charges, and the emergency alarm system. If you receive Housing Benefit and Pension Credit to help you with your housing costs, it may not cover all service charges
• if you buy, it could be difficult to sell the property later, and you might have to pay an exit fee
• there may be rules about pets or visitors.

Sheltered housing may not be suitable for people with higher care needs. If you need a higher level of support, you might want to consider extra care housing, or a care home.

Sheltered housing is available to rent or buy. Providers are usually local councils, housing associations, charities or private companies.

If you want to rent

Most sheltered housing for rent is let through local councils or housing associations. There is a small amount of private rental accommodation. There may be fewer eligibility criteria and a shorter waiting list if you rent privately, but the rent will probably be higher.

Each council has its own housing allocation policy. Housing associations usually have to follow the council’s allocation policy and will offer housing to people on the council housing waiting list. However, some may accept direct applications.

Contact your local council housing department and ask if you qualify to apply, or contact our Helpline to arrange to speak with a housing adviser.

If you’re already a council or housing association tenant, ask your landlord about how to apply.

If you want to buy

You'll usually have to buy from a private provider, rather than a council or housing association. Sheltered housing is usually sold on a leasehold basis in England and Wales. In general, your home will be freehold in Scotland. Some providers offer a shared ownership option where you can buy part of a home and pay rent on the rest. You can get details of housing associations running shared-ownership schemes from your local housing department or from Elderly Accommodation Counsel.

Before you buy, you should check your contract and get independent advice from a solicitor about your rights and responsibilities.

If you're buying a leasehold property, check the lease to see if there are any restrictions in case you want to sell the property or leave it to a relative in your will. You should also see if there are any exit fees if you decide to sell it, or if the occupancy changes. The Leasehold Advisory Service has more information on things to consider.

If you’re considering moving into sheltered housing, it’s a good idea to contact your local council for a free care needs assessment. This looks at what care you need and what might help you, including how suitable your accommodation is. 

If your assessment shows that you could benefit from living in sheltered housing, you may be able to get help from the council with your care costs. You will have a separate financial assessment to decide this.

Some sheltered housing schemes provide more support than others, and costs will vary depending on the area and the services offered. Make sure you ask plenty of questions and pay a visit to any schemes you're considering. Make a list of what you want to ask – for example:

• what is included in the service charges and what costs extra?
• is there parking space, and what are the transport links like?
• how much support can you expect? For example, is there an emergency alarm system?
• are there any rules you need to be aware of? For example, can you bring your pets?
• is there a scheme manager or warden? If so, how often do they visit and what are their responsibilities?
• what communal facilities and opportunities for socialising are there?

You can download our Retirement housing checklist and bring it along when you visit a scheme. It can remind you to check certain things and to ask the right questions, so you can make the decision that's right for you.

Contact your local council to find out about sheltered housing in your area. For more information about how to get sheltered housing, see our guide Retirement housing.

Help with rent and council tax

There are different schemes available to help you with council tax charges, depending on your circumstances. If you’re living on a low income, you may also be eligible for Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit to help pay your rent.

Help with service charges

If you rent your home, you may also be able to apply for Housing Benefit to cover certain service charges. See our factsheet Housing Benefit for more information.

If you own your home, and you claim certain benefits such as Pension Credit, you may be able to get help with paying some service charges. See our factsheet Pension Credit for more information.