Frequently Asked Questions

What is an almshouse?

Almshouses are charitable homes provided by independent charities for people who meet their eligibility criteria.

Residents have their own front door and live independently, whilst benefiting from the security and stability that almshouse accommodation can provide. The College of Matrons exists to provide secure, affordable homes for women whose circumstances mean that suitable housing might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Unlike most forms of housing, almshouse residents do not occupy their homes under a tenancy agreement. Instead, residents are beneficiaries of the charity and occupy their homes under a licence granted by the Trustees.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• be women aged 50 or over;

• live within the College’s Area of Benefit, which covers the dioceses of Bath & Wells, Exeter, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Truro and Winchester;

• be in housing need; and

• be capable of independent living.

Applications are considered by the Trustees in accordance with the College’s governing scheme and charitable objectives.

What do you mean by housing need?

Housing need can arise for many reasons. Applicants may be living in accommodation that is unaffordable, insecure, unsuitable for their circumstances, difficult to maintain, or otherwise causing hardship.

Trustees consider each application on its individual merits and assess whether the College can make a meaningful difference to an applicant’s housing situation and quality of life.

Do I need to live in Salisbury or Wilton to apply?

No.

Applicants may come from anywhere within the College’s Area of Benefit. The homes themselves are located in Salisbury and Wilton.

What accommodation do you provide?

The College currently provides accommodation for 27 women across its Salisbury and Wilton sites.

Accommodation includes a mixture of self-contained flats and cottages.

All accommodation is for single occupancy.

Am I a tenant?

No.

Residents occupy their homes under a Licence to Occupy rather than a tenancy agreement. Residents are beneficiaries of the charity and contribute towards the upkeep of their accommodation through a Weekly Maintenance Contribution.

How much will I pay?

Residents make a Weekly Maintenance Contribution towards the upkeep and management of the accommodation.

The contribution is reviewed periodically by the Trustees. Current contribution levels are available on request.

Residents are responsible for their own utility bills, council tax and other personal expenses.

Can I have visitors?

Yes.

Friends and family are welcome to visit and short stays may be possible where accommodation allows. However, almshouse accommodation is intended for the resident’s use and is not suitable for long-term occupation by additional people.

Can I bring a pet?

Pets may be permitted in some circumstances and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Prospective residents should discuss any pets with the College before applying.

Do I have to take part in community activities?

No.

Residents live independently and are free to decide which activities, if any, they wish to attend.

Are there any rules?

As with any community, residents are expected to show consideration for their neighbours and comply with the terms of their Licence to Occupy and the Resident Handbook.

Residents are expected to occupy their homes as their principal residence and to inform the College if they expect to be away for an extended period. Homes must not be sublet, lent to others or occupied by family members or friends in place of the resident.

Residents are expected to allow reasonable access for inspections, maintenance and repairs when required.

The College is responsible for maintaining the properties and therefore residents should not carry out alterations, redecoration or improvements without prior permission.

These arrangements help ensure that everyone can enjoy their home safely, peacefully and independently, whilst enabling the Trustees to fulfil the charitable purposes of the College.

What happens after I submit an application?

Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility.

Eligible applicants will normally be invited to meet representatives of the College and may also be visited in their current home as part of the assessment process. This helps both the applicant and the Trustees decide whether almshouse living is likely to be a suitable option.

Applications are then considered by the Trustees when vacancies arise.

Submitting an application does not guarantee that accommodation will become available immediately, and applicants are encouraged to continue exploring other housing options.

How can I find out more?

If you would like further information, please contact the College using the details provided on our Contact page.