Information for prospective tenants
The Orchard Housing Society exists to provide sheltered accommodation for the older and elderly members of the Hampstead Garden Suburb population who are in housing need.
Our next date for application interviews
Next date to be confirmed.
Eligibility for becoming a tenant
Applicants should:
- be over 60 years of age
- be in housing need (either inappropriately housed, homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless)
- have a local connection: be a resident or previous resident of Hampstead Garden Suburb, be a resident in the borough of Barnet or be a a close relation or friend in the Suburb,
Priority will be given to applicants with a connection to the Suburb.
Applicants should be able to, and wish to live independently.
Any risks identified after completion of a needs and risk assessment, must be manageable by the service.
The application process
People wishing to live at the Orchard must complete an Application Form, a medical form and a Needs and Risk Assessment before being offered a flat.
The Application Form and Assessment will be used to decide whether the applicant meets our eligibility criteria.
Accommodation and rental charges
The Orchard has 61 flats and provides accommodation for 48 single people and 13 couples.
The flats are self-contained and are either single or double. Single flats comprise a bed sitting room with separate kitchen and bathroom. Double flats comprise two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.
Sheltered housing in the Orchard is intended for people who are able to live independently, or with support provided privately or through the local authority.
Every flat is provided with a call system so that a manager can be summoned in an emergency, for example, in the event of illness, fire or a fall. In an emergency and in cases of illness, managers will help and contact medical authorities or relatives. They will attend to minor repairs inside and outside the building and report to the Committee any major repairs considered necessary.
When managers are off duty the alarm is linked to a telecare service.
All tenants of the Orchard have security of tenure and are granted an assured tenancy.
No pets are allowed.
Services
The Orchard's Managers are based on site Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The Orchard works with our telecare provider who provide 24/7 support for tenants. Flats are equipped with emergency cords and intercom services. Telecare is contactable outside of office hours, weekends and public holidays.
Our facilities
Car park
The Orchard has a small car park that is available to residents and their visitors. This has clearly marked parking bays and is fully lit at night.
Communal lounge
We have a communal lounge that is available to tenants. It is well equipped with furniture, has its own well stocked kitchen and offers a variety of furniture to cater for all requirements. Furniture can be arranged for a range of events such as social events, meetings and card playing. The communal lounge has a television that is regularly used to show films and a piano that is used for music recitals.
Communal computer room
There is a small communal computer room situated on one of the Orchard blocks that is available to tenants. It contains a computer, printer and offers free internet access.
Gardens
The Orchard blocks are situated within extensive, well maintained gardens. These are accessible for all tenants, and have benches and tables for use in good weather. All ground floor flats have direct access to the gardens.
Laundry
There is a laundry room containing washing machines and tumble dryers for the use of tenants.
Guest rooms
The Orchard has three well furnished guest rooms with access to a communal bathroom. These can be used by visiting relatives and friends of tenants and can be booked in advance. There is a small rental cost for the use of guest rooms.
Allotments
Tenants have access to local allotments that are situated extremely close to the Orchard. These can be arranged through the Orchard management.
Associations, activities and events
The Orchard has an active Residents Association that lays on a variety of different activities and events. We have Summer and Winter parties for tenants, Bring and Buy sales, and communal activities in our communal lounge. Fellowship House is a short walk from the Orchard and offers various activities for local residents.
Accessibility
There is easy access to the Orchard site and the entrances to the building blocks are fully accessible.
Distances:
- Bus stop - 50 yards / 150 yards
- Local shops - 150 yards
- Post Office - 250 yards
- Doctor's surgery / GP - 150 yards