FAQs

Do I qualify for your Housing Scheme?

Tenant Farmers and Owner Occupiers

You are eligible to apply for our Housing Scheme if you are leaving an agricultural holding, because of ill health or accident which prevents you from working: retirement, death of a spouse or non-viability of the farm and by leaving the farm, you will also lose your home. . If you are unsure if you are eligible, or would like to discuss your particular circumstances, please contact us, in confidence for guidance.

Farm workers and farm managers:

We may also be able to support you if you are aged over 60, and have worked in farming, as a farm manager or farm worker for a minimum of 20 years  and you have had tied accommodation which you are losing due to ill health, accidents which prevent you from working, or retirement (if you are the widow(er) of someone who meets this criteria, please contact us in confidence for guidance.

How much are your rents?

The rents you will pay are at least 20% below the average market rent for similar properties in the same area. Many of our existing tenants qualify for housing benefit and we would advise you to enquire with the appropriate agencies to understand if you are eligible for the same payments. We may also be able to offer ‘rent support’ depending on your circumstances. Just ask.

I am experiencing issues with my current landlord/agent. Are you able to advise me on my best options?

We would suggest that you speak to a legal representative, such as a solicitor, or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or the charity Shelter, as our own staff are not qualified to offer such specialist advice.

I have read how Addington tries to keep families within their locality, but I wish to move further away to be nearer my family. Is this possible?

Yes, we will always try to find a home for you in an area of your choice. While this is often nearby because of work, schools, friends and families, we can look at other locations if necessary.

What sort of tenancy agreements do you offer?

In England, we use standard Assured Shorthold Tenancies. These give an initial six-month commitment. After that, you would need to give one month’s notice. As the landlord, we must give two months’ notice. Whilst our aim is to provide long term housing, the notice period gives us the protection we need as responsible landlords. Tenancy agreements with married couples are usually ‘joint tenants’ and there is no right to sucession for other generations who may live in your Addington home.

I have to leave the farm, but don’t really know what I want to do long term. Would you consider buying a house for a few years, while I consider my options?

We prioritise our available housing for those who are looking for a long-term solution.

My landlord has served me notice to quit. I need advice and assistance to fight this. Can you help?

We suggest that you contact the Tenant Farmers Association or the National Farmers Union and seek specialist legal advice. While we offer many avenues of support to the farming community, unfortunately our work does not extend to offering advice or funding to help retain a tenancy with any other landlords.

When I leave the farm, I would like to do some contracting and keep a few animals. Would you buy a house with a yard and a few acres?

We only buy ordinary residential homes. This approach ensures that our properties are appropriate for a broad spectrum of people, long into the future. If you wish to run a business that requires additional space, the onus would be on you to find and self-fund any such additional premises.

I left my farm years ago, but am worried about the long term tenure of my current rented home. Can I still apply?

If you have already left your farm and are living in suitable and affordable housing, you would still be eligible to apply to us for an Addington home. Our trustees may have to prioritise applications from people with more short-term concerns, but please do speak to us about your current housing situation as we might be able to help.

When I retire from the farm, I will have some savings to put towards a house purchase. Can you offer shared equity purchases?

Yes, currently three quarters of our houses are in a ‘shared equity’ arrangement, where our tenants have a financial interest in the house. The percentage is calculated and rent reduced accordingly. The costs of our responsibilities as your landlord, such as external maintenance and insurance, are determined by the percentage split of the equity agreement. Should the house be sold, any proceeds will be divided on the same basis.