Almshouses
What is an almshouse
An almshouse is a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need) and is occupied or is available for occupation under a licence by a qualified beneficiary.
Please read this page carefully before applying for any vacancy shown at the end of the page
Qualifying Criteria
Dartmouth United Charities provides 32 almshouses to help people in financial need. All applicants to DUC almshouses must have lived in the town of Dartmouth for at least the past 2 years or have strong links to the town and would otherwise live here if it weren't for the high housing costs. All applicants must be of good character and we are able to take into consideration the needs of other residents.
Town Centre Apartments
DUC has 19 self-contained one bedroom unfurnished flats in Victoria Road suited to over 55s.
Due to the age of the buildings, the flats are not accessible to people who need level access.
The flats are decorated, carpeted and come with cookers. Residents have the use of two adjacent communal laundry and drying facilities. The DUC provide a part-time Wellbeing Visitor to support residents and help manage the premises (no personal care is provided). We are sorry but flats are not generally suitable for most pets.
Family Houses
DUC has 13 unfurnished family houses in Townstal (2-bed and 3-bed) which are offered neutrally decorated with floor coverings throughout. All have some outside garden space. These are available to families whilst they have dependent children. The aim is to encourage families to save for their future housing needs whilst providing a stable, low cost home to raise a family. There is a one year probationary period. Pets with prior permission.
An almshouse is a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need) and is occupied or is available for occupation under a licence by a qualified beneficiary.
Please read this page carefully before applying for any vacancy shown at the end of the page
Qualifying Criteria
Dartmouth United Charities provides 32 almshouses to help people in financial need. All applicants to DUC almshouses must have lived in the town of Dartmouth for at least the past 2 years or have strong links to the town and would otherwise live here if it weren't for the high housing costs. All applicants must be of good character and we are able to take into consideration the needs of other residents.
Town Centre Apartments
DUC has 19 self-contained one bedroom unfurnished flats in Victoria Road suited to over 55s.
Due to the age of the buildings, the flats are not accessible to people who need level access.
The flats are decorated, carpeted and come with cookers. Residents have the use of two adjacent communal laundry and drying facilities. The DUC provide a part-time Wellbeing Visitor to support residents and help manage the premises (no personal care is provided). We are sorry but flats are not generally suitable for most pets.
Family Houses
DUC has 13 unfurnished family houses in Townstal (2-bed and 3-bed) which are offered neutrally decorated with floor coverings throughout. All have some outside garden space. These are available to families whilst they have dependent children. The aim is to encourage families to save for their future housing needs whilst providing a stable, low cost home to raise a family. There is a one year probationary period. Pets with prior permission.
Occupancy status
A resident of an almshouse charity is a beneficiary of the charity, not a tenant. This means that a resident has no legal interest in the almshouse accommodation which is allocated to him/her, but occupies it simply with the permission of the Trustees, who have the legal rights of owners.
Costs
Residents pay a ‘Monthly Maintenance Contribution’ (MMC) to the DUC, towards accommodation, insurance and fire protection services. The MMC for the flats also covers the costs of the Wellbeing Visitor, heating and water. All Residents pay their own utility, telephone and Council Tax charges, plus any internal redecoration of their homes. The DUC is responsible for all the external maintenance and some repairs to its buildings, including any communal areas.
A resident of an almshouse charity is a beneficiary of the charity, not a tenant. This means that a resident has no legal interest in the almshouse accommodation which is allocated to him/her, but occupies it simply with the permission of the Trustees, who have the legal rights of owners.
Costs
Residents pay a ‘Monthly Maintenance Contribution’ (MMC) to the DUC, towards accommodation, insurance and fire protection services. The MMC for the flats also covers the costs of the Wellbeing Visitor, heating and water. All Residents pay their own utility, telephone and Council Tax charges, plus any internal redecoration of their homes. The DUC is responsible for all the external maintenance and some repairs to its buildings, including any communal areas.
Guest Accommodation
There is a small en-suite guest room in Victoria Road available for the short-stay visits of family/friends of Victoria Road residents. This can be booked through the office for a modest nightly charge and is offered to those in the greatest need first. Sorry no pets in the room.
Vacancies
No current vacancies.
For future vacancies please leave your name and contact details with us and we can notify you of vacancies over the next 12 months. All vacancies are advertised widely in Dartmouth on social media and posters in town.
We advise anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a DUC almshouse to also register with Devon Home Choice as this helps evidence the local housing need in Dartmouth. If you are at risk of being homeless please contact South Hams District Council
Almshouse Association
Dartmouth United Charities is a member of The Almshouse Association
There is a small en-suite guest room in Victoria Road available for the short-stay visits of family/friends of Victoria Road residents. This can be booked through the office for a modest nightly charge and is offered to those in the greatest need first. Sorry no pets in the room.
Vacancies
No current vacancies.
For future vacancies please leave your name and contact details with us and we can notify you of vacancies over the next 12 months. All vacancies are advertised widely in Dartmouth on social media and posters in town.
We advise anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a DUC almshouse to also register with Devon Home Choice as this helps evidence the local housing need in Dartmouth. If you are at risk of being homeless please contact South Hams District Council
Almshouse Association
Dartmouth United Charities is a member of The Almshouse Association