What local amenities are there in the area? Expand Lench's Trust are fortunate that all of our properties are in easy access of all amenities; bus stops, general practitioners, dentists, shops, hospitals, churches and many more.
What do the flats comprise of and what facilities are available? Expand The properties at Lench's Close in Moseley and Tanner's Close in Sutton Coldfield are one bedroom self-contained flats with a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and plenty of storage space. William Lench Court in Quinton comprises of one and two bedroom self-contained apartments for either beneficiaries of the charity or for shared ownership. Each consist of a lounge, kitchen, bedroom, and wet room and provide storage stage. Facilities vary from scheme to scheme, however, there are laundry and activity rooms at all schemes. For more information please call Head Office.
Where are the schemes located? Expand All of the Lench's Trust schemes are located in the Birmingham area. Lench's Close is on Wake Green Road in Moseley, situated only a short walk away from Moseley Village. Tanner's Close is on Whitehouse Common Road, Sutton Coldfield and is within a short drive away from Good Hope Hospital and Sutton Coldfield Shopping Centre. William Lench Court is located on Ridgacre Road, Quinton, near to Harborne Village.
Does the Trust provide housing for families or young people? Expand Unfortunately not. We only provide housing for those of 55 years and above, whether single or in a couple.
How does the application process work? Expand The process begins with the requesting of the application pack. Once completed and returned to Head Office, an acknowledgement letter is sent out which will explain the arrangement of a home visit within the following 12 to 20 weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will the home visit take place in less than 12 weeks or longer than 20 weeks. Once the home visit has been completed, an assessment is made of all of the information collected and the applicant is awarded points according to their needs, thus allowing the applicant to be appropriately positioned on our waiting list.
How do I obtain an application pack to join your waiting list? Expand Application forms can be obtained by phoning Head Office on 0121 426 0455 or by downloading a form from our Application page.
How long is the waiting list? Expand All of the schemes have a healthy waiting list which is continually changing as flats become available. However, applicants are encouraged to inform Head Office staff of any changes to their personal circumstances which may alter their position on the waiting list as the list is compiled on a ‘needs’ basis.
How do I qualify to be a resident at one of your schemes? Expand Lench's Trust caters for people of 55 years old and above. In the case of a couple applying for housing, both individuals would have to be 55 years old and above to meet the criteria. We also expect our applicants to have been living in Birmingham for at least the past 5 years or have a connection to the city, for example a relative who may be their main carer. As Lench's Trust is an Almshouse charity, we are only able to offer rented accommodation to those who qualify as being in financial need. If you own your own home or have a large amount of equity in it, unfortunately we would not be able to consider your application. If you have lots of savings you should contact us to discuss in more detail whether you would qualify.
How much does each scheme cost? Expand The cost depends on which of the schemes you apply to. The prices of each scheme are assessed and updated annually each April.Depending on the individual’s personal circumstances and financial status, housing benefit and council tax can be applied for to assist with these costs. The cost also includes a portion of the service charges. At William Lench Court, there is also a well-being charge of £10 per week which the resident is responsible for.As the prices vary depending on the scheme, it would be beneficial to telephone Head Office on 0121 426 0455 and ask for the costs of the specific scheme, or schemes, you are interested in.