Retirement Housing

arthur1963

My son and partner are currently staying with her mother at her retirement residential site. It was always planned to be a temporary arrangement until they could move into their new flat; I think site rules allow for around a month. The virus situation has blown all of that out of the water and although the new lease doesn't appear problematic, if the whole country goes into lockdown, they may not be able to actually move in. There's also the uncertainty around jobs to add to the confusion. My view is that they should stay where they are for the time being but I have no idea about the rules for staying on residential sites. Under the circumstances it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that they stay there until the situation improves. Does anybody have any experience with retirement sites? Thanks.

[Deleted User]

I suppose it depends on what the scheme decides to do.  Obviously if there is a one month limit, anytime after that point the retirement home could ask them to leave.  Any AirBnb possibilities? I would imagine they are crying out for paying guests right now.  Its probably better than putting the other residents of the scheme at risk (assuming the couple aren't self isolating).

arthur1963

Thanks. They want to move to their new flat and the landlord is happy for them to do so. I think the worry is that they will sign a lease and then come moving day, find the country is in lockdown and they are unable to hire a van for moving or even be unable to leave the place where they are staying. There are no isolation issues; it's whether or not they could be forced to leave in the present situation. Legally, probably yes, morally I'd hope not.

greatcrested

Most residents at the site are likely to be elderly & at risk. Are your son/partner self-isolating, or going to work etc.... If they are out and about, there is clearly a risk they bring the virus back to this vulnerable group, which is not a responsible thing to do. However if they themselves self-isolate, and remain on the site, then I expect (and would hope!) the scheme administrators would take a flexible attitude to the rules, since these are extraordinary times.

But the bottom line is that the government has not to my knowledge made any special arrangement, so legally speaking they could be asked to leave.

JayRitchie

they should move to the new place asap. Use an uber, car, whatever  to get there. Lockdowns shouldnt prevent this but best to go as quickly as possible.

Tea_Pea_Dee

You need to refer to the lease.  I had a retirement flat, sold last year, and my lease said that as long as the leaseholder was 55 or over, any aged guest could stay indefinitely.  The scheme manager is also a point of contact and she/he should be sending out regular newsletters regarding this and any other situations that may affect the scheme.

arthur1963

Thanks, I think it's best all round if they can stay there. They can both work from home so the risk to other residents is low. In fact most of them are in the 55 - 70 bracket and seem to be out more than the younger folk. I think a good chat with the site manager might pay dividends.