What is an Almshouse?

Almshouse charities are regulated by the Charity Commission and governed by locally recruited trustees. An almshouse (usually a house or flat), which belongs to the charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes and is occupied under a license by a beneficiary. The beneficiary (resident) pay a weekly maintenance contribution, which is similar to rent but different in law, and less than a commercial rate.

Almshouse charities/trusts were typically founded by benefactors to provide for those in need and for the relief of financial hardship and often to cater for a defined beneficiary group.