Move on

Private Renting Guidance

'Albany Clients Who Have Moved On'

Words are hard to find but I am one of the lucky few, the first thing I would want to say is thank you to my Albany family. From the very beginning I felt welcomed and comfortable. I started in a bigger shared house then eventually moved into a self-contained property whilst I was waiting for my permanent accommodation. I was put on the FastTrack waiting list through Albany Housing Trust and within a year I was offered a new build one bedroom flat with beautiful views in the heart of Purley. I just can't express the appreciation I have for Albany, they have honestly changed my life. DB was my housing officer throughout the whole process, she understood my situation and guided me throughout and I will still bother her and the team as always although I have now left.
AT
I first met AR & SM, part of the original four which also included DB and VM after being saved from a temporary placement. They accepted me and my partner and provided us with shared accommodation in a clean and tidy house. Albany then moved to a bigger premises in Norbury with more staff all which i say were always friendly and helpful. I also made friends with JS (my old housemate) who is now a very good friend of mine. The people at Albany have helped me so much I will never be able to thank them enough. I suffer from progressive MS and suffer with pain and depression. They have always been patient with me when down and always helped cheer me up. I have since moved into Godalming to a two bedroom ground floor flat. This I'm so grateful for as I hate living in London. They will always be my life long friends. One last thing I will say to all Albany clients is don't be like me, never give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. THANK YOU everyone - DG
DG
I have been at Albany Housing Trust for 5 months, all the staff are friendly and helpful. They have been supportive throughout my journey with them. My key worker Sadie was extremely helpful and supportive in all my needs and requirements. I have successfully moved into my own private rented accommodation.
AT2
Albany Housing Trust really helped me when I was street homeless to get me into a stable, warm and safe accommodation. I appreciate all the support I received from staff. The initial placement was not what I had expected with the other tenants in the property I was moved to different home. My circumstances have changed, and I don't require there help any longer.
JMK
I just thought I would write a few words to thank you for all the help you have given me over the past two years. I could not have got where I am today without your help. To think that when I first joined Albany house I was living in a car and now I am on my way to independent living in Weymouth. The fact that Albany got me a stable accommodation in Shirley really did help my situation plus that fact that my support worker from Albany house helped with my PIP application which was successful. although there was some up-and-down over the two years overall I am very happy with the help and support I have received from Albany house.
PS
Time with Albany Housing Trust was a great time. Sadie and Daisey got me moved in within an afternoon and made sure my room was fully fitted out with the essentials. They got me off the streets and out of living in my tent. They were always in regular contact throughout my tenancy and helped to make sure I had everything I always needed. The whole team are very helpful and friendly, always there to help. A big thank you.
LHP

Since leaving Albany Housing Trust in March 2021 into the private rented sector, I have managed to hold down two jobs. I do construction in the mornings and Papa John's delivery in the evenings. Life is good. I am now in Camden, living the good life, I have tackled my depression and see my children regularly. I'm very grateful.  

JD
‘SAE joined us in 2019, she has now successfully found a full time job and has secured her own council tenancy. Sherylnna is very thankful to all Albany Housing Trust staff for the support.’
SAE
I moved from a different housing provider to Albany Housing Trust, Albany made the whole experience of moving stress free and they helped me sort out my bills to ensure that I could live independently in the future. Any enquiries I had were dealt with swiftly. Albany Housing Trust provided me with volunteer opportunities to help keep me busy, this also helped with my mental health.
Staff surprised me on my 30th birthday with a cake and balloons.
I have now received my council self-contained accommodation, I will be forever grateful for the support and advice I received whilst at Albany Housing Trust. Thank you to all at Albany.’
KS
I would say that the management as well as the team have been instrumental in assisting me through my homeless experience. I received a lot of support with my application with other agencies such as applying for my PIP and also support in making sure that I had sufficient food and support around my well-being. The team are very friendly, supportive and accommodating. They followed up on outstanding paperwork relating to applications that were generated on my behalf. I appreciate all the support I got from the team and am forever grateful for all the help.
Anonymous
This is SR. DB was my home councillor at Albany and I've left something in the office for her. Thanks for all she's done for me she's a dedicated and kind considerate, helpful consummate professional in every way and have the upmost respect for DB.
SR
We are very proud that AS has successfully moved on from Albany Housing Trust to his own self contained property. He has also started his own business; a barber shop, he has very kindly offered AHT clients £5 concession haircuts as well as offering free haircuts to Albany service users during Covid. Thank you AS and good luck in your new home and with your new business.
AS
AHT is very helpful. My support worker Sadie has been very informative and helped me throughout my journey with AHT and into my own property. I also make my own jewellery, this is my website 9jewels.co.uk
RMH
After 18 months with Albany Housing Trust AS handed back his keys and moved into his own accommodation. We are so proud of you Alan and wish you happiness in your new home. AS said ‘ Without the help from the whole team at Albany Housing I have little doubt that I would be back to homelessness by now. It has taken less than a year and a half form them taking me under their wing to me being given my own flat with Croydon Council. I really cannot give any higher praise, to everyone on their team, they have all been nothing short of amazing.
AS
I arrived at Albany Housing Trust in August 2018. I was sofa surfing prior to coming here as I had lost my previous accommodation. Whilst at Albany, I lived in shared houses before settling into a studio property which I was very happy to have been given as I know longer needed to share with anyone. During my time at Albany the staff were very helpful, supportive and went beyond to ensure that I was okay and understood my needs. Although I am sad, I am not with Albany anymore, I have now moved into my own council property and have learnt things that I can take away with me. I want to say thank you to all the staff at Albany who have supported me on my journey.
JJ
I originally went to Albany via the council and I had a few problems which resulted in me being evicted from Albany Housing however the staff went above and beyond to help me with being rehoused with Caridon.

Albany staff were always helpful and helped me whenever I had any problems with the property.

I can’t thank them enough!
HH