How renting works

More and more people are choosing to rent their retirement apartment rather than buy one. Renting offers flexibility, frees you from the responsibilities that come with owning a property, and lets you enjoy everything a retirement development has to offer without a long-term commitment.

This page explains how renting a retirement property works, who can rent, what's included, what it costs and how to apply, so you can decide whether it's the right option for you. You'll often see these developments described as retirement villages; at Churchill we call ours developments, or Lodges, but the way renting works is much the same.

Can I Rent a Retirement Property?

Yes. Retirement properties are available to rent as well as to buy, and renting is becoming an increasingly popular choice. As a renting Resident you enjoy exactly the same lifestyle as everyone else at the development, your own front door, a low-maintenance apartment, and the same facilities and community right on your doorstep. The only difference is that you rent your apartment rather than own it.

It's a particularly good option if you'd like to try the lifestyle before making a permanent move, if you'd rather not tie up your money in a property, or if you simply want the freedom to change your mind further down the line.

How the Renting Process Works

Renting a retirement apartment is very similar to renting any other property, with the happy difference that the maintenance, the gardening and the upkeep of the communal areas are all taken care of for you.

Who can rent

Our developments are designed exclusively for the over-60s, to rent, at least one occupant needs to be aged 60 or over, with a partner aged 55 or over, the same age criteria as buying. Churchill Living is for people who are independent, we don't provide specialist nursing or health care, so if you or your loved one need help with day-to-day living, a care home or another solution may suit you better.

What's included in your rent

Renting doesn't mean missing out. You'll have full use of everything at your development, just like any other Resident, the communal Residents' Lounge, the landscaped gardens, the Guest Suites for visiting family, and the support of your Lodge Manager during the working week. The exterior maintenance, redecoration and the upkeep of the communal areas are all taken care of, so you can say goodbye to the tiresome jobs of running a house.

Tenancy length and flexibility

One of the great advantages of renting is the flexibility it gives you. You're free to enjoy your apartment for as long as it suits you, and to move on with far less to organise than a house sale, whether that's to be nearer family, to try a different part of the country, or simply because your plans have changed.

How to apply

If you'd like to rent a Churchill apartment, here's how it works:

Get in touch with our friendly team, or browse the apartments available to rent
Book a visit to your chosen development, and take a look around at your own pace
Choose the apartment that's right for you
Complete an application form and provide the references we'll need
Sign your tenancy agreement
Move in and start enjoying your new lifestyle

How Much Does it Cost to Rent?

There's no single figure, as the rent varies depending on the development you choose, the apartment itself and where in the country you're looking. What we can say is that we aim to be completely open about costs, so you'll always know exactly what you're paying and what's included before you commit.

Renting also removes some of the costs that come with buying a home, there's no stamp duty to pay, for example, and no legal fees for a purchase. You'll still need to budget for your own council tax, utilities and household bills, just as you would anywhere else.

For a full breakdown of what it costs to rent with Churchill, see our rental pricing guide.

The Benefits of Renting in Retirement

Renting suits a lot of people in retirement, and for very good reasons:

Flexibility: you're not tied down, so you're free to move on if your plans change
No stamp duty, and none of the legal costs that come with buying
Freeing up your money: selling your current home releases the equity to top up your pension, help your family, or simply enjoy your retirement
Say goodbye to maintenance: if something needs fixing, it's no longer your worry
Try before you commit: experience the lifestyle first-hand before deciding whether to buy
A true lock up and leave lifestyle: off for a weekend away or a longer holiday? Simply lock up and go

Above all, you get the same safe, secure retirement as every other Resident, with a community of friendly, like-minded neighbours and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Renting vs Buying a Retirement Property

There's no right answer, it depends entirely on what suits you. Renting offers flexibility and frees up your capital; buying gives you a permanent apartment of your own and an asset to pass on. Here's how the two compare:

	Renting	Buying
Upfront cost	A deposit and your first month's rent	The purchase price of the apartment, plus legal fees
Stamp duty	None	May apply, depending on the price of your apartment
Maintenance and repairs	Taken care of for you	Exterior maintenance and communal upkeep covered by your service charge
Flexibility	Greater freedom to move on, or try the lifestyle before committing	A permanent apartment of your own for as long as you want it
Your capital	Frees up the equity from your current home to use as you wish	Your apartment remains an asset you own outright, to pass on to your family
When you leave	Give notice in line with your tenancy agreement	Sell or sublet with no exit fees at Churchill
Lifestyle and facilities	Exactly the same as any other Resident	Exactly the same as any other Resident

Whichever you choose, the lifestyle is identical, the same apartment standards, the same facilities, the same Lodge Manager and the same welcoming community.

Can I Buy a Retirement Property to Rent Out?

It's a question we're asked from time to time, usually by families thinking ahead. At Churchill, Residents are able to sublet their apartment, and, unlike many retirement housing providers, we've abolished exit fees entirely, so there's no charge to pay when you sell or sublet.

It's worth remembering that our apartments are designed for the over-60s, so anyone living there, whether they've bought or are renting, needs to meet that age criteria. If you are renting with a partner, at least one occupant needs to be aged 60 or over, with a partner aged 55 or over. A retirement apartment is first and foremost somewhere to live and enjoy, rather than a conventional buy-to-let investment.

In practice, Residents who sublet need written approval from the landlord to let the apartment, and lettings are usually arranged through Churchill's own agency, Churchill Sales and Lettings. The owner remains responsible for the service charge and any ground rent, and, because Churchill abolished exit fees in summer 2025, there's no charge to pay when subletting.

Renting with Churchill

We're proud to say we have a trusted, quality product, so you can be sure you're in safe hands. Churchill advocates an independent lifestyle, with quality facilities to enhance and support your new, low-maintenance lifestyle, and whether you rent or buy, above all we offer a safe and secure retirement, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

If you're thinking about renting and you're not sure where to start, just ask. We're here to answer any questions you have, however big or small.

Contact our team today on 01425 462104, or browse our retirement apartments available to rent to find the right apartment for you.

How Does Renting Work in a Retirement Village?