Assisted living apartments

Illustration of houses, cars and bicycle

Assisted living apartments are rental apartments for people aged 67 and older, where residents receive services according to their needs. The apartments are for people who need more support than can be provided in their own home. They offer social activities and full board.

Am I entitled to a assisted living apartment?

To qualify for a assisted living apartment, you must:

  • Be 67 years of age or older.
  • Have a legal domicile in Reykjavík and have had it for the last 12 months.
  • Get assessed as in need according to the criteria for social rental housing rules.

How do I apply for a assisted living apartment?

You apply for a assisted living apartment online using My Pages.

You can also fill out a PDF application and send it to VELumsokn@reykjavik.is or submit it at your district center.

If you need further advice, you can schedule a phone call from a counselor

What happens next?

After your application is received, you will be invited to an interview with a counselor who will formally evaluate whether all conditions are met. The assessment is carried out in close cooperation with you and takes into account, among other things, your mental and physical health. Social conditions and current housing are also considered. Your application is then approved or denied.

If the need for services is assessed to be greater than can be accommodated in a assisted living apartment, you are directed to request a skills and health assessment and apply for a nursing home.

If your application is denied, and you believe there are exceptional circumstances, you can request a review by the Welfare Council Appeal Board.

Approved applications are placed on a waiting list for housing allocation. You will receive information about the services available to you until the allocation takes place. If you have not received housing within one year of the application being accepted, a counselor will contact you. During that conversation, the application is updated, the circumstances are reviewed, and the possibility of allocation in the next 12 months is reviewed.

How is housing allocation done?

Accepted applications are placed on a waiting list in order of priority based on the result of the professional assessment. A special allocation team makes a decision on allocation when new housing becomes available. The applicant is notified in writing when the housing is allocated and has ten days to accepts the allocation. An applicant who accepts accommodation subsequently signs a lease agreement with Félagsbústaðir Social Housing.

 

How much does it cost to rent a assisted living apartment?

The rent depends on the size and type of housing. The rent is paid monthly and tenants may be entitled to housing benefits and special housing aid. Payments are also made to the homeowners association and for service fees.

Laws and regulations

Assisted living apartments are provided based on the following laws and regulations: