Applying for Membership

Sanford is a Housing Co-operative. This means that all the tenants, as members of the co-op, are collectively landlords and thus responsible for carrying out the landlord's functions. It's important that all applicants understand that they will be expected to work for the Co-op.

Suitability for Membership

Sanford actively seeks applicants from all sectors of the community regardless of gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or health status who are:

• Over the age of 18.
• Who wish to live in a co-operative environment.

Unfortunately, Sanford is not suitable for:

• Applicants with dependant children or who wish to share a room (Sanford only provides single occupancy rooms)
• Wheelchair users. Because Sanford was built in the 1970s, we regret that there is currently no wheelchair access (but we're working on it). 
• Applicants with dogs, crocodiles, vultures (Sanford's cat community is growing and pressing for its rights)

Apart from these restrictions there isn't anything else that should keep a person from applying to live in Sanford.

How to apply

There is currently no facility for online application.
Please pop in to the office to pick up an application form, or call and we will try to post one to you.

Alternativly you can download an electronic version of the form.

Click here to get it. Print it out, fill it in, and post it to us at:

The Office, 11 Sanford Walk
New Cross, London SE14 6NB
tel: 0208-6927316
fax: 0208-6946461

The Process

Your application process will consist of three stages: one basic administrative stage, followed by two personal interviews. The whole process usually takes place once per month, except when there are no room vacancies.

Once you've applied, your membership form will be vetted - or checked - by a panel of members. This is a basic administrative test for co-operative suitability.

If your form passes this test, you will be invited for a membership interview. This takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. The purpose of membership interviews is to ascertain a person’s suitability to the co-op. We will consider your attitude to living in shared accommodation, your willingness to contribute to the co-op as a whole and your ability to accept different lifestyles.

If you pass this stage, then you will be invited back for a placement interview with the houses that have room vacancies. This will vary month by month - sometimes there are several rooms available on the street and sometimes only one. This interview takes place on the Sunday after the membership interview.

The result of your application will ordinarily be available from the office after 2pm the next day, Monday.