Many studies of the quality of ordinary housing have relied upon objective indices, which permit only inferential judgements to be made about the quality of life of service users. Quality of Life (QOL) has recently emerged as a key outcome criterion against which to assess the success of community based services for people with intellectual disabilities. A small scale study was conducted to assess the extent to which objective measures of service quality were enhanced by the addition of a subjective, QOL, measure. Service users' engagement in domestic activity, staff contacts and participation in the local community were assessed and, in addition, theQuality of Life Questionnaire(Schalock&Keith, 1993) was completed. Data suggested that isolation and disengagement characterised the sample. Perceived QOL was correspondingly poor. It is concluded that the ordinary house remains a necessary, but insufficient, component of an integrative service model.