Empty flat

[FriendlyFrog]

Aibu to think this is morally wrong? I live in a property owned by a housing association - Its a house converted into flats. I have the downstairs and someone else has the upstairs (so we share a communal front door). I moved in about 18 months ago and since then the guy who's supposed to live upstairs has never lived or spent a night in the flat with the exception of one weekend

Inquiries with another neighbor revealed he lives with a family member in another town about 30 miles away and has never used the flat. I just feel very sad that the flat is empty when there is a big demand for council and ha flats in this area (I was homeless and living in temporary accommodation for 15 months before being offered my flat) and someone else could be making use of it :(

I don't believe the HA are aware that he doesn't live here. Very reluctant to speak to them though in the fear of potentially getting a bad neighbor if this one gets kicked out and someone else moves in! :( opinions?

[Fatmomma99]

NC'd

I work with families who are in the most desperate need of accommodation. My heart breaks for them literally every day. I know of so many families living (actually, squatting) it terrible circs.

But I would still say it's not your place to grass in this situation. Unless you think it's an out-and-out fraud.

[caroldecker]

Assuming he pays the rent, how will they know unless you tell them?

[LadyCuntingtonThe3rd]

I'd say he's a fraud. I doubt he would get the flat if they knew he lives elsewhere. Let the HA know.

[WorraLiberty]

I doubt the HA would give a shite as long as he pays his rent.

If there's some sort of rule that says he has to spent X amount of nights there per week, he'll probably start sticking to it once he's been reported.

So I'm not sure what could be gained here.

Also if the information from your neighbour is correct, there could be all sorts of legitimate reasons why he has to spend so much time with family right now.

For example, he could be helping to care for a terminally ill relative for all you know.

[Adarajames]

I'd let the ha know; if he's legitimately staying elsewhere then they'll be find with that, but social housing tenancies have a clause about it having to be your main place of residence (bar reasons mentioned above), so he's in breech if it and should face the consequences, and someone who really needs it could be housed

[MidniteScribbler]

Whilst you probably should report it, selfishly I'd stay quiet. If he gets evicted, you could end up with new tenants who have late night parties, loud music or stomping kids.

[FriendlyFrog]

It appears the decision has been taken out of my hands.. Two guys have turned up this morning and appear to be changing the locks not sure if it was one of the other neighbours who reported him or if he's simply given it up by choice