To be annoyed at council waiting times

Huffletuff I said they were for those in need; you are quite clearly in need of your house.

If people are so envious of access to affordable social housing with security of tenure they could always idk like vote for a govt that has promised to build more of it

I'm not envious of council houses; I value the area I live in too much. And if you think Labour would build more then you're seriously naive.

Redactio it's not anyone's fault but it's the way it is. It smacks of entitlement. If everyone has that attitude it does massively impact on resources.

No they are not what to do. We don't all live on the south. There is not a shortage everywhere. In some places it's pretty easy.
I was one of only three who bidded on my flat.

WhatToDoAbout Twunts:
One of the most important featuires of social housing is security of tenure, not just afordability. It has been pointed out upthread that some social housing rents are more expensive than the private sector. I suggest you do a bit of research before posting ( Iwas going to put "crap" after "posting" but thought it was self evident).

What Sorry, but you have that completely wrong. Social housing is not just for people who can't afford to rent privately. As previously stated, my council house costs more than most private rentals in my area.

I have a council house because I am disabled and cannot get an adapted property as a private rental. I was made homeless because I became disabled, my husband left me as a result and I had my mortgage home repossessed.

Why should I expect a private landlord to make adaptations to their own property when social housing is there to help the disabled?

Council houses are for anyone who applies for them.

If there are people in council houses that can afford private rents, then they should be private renting.

Council houses are for those in need; those who can't afford private rents.

I too am not allowed to change the bulb in my bathroom, they changed the fitting when they installed a new bathroom. Previous to this along with all other bulbs was my responsibility.

Some of the responses on here are pretty shocking that the OP or pretty much any person in social/council housing should be grateful to have a roof over their head. These homes are not free and as many posters have pointed out not always cheaper than private renting.

Three week wait is a pain but manageable with lanterns etc.

If you lived in a privately rented flat and your landlord said you are not allowed to change the bulb in the bathroom,it must be changed by us. Would you?

Grilled:
It's not the OP's fault that public services are short of money. She is paying rent and expects the property to be maintained in accordance with the tenancy agreement. Do you have a problem with that? Some public services are not that short of cash either, we can afford Trident!

Op, can you hand on heart, with knowledge of the lack of financial resources that public services find themselves in, believe its necessary to put further strain on those resources rather than put your hand in your pocket. Light bulbs, no matter how spectacularly intricate and complex yours may be, are part of the costs of running a home, along with food, bin bags, washing up liquid etc.

Kailor Social housing tenants also struggle to get things fixed.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2901354-Housing-associations-Are-you-having-problems

The Grenfell tenants struggled to get anyone to take notice of them. When they complained they were also threatened with legal action unless they STFU So the myth that private tenants have it all bad and social tenants have it all good is just that.............a myth. This particular genie isnt going back in the bottle no matter how much some of you may want it to.

Everyone should search Helenadoves posts for shocking stories, and see the attitude of other posters towards her for highlighting the shit way we are treated.

Now I won't deny that I'm lucky to have a secure home. But it's not lifetime. It's reviewed every few years.

Doobree - I was trying very hard not to get drawn into any of the argumentative stuff on this thread. I rented (privately) with a whole variety of landlords for 13 years. I've done the bathroom tiles falling off so you can't have a shower. I've done the water running down the walls from a leak in the upstairs flat that they refuse to fix. The mouldy pillows because of the damp coming through the wall. Walking across slugs in the kitchen. Fly infestations. No freezer

I do realise that I'm lucky to be in a position to own my own home (well, the bank own more of it than I do). I do realise that I'm lucky I did it when I did because health and family changes since would have made it impossible. I do realise that.

If it makes you feel better I don't have a tumble dryer. Someone did give me their old freezer and if you slam it shut and shove a shoe in front of it it just about stays frozen. I can't remember what the other thing you mentioned was...

Being a tenant with a shit landlord sucks, being a homeowner who can't afford to look after their house also sucks. I don't want to get into a squabble over it, no I'm not going to swap (for a start, my son has just got into the village school and I've bought the uniform so we can't just move now!!)

Wishing you all the best

Ps try freecycle for the white goods. Some people give away some surprisingly good stuff on there.

If it's the type of lightbulb I think it is, I'm in social housing and was told we're not allowed to touch those.

Fair enough Clopy

You can get those specialist bulbs for £3 in Wilkinson it never crossed my mind to call the council when mine blew

I'm afraid the repairs are often atrocious because there isn't anyone thinking 'fuck, if I don't fix that leaky roof it'll devalue my property'

This is very true. Private landlords can be pretty bad too though (or maybe it's just mine!). What I see happening in London seems like sheer greed. No one needs the amount of rent that is being charged for properties that are not even that great. Today I saw a listing for basically a room (a tiny one at that, tiny kitchenette in one corner, single bed in the other) for over £1000 a month. Despicable really.

Beebee7 I'm afraid the repairs are often atrocious because there isn't anyone thinking 'fuck, if I don't fix that leaky roof it'll devalue my property'.

My private landlord is perfectly nice, though the letting agents can be a pain.

Fortunate yes beebee
Entitled no.

You're getting council houses at a reduced rate

No. We're paying affordable rent.

It's not reduced, private rent is too high and is basically subsidising private landlords and lenders.

And we can't change the lightbulbs because council says no.

Posted too soon!

Wanted to add that there are, however, a few social housing landlords (it's usually councils,) that are a bit shit with repairs, like OSWIN - sorry for your troubles!) But as I said, at least the tenancy is secure, and the rent cheaper - usually.

Cross posted with Oswin.