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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To move from housing association to private rented?

36 replies

avata · 06/05/2024 15:42

I currently live in a 2 bed terraced new build with DS5, housing association property. Pay £610pcm.

I need three bedrooms, but my main reason for moving is that I was attacked by an intruder in this home, and has issues with a stalker trying to enter the property. The issue has since been resolved, but I cannot fully relax here. I could probably learn to, in time.

The property I'm looking at is £995pcm. Three bed, detached. There's nothing cheaper in my area that fits our needs.

Pros:

Third bedroom
Fresh start
Detached

Cons:

More expensive
Lack of security? I could live in my housing association home forever if I wanted to. I don't like the thought of being told to move at any point.

AIBU to move?

OP posts:
Timeandtune · 06/05/2024 16:05

Have you considered Homeswappers? You can try to swap with another housing association or council tenants.
Alternatively your current HA may be willing to move you on compassionate grounds.

I wouldn’t give up a secure tenancy unless as a very last resort.

elevens24 · 06/05/2024 16:03

Can you put in for a transfer through your housing association?

HauntedPencil · 06/05/2024 16:03

Rents are increasing exponentially all the time and you are so insecure. I think you'll swap one load of stress for another honestly. I'd look at swapping options etc

Mamma1982 · 06/05/2024 16:00

I would seek counselling for your trauma. It will follow you around.

The market is so uncertain. The rent may be affordable now but landlords do increase the rent too. It may not be affordable in the future, even if you stay in the same three bed property.

The uncertainty with renting plus the extra money isn't worth it. As others suggested a swap may be better.

I would use the money you are saving in rent to put aside for your child when they are older. I wish I could do the same with mine but I have no extra money at the end of the month.

Shatteredallthetimelately · 06/05/2024 15:58

I would say your safety and how you feel is important here, you say the issue has since been resolved, if you know friends/neighbours locally do they make it feel a bit more secure knowing they're a stones throwaway and you can call on them.
Would you feel the same in a neighbourhood that's strange to you.

Can you afford the extra in rent, which will be higher whether private or social housing.

If you're concerned about being asked to leave a private rented it's probably best to stay in social housing to eliminate any worries there.

Have you looked at a home swapper/exchange site?

BIossomtoes · 06/05/2024 15:56

Don’t do it. Security of tenure is priceless. As a pp said, you’ll take your anxiety with you.

loverofalmonds · 06/05/2024 15:54

wait

if you “need” 3 bedrooms.
then it isn’t a dilemma surely? you have to move?

loverofalmonds · 06/05/2024 15:53

the anxiety will follow you

stay put and address with therapy

Umbongowasyuk · 06/05/2024 15:44

Why do you need 3 beds for just 2 of you?

Sendinsanity · 06/05/2024 15:44

I wouldn't. I'd seek proper therapy and trauma support. I'd also look at mutual swaps

Even if the cheapest now is manageable, the insecurity is a huge issue and you will make yourself illegible in the future.

So sorry you've had such an awful time :(

ILikePistachios · 06/05/2024 15:43

If you can afford it I would move, it'll give you the 3rd bedroom you need but also significantly improve your anxiety and mental health