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AIBU?

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Original poster

To leave social housing to private rent.

156 replies

CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 10:39

I’ve made threads about my social housing flat
Ground floor, adapted, ridiculously small kitchen and full of what they describe as “condensation”

I keep complaining, asking them for a move and I’m getting nowhere just being stuck on their allocations bidding list when their larger properties only go to homeless nominations

I am depressed, anxious, miserable and full of anger. I can’t exchange, decorating has been a waste of time as the mould has just ruined it all

Has anyone got any experience of leaving a social housing property for a private rental?

OP posts:
ConnieSlow · 29/03/2025 17:07

I would just leave. Is it really worth years of your life being so miserable and living in what seems like awful conditions. Just because it’s a secure tenancy, it doesn’t mean that you have to live this way. Would you be able to private rent?

Parispoem · 29/03/2025 17:03

I would walk out. What notice do you have to give?

Put your stuff in storage except for a few clothes and rent a cheap studio flat for the short term until you get yourself sorted. Despite your bad experience don't be put off by wet rooms as they can be amazing if installed properly.

Delphiniumandlupins · 29/03/2025 16:31

I'm really sorry for your situation. Could you afford to privately rent?

Do you have anything from your doctor to show that your current housing is adversely affecting your, or your daughter's, health? Otherwise, it seems your only option is to look for an exchange - could you expand your search area even slightly? Your adapted property should be a bonus, sometimes a three-way swap is possible (seen one going through locally and I think they found each other on FB groups).

MidnightMeltdown · 29/03/2025 16:10

If I were you I’d wait just until you finish your course and can work full time.

Parispoem · 29/03/2025 15:39

I would get a damp surveyor in. At this point it is critical.

Original poster
CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 15:38

The HA. No they don’t provide reports

OP posts:
Parispoem · 29/03/2025 15:36

CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 15:33

They stated it’s because of ventilation
But I open windows, I’ve got air vents, a dehumidifier, extractor fans on all the time. I can’t do anymore than what I already have.

Who is 'they' ? Do you have the report?

JHound · 29/03/2025 15:35

Be prepared to pay at least 3x what spend now…..

……and still have the same issues

Original poster
CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 15:33

They stated it’s because of ventilation
But I open windows, I’ve got air vents, a dehumidifier, extractor fans on all the time. I can’t do anymore than what I already have.

OP posts:
SilverDoe · 29/03/2025 15:26

Under Awaabs Law, shouldn't your council be mandated to swiftly deal with any damp and mould issues in your property?

You have a young child too. If it were me, I'd be really pushing them over this, approaching this specific aspect.

If they have acted but the mould and damp are for lifestyle reasons you'll need to really grit your teeth and try and deal with that.

Parispoem · 29/03/2025 15:02

Apologies if I missed it but have you had a damp surveyor to round to do assessment? If not, that should be your number one priority if not moving out.

TheBuffetInspector · 29/03/2025 14:51

CaptainBeanThief · 29/03/2025 14:45

Yes
Of course

Show quote history

@CoconutSky I hope @CaptainBeanThief can help you.

I agree it's utterly miserable being landed with a shit hole and then you're supposed to be grateful.

Keep fighting. Go as high as you can. Until then, stay put. It is so hard to get private rented these days, nevermind the insecurity and cost.

I do really feel for you. My home has adaptations that aren't needed... There must be someone on the list in need of the adaptations! Sorry, I'm getting frustrated on your behalf.

Fucking wet rooms 🙄

Letmecallyouback · 29/03/2025 14:46

My previous property I never dried clothes indoors, had a dehumidifier on daily six months of the year, two extractor fans on permanently, windows open 365 days a year and STILL got black mould. Sometimes it's just the property itself. You have my sympathy.

Tryonemoretime · 29/03/2025 14:45

CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:27

He’d have a job he’s been dead 2 years.

Show quote history

I'm so sorry 😞

ArtTheClown · 29/03/2025 14:45

A HA wouldn’t leave any repairs that cause flooding.

😂😂😂

Original poster
CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:45

Notaflippinclue · 29/03/2025 14:44

My DM dried clothes indoors and no damp! Well according to the laws of physics ‘matter or mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical change’ so where exactly did DMs water disappear to?

It packs all its stuff up and comes and lives on my walls 🤣🤣🤣

OP posts:
CaptainBeanThief · 29/03/2025 14:45

CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:45

Can I DM you please? I have no idea what more I can do

Show quote history

Yes
Of course

Original poster
CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:45

CaptainBeanThief · 29/03/2025 14:44

Same, I managed to get a managed move through fighting!!! It took years but I did it...
😵‍💫

Show quote history

Can I DM you please? I have no idea what more I can do

OP posts:
CaptainBeanThief · 29/03/2025 14:44

CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:44

Unfortunately 🤣

Show quote history

Same, I managed to get a managed move through fighting!!! It took years but I did it...
😵‍💫

Original poster
CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:44

Locutus2000 · 29/03/2025 14:38

OP I wish I knew how to help you, my circumstances are similar but my Housing Association is relatively good.

Could it be worth starting from scratch with a new Formal Complaint in the hope it is all reassessed? When I go to my HA website I have to click past a message asking if I have damp or mould issues, they take it seriously since the death of Awaab Ishak.

It's ironic to have Angela Rayner as your MP but to have not had a response.

If the only option you feel you have is to give up a social tenancy then I'd look at the nuclear button. Get it up on Facebook, contact local news, contact national news. If someone is living in such conditions post Awaab Ishak it would be a huge story.

They’ve sent it to their new team that deals with damp and mould. They are dropping off some damp clock things that tell me when to open a window or use a dehumidifier

OP posts:
Notaflippinclue · 29/03/2025 14:44

My DM dried clothes indoors and no damp! Well according to the laws of physics ‘matter or mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical change’ so where exactly did DMs water disappear to?

Original poster
CoconutSky · 29/03/2025 14:44

CaptainBeanThief · 29/03/2025 14:42

Are you with jigsaw homes OP?

Unfortunately 🤣

OP posts:
TheBuffetInspector · 29/03/2025 14:43

MyKingdomForACat · 29/03/2025 13:54

A HA wouldn’t leave any repairs that cause flooding.

Show quote history

Ha!

Righty ho.

CaptainBeanThief · 29/03/2025 14:42

Are you with jigsaw homes OP?