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Original poster

To turn down council property?

93 replies

Dipitlow · 06/05/2025 16:51

I have been offered a council flat (recently split with partner) 2 children,
living with parents at the moment. If I decline what are my chances of being offered another one? I didn’t bid on it they have bidded for me? Do I just take it? Or should I private rent?

OP posts:
GarlicPile · 06/05/2025 17:20

Wonderberry · 06/05/2025 17:11

You need to check with your council, if you refuse suitable accomodation they may discharge their housing duties to you.

Yes, so you need to show why it's unsuitable.

I'm living in my second choice. It's fine - but it was vacant for a reason. Neighbours with the better places held out for a third choice, but I was warned I might not get another offer 😬 The first offer was so ghastly, they shouldn't really have been trying to house people there.

LakieLady · 06/05/2025 17:20

Dipitlow · 06/05/2025 16:51

I have been offered a council flat (recently split with partner) 2 children,
living with parents at the moment. If I decline what are my chances of being offered another one? I didn’t bid on it they have bidded for me? Do I just take it? Or should I private rent?

Do you mean the council bid for you, or your parents?

If the former, the council will probably say they have discharged their duty to you and you'll lose your priority band on the housing register, or possibly your place on the register entirely. If this is the case, you might get away with it if you contact them and explain that your childcare arrangements wouldn't be possible from that area.

If the latter, tell them it wasn't you that bid!

pinkdelight · 06/05/2025 17:18

Presumably if you’re desperate and can afford to private rent you’d already be doing that. If not, then your options are council flat or staying put. Check with the council to see if you’ll get any more offers if you turn this down. Some places permit a refusal but there’s no guarantee of another better offer any time soon. There’ll be people further up the list than you as it may seem on paper that you can live anywhere, even if it means sorting other arrangements for childcare.

Richiewoo · 06/05/2025 17:17

It's unlikely you'll get offered another if you turn it down.

Someone2025 · 06/05/2025 17:17

ThejoyofNC · 06/05/2025 17:00

You can't refuse because it's too far from your parents, that's ridiculous. You're clearly not desperate for housing.

It’s too far from childcare, which her parents do!!!

Littletreefrog · 06/05/2025 17:15

Your parents don't drive but do you? How far is too far? How long would it take them to get to you in the bus or you to get to them?

If you can afford to private rent in the area you want to be in then do that but if not you might have to make some compromises.

toomuchfaff · 06/05/2025 17:14

ThejoyofNC · 06/05/2025 17:00

You can't refuse because it's too far from your parents, that's ridiculous. You're clearly not desperate for housing.

Surely OP can be desperate for housing and not drive? Those 2 are not mutually exclusive.

OP could be sleeping on a sofa at their parents, with 2 children (ergo desperate for housing)... and not being able to drive is them consodering transport options for their childcare is pretty key when considering their housing location.

Getting taxis everywhere soon becomes unaffordable, how else is OP meant to manage working? if their parents are their only support bubble and neither of them drive? Teleport? Just not work? get another job...

Devilsmommy · 06/05/2025 17:14

If you're really desperate then you wouldn't turn it down and if you do the council will shunt you to the bottom of the list.

Viviennemary · 06/05/2025 17:13

You're the one who has to live in it. But it will probably be much cheaper than private renting.

PaintYourAssLikeRembrandt · 06/05/2025 17:12

Around here you get one refusal, then you have to take the second one or you're off the list.

You would be really daft to turn down the security of a council property imo.

They won't take your childcare into account at all.

Wonderberry · 06/05/2025 17:11

You need to check with your council, if you refuse suitable accomodation they may discharge their housing duties to you.

tartyflette · 06/05/2025 17:08

It"s too far from her childcare arrangements! I'd contact the council and let them know this and see what they say about whether it would affect future offers of accommodation.

ThejoyofNC · 06/05/2025 17:00

You can't refuse because it's too far from your parents, that's ridiculous. You're clearly not desperate for housing.

Original poster
Dipitlow · 06/05/2025 16:54

It is miles away from where I need to be, the area is awfully rough, I am desperate for housing, my parents don’t drive and I need them for childcare

OP posts:
TheAmusedQuail · 06/05/2025 16:54

Be very careful. It may be a one and done offer. As in, if you turn it down, they may no longer take responsibility for housing you.

Check your status with the council before doing anything.

Also, check private rent costs in your area. UC won't pay all of private rent so you could end up much worse off financially. And presumably your parents don't want you and your children living with them forever.

CurlsLDN · 06/05/2025 16:53

I’m very surprised you were offered a council house if you have the means to private rent. Seems almost unbelievable….

ThejoyofNC · 06/05/2025 16:52

Turn it down for what reason? Either you need housing or you don't.

MrsSkylerWhite · 06/05/2025 16:52

What was your basis for turning it down?