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AIBU?

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Original poster

Offered council house in a not very good area?

365 replies

rhinnq · 04/11/2025 19:41

I got a call today from the council to advise me that I have been offered a property.

The property isn't in a very good area to be honest and the rent is on level with a private rent.

I am not sure if I should take it.

AIBU?

OP posts:
Lovemycat2023 · 04/11/2025 20:51

Take the house - if it’s lovely inside then you’re spending most of the time in it anyway. I know people who live in dodgy areas and day actually it’s not bad at all.

abathofmilkwithladydi · 04/11/2025 20:51

Where is the house??

Cat1504 · 04/11/2025 20:47

Possiges · 04/11/2025 20:38

Could someone explain? Why do you qualify for a council house if you can afford a private rental? What is the criteria for getting a council house?

not owning a property….so anyone else….you don’t have to be on benefits to get a council house….my son, 2 neices and a nephew all live in council houses and all work…….once you’ve been there 12 months….the house in inspected and if all well and you’ve had no anti social behaviour, then you get a lifetime tenancy

Peridoteage · 04/11/2025 20:47

Whats your alternative?

Council housing tends not to be in the nicer areas. In our area its always the roughest roads/worst estates. It's also barely a third of the private rent.

ThisOldThang · 04/11/2025 20:46

If you're off the waiting list if you don't take it, it seems pretty obvious that you take it, try it out and then leave if you don't like it.

SleafordSods · 04/11/2025 20:46

Weligama · 04/11/2025 20:34

Do you know why the previous tenant has moved in so quickly (within 12 months) - could you knock on their door to find out? Nightmare neighbours are hell in any situation council, HA, private rent, owner occupied.

This is what I was going to say. It seems unusual for a Council Property to be back on the market within 12 months.

Bundleflower · 04/11/2025 20:46

Serpentstooth · 04/11/2025 20:42

Nothing left in Knightsbridge? Dear me. People are begging to be housed OP. If you can afford to refuse it then do so and free it up for someone else.

’Afford to refuse it’? OP has literally said the rent is on par with local private rentals. Nothing like a council house thread to bring out the stupid comments!

Kirbert2 · 04/11/2025 20:44

PermanentDarkMode · 04/11/2025 19:55

I don't know anyone in a council property paying anywhere near the same rent as private rentals. It must be area dependent but even in my scruffy corner of the NW private rentals are far more expensive.

I moved from private rental to council at the beginning of the year and my rent is exactly the same.

shiningstar2 · 04/11/2025 20:44

I would take it. You say the house is the same cost as private rental that you are not eligible for but would get help from UC with the rent for this one. It's a house you wanted a while ago. At some point you may be able to buy it at a much reduced price. You could then use the equity to move to an area you prefer.

Happyjoe · 04/11/2025 20:44

Not sure where you are, but a tiny flat around here is £1,500 a month, plus bills.
Anyway, I ramble - can you take it then later down the line look at the house swapping thing? Or are you allowed to refuse and get another offer without being put back down the bottom?

Bundleflower · 04/11/2025 20:44

Helpfullright · 04/11/2025 19:49

Just wow!

What is ‘wow’? Genuinely curious.

OP, it doesn’t sound like you’re getting a great deal here. On par with private rent AND in a not great area. However, you have security of tenure and the ability to house-swap once you’re in. Weighing up the pros and cons, considering you’ll be off the list if you decline, I’d take it.
As long as the house itself is nice then you don’t have to get involved with the surroundings too much. You might even find out you’re wrong and enjoy living there!

Serpentstooth · 04/11/2025 20:42

Nothing left in Knightsbridge? Dear me. People are begging to be housed OP. If you can afford to refuse it then do so and free it up for someone else.

Genevieva · 04/11/2025 20:40

you haven't described your current living arrangements, so no one can compare and then advise. However, as you say it is beautiful inside, I would suggest that this is a big plus.

Boudy · 04/11/2025 20:40

@Possiges ....it varies across areas. Have a google

Twiglets1 · 04/11/2025 20:40

I would take it - you don't have to live there forever but it will be secure housing for now.

Possiges · 04/11/2025 20:38

Could someone explain? Why do you qualify for a council house if you can afford a private rental? What is the criteria for getting a council house?

norestforthewickedwitch · 04/11/2025 20:36

Turn it down then. Simple.

Tdcp · 04/11/2025 20:35

I'd take the house and try to do a swap later on. Private rents are extortionate and every year they get worse. You're also very unlikely to get a council house in a 'nice' area. If you need the house take it.

Weligama · 04/11/2025 20:34

Do you know why the previous tenant has moved in so quickly (within 12 months) - could you knock on their door to find out? Nightmare neighbours are hell in any situation council, HA, private rent, owner occupied.

DustlandFairytaleBeginning · 04/11/2025 20:34

Can you walk around the area, go into the local pub, shop etc. and ask around how people find it? I live in Croydon and people expect us to be bad/ get freaked out at crime stats but I haven't had any issues here in 20 years. In fact my neighbours and community are really involved and supportive of each other. I'd be inclined to take it. I think the immediate neighbours are what makes or breaks your experience, and you can have rubbish neighbours anywhere.

Enigma54 · 04/11/2025 20:34

I was thinking maybe take the property then if you really hate the area, look to do a house swap? What is it you don’t like? Anti social behaviour? Poor transport links? Far from work/ schools etc?

Scarfitwere · 04/11/2025 20:31

rhinnq · 04/11/2025 20:13

I currently only work part time and wouldn't be able to pass the referencing for a private let unfortunately.

The rent on this house is £975 which I think is quite expensive but with it being council I would get help towards the rent with UC.

I did actually apply for this same property 12 months ago and went on an open viewing but it was allocated to someone else.

Where are you currently living if you can't private rent? Surely this house is better than no house.

TwistyTurnip · 04/11/2025 20:29

rhinnq · 04/11/2025 20:14

They don't have anymore properties unfortunately as I asked the lady, if I refuse this house then I am off the waiting list.

Sorry to hear this. I think you’ve been given a bit of a hard time on the thread. Can you take this property and see what options you have to move to a different one later on? Or swap with someone else?

BananaBreadIsGross · 04/11/2025 20:27

rhinnq · 04/11/2025 20:17

Sorry yes I saw the house last year when I went on the open viewing. It was beautiful inside.

I didn't know much about the area then but it is a bad area after doing my research etc.
I did live in the area many years ago but it had changed since then.

How bad is the area? Do you have children?

coxesorangepippin · 04/11/2025 20:26

So its a no brainer then

Right?