Would I get approved for a social housing

[Leena123456]

Good afternoon,

Was wondering if any of you would be able to help and give me an advice.

I'll start with the fact that I am in the middle of a messy divorce. My ex moved out months ago and me and my two children (aged 8 & 7) stayed in our house.
Problem is that even though he moved out, he hasn't left me alone, he keeps sneaking into the house when I'm away or at work, he refuses to give me his key, he kept car insurance registered to this address too etc...
As you can imagine this left me not being able to relax in my own home, I constantly chain the doors worrying he can come in whenever he wishes, I cannot sleep, cannot eat, this situation I am in is starting to really affect my mental health, I am just at the place where I don't feel at home any more, but cannot afford to do anything abot it too...
I currently live in our shared-ownership appartment (both of our names are on the mortgage) but because we staircased when prices were up (and they have gone down since) we wouldn't get any money back after the sale (well, maybe couple of k's each if we're lucky).
My question is would I be approved for social housing if decided to just sell?
I only work part time and as I would only get couple of thousand pounds after the sale of the property, I wouldn't be able to buy or rent anything else too...
I am also worried council would class me as having made myself intentionally homeless. Idea of being sent to emergency accommodation scares the crap out of me too... To be honest I just don't know what is best thing to do at the moment, but know that something needs to change as living here makes me feel as if I am constantly 'on edge', at the moment it feels as if I'm screwed whatever I choose to do...
Any thoughts?

I think you could go on the list but depending on the waiting lists in your area it would be unlikely to be immediate unfortunately. Could you look at increasing your hours and private renting somewhere?

Change the locks? Send the car insurance letters back marked “not known at this address”?

I would be amazed if you managed to get a council house any time soon.

You can only apply to your council and see but like many families you may end up in temporary accommodation or having to move in with friends / family. The fact that you will have a couple of £1000 puts you in a better position than most.

I think you would be better moving this to the Relationship board, OP. There are many wise posters that can give you good advice. There’s also a lot of shite talked, but don’t worry you’ll get the advice you need.

Change the locks tomorrow.

Can you afford to stay?

I've been to citizen advice bureau to ask if there is anything I can do to legally stop him from entering our apartment, but was told that because his name is still on the mortgage I cannot prevent him from entering, turns out he could even decide to move back in and there would be nothing I could do to stop it from happening.

About working more hours - my manager knows I would like that, but at the moment she simply cannot offer any more hours (and I cannot change the job as I am completing my training there too, so if I left all the hard work I already put in would be waisted).

Just feel hopeless at the moment...

I think anyone can apply for social housing. In my area anyway.

Then you bid for properties.

Dependent on your circumstances depends on how much of a priority you are for what's available.

In my area there are no shortages of social housing however it's not the same day in London where there are a shortage of social housing for the sheer number of people who live there.

I would think the best thing to do would be to go and see the local housing office and explain your situation.

No you can't change the locks, but could you add an additional one?

Beckivardi - thank you for your reply, this is what I will probably have to do - just go in there, explain my situation and see what they say about it

gamerchick - wouldn't that be me denying him entry into the property he too owns?

Look on the housing website & complete an application, you normally have to then go to the office, take in your ID for you & your children & proof of Child benefit. Go to shelter to get advice on your problems at your current home, they may advise going to a solicitor to discuss getting an order to keep your husband out, I would change the locks & claim I had lost my keys for the moment to keep yourself & your children safe.

Otherwise could you speak to a women’s refuge? They might be able to advise you. I think confidential advice will at least let you know where you stand.

Have you looked into what benefits you would be entitled to once you divorce?

gamerchick - wouldn't that be me denying him entry into the property he too owns? hmm

Only if he asks for a key? I'm sure I read you can make the house secure if you wants you just can't change the locks. Happy to be corrected though.

Shame you lost your keys and had to get the locks changed isn't it? Something to think about while you get the advice you need about either buying him out or moving out yourself.

Some daft suggestions on here, you can't lock him out and play dumb, you've been given the right advice.

You can apply for social housing but may be seen as making yourself deliberately homeless. Is there no way to private rent?

Thank you for all of your responses, you all took time to try and come up with something in an attempt to help, and I truly appreciate it.
Reading responses to my question I have realised that I haven't actually been to the housing office to try and get advice directly from them, so this is probably what I need to do next.
Thank you all once more!

You are currently adequately housed

If you leave your current property, surely you will still be jointly responsible for the mortgage, council tax, bills there, as well as in your new property - so 2 properties

What does your family solicitor advise ref the divorce & division of all assets ?