Do I have any rights for the council to help me?

[tohaveago]

I have a toddler and I'm currently still living in the married home (rented), that is in my ex husband's name. Myself and the baby have upstairs and the bedroom, we only use the kitchen for food. Ex husband only uses bathroom for shower or toilet. He sleeps downstairs and the living room is his only. The rent is in his name.

I can't afford anywhere of my own. I can't work anymore due to a very debilitating disability.

I went to the council when the first 3 months of this started, and they said they couldn't help me because I needed to be a resident of the borough for at least 5 years before they can help. They said they could add me to the list (Band D, I think they said), which is the lowest band. But they told not to really bother since people from Band C are still on the list 6 years later.

What am I going to do?

They said the only way out was if I was being abused, which would then mean Woman's Aid would House me in a refuge and put me into permanent accommodation from there.

Does anyone have any advice at all? It's absolutely awful living here. Ex husband isn't abusive but it's a really unpleasant atmosphere to be in.

You're going to have to find somewhere to rent and apply for housing benefit and council tax support.

Can your dh afford to rent himself somewhere separately, are you claiming any benefits, maybe move somewhere smaller. Are you able to work at all.

They have already said they won't give you a house so private is your only option. You could go on the waiting list and also have a look at other housing associations. The way they see it is you have a home.

The only way to get priority would be for your husband to make you homeless.

Husband did make me homeless, but he said he couldn't see us in a B&B for 2 years like the housing officer kindly advised often happens. They get round it by moving people to different B&B's.

Did the council house you when he made you homeless? Another option would be going to an area that you can afford and if you do get a council house after being placed in temp it could be the next city/town. People from London were being sent to Birmingham.

Private renting is your only option. Those days are gone where the council will help you and tbh you will probably end up somewhere shit.
Go to citizens advice

The housing officer told you it would be B and B the council would offer but only if you're homeless.

They were right.

Do you have family that you could say you live with on their sofa, so you are homeless ?