Is this normal for moving into a council property?

[zeeba]

Been told yesterday we might get the keys tomorrow or could be later on in the week but I need to make sure I'm off work to come and sign- how can I just not come in if I don't know when I'm actually getting the keys until the day??

Yes sounds pretty standard. I had to push for some forewarning but only got about 24 hours and was told if we weren't there then the property would be passed on

Yes this is normal in our area, seem to assume that most people who get a council property don’t have a job and are therefore available at the drop of a hat.

I work full time but they said we both have to be there and I can't just walk out of work 😬

Yep its normal. You both have to be there as you both need to sign the tenancy agreement.

In my current house (we were in a council flat) we viewed it on a Wednesday morning. Had to pick up the keys a couple of hours later and had until the Monday morning to be completely moved out the flat and keys handed back!

So in effect, it's skive work or lose offer?

@zeeba

So in effect, it's skive work or lose offer?

Yes. Do you need to skive though? Can’t you explain and ask for an hour off. It doesn’t take long. A look round the house, sign papers and get given keys.

It's very unusual to get a council house if you are working these days. They probably wouldn't even think to factor it in

They know I work @minnieok , partner doesn't but we live in a society where full time work doesn't cover the bills if it's a low wage.

@minnieok where have you got that from?! Its not unusual in the slightest. Did you get that from the daily mail?

@minnieok

It's very unusual to get a council house if you are working these days. They probably wouldn't even think to factor it in

What makes you think that?

I got a council house when I was working full time. Still am.

As far as I know they don’t take your employment or lack thereof into account in my area.

And yes, op, normal. I had to go view and pick the keys up the next day.

Minnieok that's utter mince. Most of the wonderful tenants I look after work, many of them two jobs if their contacts are zero hours. They just don't earn enough to afford local private rent prices. Obviously not including the pensioners and too disabled to work in that.

OP congratulations on your new home. I hope you're very happy there.

I'm not saying about it impacting my application but I'll find out tomorrow if I get the keys tomorrow so that inevitably means I'll have to leave work at some point during the day, doesn't it?

Thank you @Adamandtheaunts

It's normal where I am. It's also normal to work and have LA housing . So normal in fact that the council and HA have special procedures for working people in regards to inspections etc. Contact them, tell them you work and ask to make an appointment.

I have to constantly remind my HA that I work full-time but once I do remind them they're always happy to make alternative suitable arrangements.

In same position as you right now. Just hoping we can get movers at such short notice

Would nipping out of work for an hour to pick up keys even be an issue if you explained to your manager they have to be collected immediately and offered to make up the time? I would be v happy to let any of my team do this?!

Taking an hour off work won’t be enough for most people surely. You might work miles away. It’s very difficult. See if they will give you an appointment. Most tenants will be in work so it won’t be uncommon.

How flexible is your work? Can you ask use the time that would be your break / lunch, or make up the time at the end of the day? I can't imagine many employers saying no if you explain the situation.

Can you explain to work? Surely they'd be ok with you taking time off at short notice in order to get secure accommodation?

Oh and to a pp, ofc most HA tenants work. How else do you think they pay their rent??!

Unfortunately you or your OH will have to take time off work. They need the revenue of the rent so they won’t delay it

@Mehmen

Unfortunately you or your OH will have to take time off work. They need the revenue of the rent so they won’t delay it

Yes, but HOW does the OP take time off work? You have to book leave in advance usually, and it may be refused even then. It’s not dependant’s leave, nor is she sick. She’ll have to throw herself on the goodwill (or not) of her employer.

Exactly @daisypond

Yeah my work would not be happy. All leave must given in notice of no less than 5 working days or equal to the leave required depending on which is longest. It will be refused if notice is not give correctly.

Not everyone has the type of job where they can just “nip out“ for an hour without affecting the rest of the team. We need a certain number of people available to clients at any one time. Someone nipping out for an hour means someone else can have a lunch break.

I can make appointments with the HA though as they're well used to people having work commitments.