Anyone who works for a housing association please could you help

[housingassociationhelp]

I applied for a housing association back in January. I got almost maximum medical points (got the letter in March). I asked tentatively how long the wait might be in the interview and the lady said if you are willing to accept older flat properties (they are building lots of new houses with gardens) then we should have something.

I am absolutely desperate for social housing, I'm a single parent on a low wage, the private rents make things really difficult financially. I'm scared to ask for repairs in case the landlord then puts the rent up.

So the H.A have asked my landlord for a reference 3 times in the past 6 weeks. I presume this means they might have somewhere for me?? My landlord hasn't replied. I've tried to ask too but nothing.

The HA said today on the phone that there are 'other ways' and if he doesn't reply by Friday then phone them.

What are these other ways, does anyone know??

I can prove many years of paying rent in full and on time via my bank statements. My flat is in decent nick, although there are some kitchen cabinets broken. I've no asbos or anything.

I'm worried the 'other things' could be a credit check though. I have AWFUL credit history and debts and I've not made inroads into paying any of them back. I owe utilities quite recently too and it shows on there, but I've never been in rent arrears.

Thanks if you know. As you can probably tell, I'm quite an anxious person and like to have an idea wat's going on in advance so I can get my head round it.

Bank statement showing rent paid on time. Debts won’t be an issue if not bancrupt.

Thanks @MyDcAreMarvel . I can give years of bank statements with rent paid on time, but the H.A said on the phone it's not just about rent it's about if I've kept the property in good condition (it's fine apart from some kitchen cabinets the facings have fallen off but they are 20++ years old and I didn't want to ask for repairs). No anti social behaviour maybe they could verify with police??

If the landlord won't reply to them how will they know about the cabinets that need repairs?

Hope you dont worry and get a place soon

I work for a HA and we dont do credit checks, just an affordability assessment.

The landlord checks are usually just to ask if there has been any antisocial behaviour, and have you kept the property in good condition.

Thanks. I haven't seen the landlord in nearly 2 years. I've definitely had no antisocial behaviour, and I've kept it in good condition other than the usual wear and tear (been here for nearly 7 years and everything was already old when I moved in), I've had a new shower above the bath installed and also a new carpet in one of the rooms when I did damage the carpet.

@SpnBaby1967 What do you do at your HA if landlords don't reply??

We make a formal request in writing as they're required to provide it. But tbh, it's very rare for us not to get a reply.

Thanks. I hope he replies, but that's the 4th time now he hasn't, and I'm worried I'll miss my chance.