Housing help & advice urgently needed

[CrazyNomad]

Posting here for traffic.

Previously posted on Scotsnet as I’m living and will continue to live in Scotland.

Situation has become more pressingly urgent due to a combination of deteriorating health and also current landlords have contacted me regarding extensive planned maintenance which I will absolutely not be able to cope with happening while I still live in this property.

Looking to move to glasgow preferably.

Housing association most likely option but will consider private if I have to. Shared ownership a slight possibility but the time frame might make this less feasible?

Questions I hope someone here can answer as nowhere open at weekends for me to check with.

1 can I ask current landlord to hold off on maintenance works until I can move out? It’s not a specific date they’ve given, it’s all going to be taking place over a few months I’m thinking they’re doing this in a number of their properties.
Not expecting them to hold off indefinitely or even long term just long enough I can sort somewhere else.

2 any tips/advice on finding/getting a new place, from how certain housing associations like to do things, to which areas are good/to be avoided

3 I was hoping to manage next move in such a way as new place could be properly setup and sorted before I move in as that would be much easier for me mainly due to the health issues (mainly mh). Also having a little time at least to manage moving out of this property which I will need to do in a certain way because of my health issues

Any other advice that you think may be useful in my situation.

I’m also currently under occupying which I hope may be something that helps?

Always pay rent on time, have a little money I can throw at the situation, main difficulties are that I have to do things in a certain sequence.

Happy to receive and answer queries by pm as some stuff I’m a bit wary of posting here as could mean I’m too identifiable. Nc for this post for that reason.

I’m trying desperately not to panic but have nobody available I can talk to and that’s really not helping matters.

So I really really need your help. This is causing me considerably anxiety and distress.

OP, I don't think people are being dismissive of your mental health issues. Just realistic.

There is insufficient housing supply and an increasing demand. You won't have a lot of choice. You might be very lucky and land in a great area but chances are that the availability will be in less desirable areas.

I really hope you find somewhere OP. Places like Merrylee are lovely. South of the city, train/bus service excellent and lots of rental available. Good luck!

Thing is you are currently adequately housed

That's your sticking point. Those who aren't or who are stuck in temp accommodation will take precedence. Which is fair

Let it go to eviction and you will then be homeless and can go from there. Likely a hostel for a while though. There's rarely a smooth move where people care enough to coordinate it for you

I don't know what type of property you live in
I will assume that it is rented

It may be that if maintenance is due to be carried out, that the landlord or owner may incur a late payment fee if it is postponed or not carried out on time, especially if they have paid a contractor to do the work

You have not said if the work is external or internal or both

It is standard practice to perform regular maintenance & some types have to be carried out by law

It may be that the work is to be carried out in order for the landlord to later sell

Seems we (as a society) still have a very long way to go as far as understanding the impact of mental illness on people’s lives go.

I'd agree. Sadly, I've had one personal experience with homelessness with a mental health condition, and two close friends... None have been quick. I was signposted to the Salvation Army - my psychiatrist and GP sent letters supporting me and I was sleeping outside, and although the council admitted they had an obligation to house me, they said they had no other options and the Salvation Army bed was the only thing they had available.

My sister waited four years in Band A to be rehoused, again with loads of support.

I hope that someone can help you, but I'd be prepared that in my experience, there's very little housing stock and very long lists, and what should happen isn't always what happens.

I completely appreciate your concerns with private renting, and in wanting an area that isn't triggering to live in... but I suspect that private rental or a temporary way to make it through the renovation work the best that you can are your primary best options, albeit absolutely rubbish (and I'm not condoning that at all).

@OllyBJolly

OP, I don't think people are being dismissive of your mental health issues. Just realistic.

There is insufficient housing supply and an increasing demand. You won't have a lot of choice. You might be very lucky and land in a great area but chances are that the availability will be in less desirable areas.

I definitely didn't mean to be dismissive of MH issues op. I have a long history including GAD ASD and Agoraphobia. Partly recovered from that now.

I was just being realistic about what is available and what is likely to happen. I do not think that MH issues are less important than physical.

Just that the Glasgow area has high levels of homelessness and deprivation and is a hard place to be placed in social housing even after sitting on a wait list.

Realistically you are likely to be band D, which has an average wait of 2-4 years.

That's why I was suggesting a plan b.

any further forward op?

I would be tempted to apply for floating tenancy support if they do it in Scotland? Contact your local council & they should be able to refer you to an appropriate service that will be able to act in your best interests & help you to navigate the housing application system with Glasgow Council. If you have supporting evidence then you may be eligible for medical priority which will get you a preferential banding.

It might also be worth if there are any supported accommodation services that would be suitable for you in or around Glasgow. If you eligible then they are normally time limited to a maximum of 2 years but can help & support you with applying through Glasgow Council.