Housing - is there anything I can do?

[OnTheGoAlways]

I work FT, but I parent 2 children alone and so, even though I try every month to save, I always end up taking the money back out. I put myself through courses/certificates and PG degree but I'm still a low earner meaning I am topped up by universal credit. Im only saying that as i am trying to lift my family and i up out of this situation. I have no credit card debit, don't miss any bill payments (often eating weetabix for 3 meals) and a good credit score.

I have been in my private rented home for 7.5 years. My landlord has just told me this evening that she is considering selling by the end of this year, it may be before then.

I live in Scotland, I had contacted an organisation about NSSE scheme to enable to buy just a few weeks ago, before I knew this. I jointly owned a property with my ex, 10 years ago in England, I left after he was violent and handed it all over to him (I felt guilty for leaving at the time). I only had my name on the mortgage for about 1.5 years. Apparently because of this, according to a woman named Natalie, I cannot access any schemes to help me buy a property.

What can I do? Do I put myself on the council list? Are there other schemes I can access? Who can I talk to ? I have two primary school aged children and very little family support, none of which is financial.

I'm already stressed due to work, children and my grandmother, the most stable person in my life, having a major operation after almost dying. I'm sitting here feeling spaced out!

Shameful bump

Hi, sorry your housing situation is stressful. You can definitely go onto the housing list, and there may be other housing association lists - ask the council housing office as every area is different. It is very important that you do not do anything to make yourself voluntarily homeless, in order to get the maximum chance fo being helped by your local authority.

I suggest you speak to Shelter about the sale of your rental home.

I wonder if you could access the Scottish Lift Scheme to purchase a property. Essentially the Scottish government would own a proportion of the equity (but you can buy into a bigger share etc).

You've been advised wrongly. The NSSE scheme is open to people who have owned before but have had a major relationship breakdown. The fact that you left abuse and have children to provide for means you would qualify. I'd be calling back, spelling out your past situation, and quoting from the website if I were you!

www.mygov.scot/new-supply-shared-equity-scheme

Thank you for your replies.

I replied to the email stating that I would qualify under the criteria of previous home owner with significant change of circumstances...and they emailed back to say as it happened 10 years ago I would not qualify.

I've hardly slept, I've got a full day of work ahead then ds football club.

Even if LL doesn't sell this year, I am now so Insecure.

Is there any way your landlord can give you your deposit back before the end of your tenancy agreement so you can find somewhere else even if it's only a short term fix?

I second this. I don't know the rules in Scotland. Yes best bet is to speak to someone like Shelter. And yes agree that you do not move out until you have to.