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Original poster

Housing register final offer

42 replies

Primerose · 27/08/2024 16:14

Hi. I received a final offer from the council for a property as going to be homeless as my landlord is selling the property where I live. They told me I do not have the three options because of the homeless factor. Basically the property I was offered is 45 min walk from the school bus stop for my son and I do not drive. There is 1 local bus only but is unreliable. They said he can move school and so on but this is not possible. What are the chances if I reject it that they will kick me off the council house register and cannot bid for more properties. My landlord said I can stay another year as he felt sorry for me as a single mum.

OP posts:
YouveGotAFastCar · 27/08/2024 16:19

Why is it not possible for him to move schools?

I'd believe the council. If you reject a suitable property, they will likely remove you from the list, or at least downrank you. But if you've got accommodation for another year agreed with your landlord, you probably do not qualify as immediately homeless anymore anyway?

Bluevelvetsofa · 27/08/2024 16:27

If it’s a choice between accepting the offer and finding a different school, versus rejecting the offer and not being allowed to bid again in the future, I’d choose the former.

In a year’s time, if you reject, you’ll be looking at being homeless, but without any offer of any sort, unless you can privately rent.

Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 16:34

YouveGotAFastCar · 27/08/2024 16:19

Why is it not possible for him to move schools?

I'd believe the council. If you reject a suitable property, they will likely remove you from the list, or at least downrank you. But if you've got accommodation for another year agreed with your landlord, you probably do not qualify as immediately homeless anymore anyway?

My son is autistic and we worked really hard with the school to make suitable arrangements for him. He is hurting himself when he feels unsafe. If he needs to move school both of us will have to go through a nightmare which might be long term. I can see that I am getting close on other bids it is just this one that is in a rural area outside of the town where I live. It is literally in a forest.

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Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 16:38

Bluevelvetsofa · 27/08/2024 16:27

If it’s a choice between accepting the offer and finding a different school, versus rejecting the offer and not being allowed to bid again in the future, I’d choose the former.

In a year’s time, if you reject, you’ll be looking at being homeless, but without any offer of any sort, unless you can privately rent.

I could privately rent but no luck so far. Been 2 years with constant viewings but when landlords/agents see me single with a kid they never pick me. I earn enough to pay my rent but not enough for them. I do not have a guarantor either.

OP posts:
notapizzaeater · 27/08/2024 16:42

Has your son got an EHCP ? You might be able to,apply for transport so he doesn't have to move schools .

Boomer55 · 27/08/2024 16:44

If you haven’t got any medical backup for you child, I would accept the property. It will be a secure and affordable tenancy.

Redruby2020 · 27/08/2024 16:45

I could privately rent but no luck so far. Been 2 years with constant viewings but when landlords/agents see me single with a kid they never pick me. I earn enough to pay my rent but not enough for them. I do not have a guarantor either.

I can relate to this. As in our area they want 50k proof of income. So renting is hard.
If you get a private offer through the council, it would be under the Local housing allowance rate at least. If it's a council property then rent will be even better.

I would think about it, but they might not let you take the offer now if you still have a home for a year.
In my area they certainly wouldn't consider you homeless.
But you could wait the year and try to find somewhere yourself with their help. And if the worst comes to the worst and you need help again hope that you still get an offer in the future.
I didn't get priority in the bidding when I knew I would be made homeless they waited it out to offer anything.

SummerSplashing · 27/08/2024 16:46

@Primerose

How much do you trust your landlord to honor the year he's said you can have?

can the council remove you from the list for now as you're no longer homeless & put you back on in a year?

Is DS able to walk safely 45 minutes to the bus stop. Why doesn't he qualify for taxi transport? I don't think 45 minutes walk to the bus is reasonable.

what have the council said about moving x Schools in regard to his SN?

it sounds utterly crap, I'm sorry x

pinkdelight · 27/08/2024 16:47

My landlord said I can stay another year as he felt sorry for me as a single mum.

This has confused me - so you're not homeless and not going to be for at least a year? Let someone who is homeless have the property.

Edited to add: and then you can stay on the list without the homeless factor and bid until it does become a factor again. you might get lucky in the meantime.

SummerSplashing · 27/08/2024 16:47

Boomer55 · 27/08/2024 16:44

If you haven’t got any medical backup for you child, I would accept the property. It will be a secure and affordable tenancy.

@Boomer55

& a completely unsuitable school move.

SummerSplashing · 27/08/2024 16:50

Redruby2020 · 27/08/2024 16:45

I could privately rent but no luck so far. Been 2 years with constant viewings but when landlords/agents see me single with a kid they never pick me. I earn enough to pay my rent but not enough for them. I do not have a guarantor either.

I can relate to this. As in our area they want 50k proof of income. So renting is hard.
If you get a private offer through the council, it would be under the Local housing allowance rate at least. If it's a council property then rent will be even better.

I would think about it, but they might not let you take the offer now if you still have a home for a year.
In my area they certainly wouldn't consider you homeless.
But you could wait the year and try to find somewhere yourself with their help. And if the worst comes to the worst and you need help again hope that you still get an offer in the future.
I didn't get priority in the bidding when I knew I would be made homeless they waited it out to offer anything.

@Redruby2020

what area are you in?

£50k salary requirement is ridiculous for single people.

Berga · 27/08/2024 16:54

Being homeless will be much more disruptive to your son than moving school ever will be.

Personally, I would accept and start working out the other stuff from a place of having a stable home. Whether that is moving school, exploring transport, learning to drive etc.

ThreeFeetTall · 27/08/2024 16:56

It's a bit weird that the landlord was selling but now it's fine for them to not sell for another year? Maybe they weren't really serious about selling

Anyway, I would call the council and say what you have said here about your son's situation/health condition. In your area can you select areas of choice from within your council area? The way it is here is that you can choose a certain number of areas and then only get offered those ones.

Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 16:58

notapizzaeater · 27/08/2024 16:42

Has your son got an EHCP ? You might be able to,apply for transport so he doesn't have to move schools .

I do not have ehcp. He is diagnosed and having weekly therapy sessions. He does not qualify for transport.

OP posts:
Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 16:59

SummerSplashing · 27/08/2024 16:50

@Redruby2020

what area are you in?

£50k salary requirement is ridiculous for single people.

Show quote history

£40000 is what they are looking for. I live in Hertfordshire.

OP posts:
Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 17:09

ThreeFeetTall · 27/08/2024 16:56

It's a bit weird that the landlord was selling but now it's fine for them to not sell for another year? Maybe they weren't really serious about selling

Anyway, I would call the council and say what you have said here about your son's situation/health condition. In your area can you select areas of choice from within your council area? The way it is here is that you can choose a certain number of areas and then only get offered those ones.

He gave me the notice and said he wants to sell it and when it get to literally kick me out I told him I have nowhere to go and he knows my son is not well, he said I could stay a bit longer until I sort something out but not too long. I showed him that I was on the housing register and that I had multiple emails for private viewings.

OP posts:
Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 17:13

pinkdelight · 27/08/2024 16:47

My landlord said I can stay another year as he felt sorry for me as a single mum.

This has confused me - so you're not homeless and not going to be for at least a year? Let someone who is homeless have the property.

Edited to add: and then you can stay on the list without the homeless factor and bid until it does become a factor again. you might get lucky in the meantime.

Edited

This is exactly what I want to do- to stay on the list without the homeless factor. The council did not agree when I asked them. They said I either take the property they are offering or they will remove me from the list. I am on the last band (D) anyway at the moment.

OP posts:
CormorantStrikesBack · 27/08/2024 17:16

Sounds like you need to take the house. You can’t rely on the landlord keeping his promise.

flightlya · 27/08/2024 17:21

I agree you need to take the house.

The location is less than ideal but if your landlord kicks you out you could end up in a bed and breakfast or hotel as homeless.

loopyluloopy · 27/08/2024 17:36

You will be making yourself intentionally homeless and the council are not obliged to help you.

So for example, if your landlord gives you a section 21 - notice to quit, you will NOT be entitled to any help from the council, and you will have to reapply again for the council list. They then could move you 100 of miles away because that's all the temporary accommodation they have available. Or they may move you to a bed and breakfast/hostel.

Your son will be in an even worse position. I recommend taking the property and worrying about the school issue later. At least you have a secure roof over your head. ND children need stability.

If you earn a decent wage, and your rent will be cheaper in HA, you could pay for a taxi/private company to school and back. If he gets DLA, this cost could help towards it. In London you can get a taxi card to use on Licensed London taxi drivers, and the council pay a certain amount towards your fair if you are disabled. This is worth checking.

NothingAGoodCuppaDoesntFix · 27/08/2024 17:39

I would take the house without a doubt.

Could you possibly learn to drive? I know that's not always the case for some
Scooter on the bus so quicker to get to bus stop.

Cycle?

Original poster
Primerose · 27/08/2024 17:50

My viewing is on Friday so I will go and see it anyway. If there is too much mould it would be unsuitable I guess so I hope this would be the case so I can reject it and keep on bidding.

OP posts:
Littleme2023 · 27/08/2024 18:02

Council/housing association properties are like gold dust. I would accept it and then get straight on the home swapping sites on Facebook, someone will snap your arm off for a house, especially if you’re willing to accept a flat/maisonette in your preferred area.

If you go back onto the list under general bidding you are likely to be waiting years and years. If you can’t find a rental property you could end up permanently homeless.

It doesn’t have to be a permanent move.

Also what about Uber/cab to get him too and from school or the bus stop? It’s likely your rent will be significantly less in this new property meaning you might be able to make it work.

Or use spare cash to get driving.

Its not an ideal option but I honestly wouldn’t turn down the property.

itsgettingweird · 27/08/2024 18:05

Does your ds have a disability social worker? He is entitled to one and contact have good advice.

It would help if you have someone independent to advocate with the council for your son and his needs and they can request somewhere closer.

EducatingArti · 27/08/2024 18:09

Is the rent on the council property less than your current private rent. Could you use the difference to pay for a taxi for your son to either get to and from school or to and from the current bus stop that he uses?