Well, that's me fckd then!

[RepublicOfPirates]

Just venting. Landlord is selling up. At 62 in a low paid job, in a rural location with literally no affordable accommodation, I feel done.

I’m so sorry.

I imagine you need a moment to regroup, but practically speaking, where’s your nearest town? Council accommodation might be out, but are there any Housing Associations you could get your name down with. It might not be ideal, but it’s safe and it would be secure. Speak to Shelter as well; they will be aware of the council’s responsibilities and might be aware of a way to get you into emergency accommodation in a worst case scenario. And then you’ve got a plan B. Are any locals looking to rent out a room? You could put a card in the local shop window, or on a local FB site and it might prompt someone who’d been mulling it over, but not got any further than that. What family support do you have, if any? Would you be willing to move to them if the accommodation was there? Or if you’re in accommodation for one person, perhaps the buyer might be looking to let it out; would your landlord be willing to continue renting on a rolling monthly tenancy? (If such a thing even exists?)

You need to look at over 55's housing complexes. There's a fair few about

Get your name on waiting list asap

Came to say something similar. LA or councils in my area have over 55 housing and due to the demographic 'moving on' should we say, the properties come vacant probably with more regularity than the average LA home.

I do feel for you, Republic.

Get on to the council, they will put you in touch with housing associations and you could end up with somewhere quite nice. Do it now and hopefully your current house will take a long time to sell.

All is not lost. x

Alms houses?

I was going to say almshouses too. In my city (sorry I know you are rural) I know of three almshouses which run as trusts - like a HA but with history. Two are specifically only for women over 50.

Thank you for your replies. Council is my next step, just getting over the shock really.

Do look into almshouses. I live rurally but there are some here, they’re very nice and the rent is extremely low.

I'm so sorry. We had this happen to us when our DC was very young and it was shocking. I hope you find something soon x

I’m so sorry op.
Unfortunately the new rules to protect tenants have just pushed some LL’s into selling up while they can.
As your LL is going to want you to show people round I would try to negotiate a rent free month to put towards your moving costs.

Well, there are two further solutions that I can see.
The one that is somewhat outside your control is that you have to move to a less rural location (if, as you say, there is nothing locally).
The one that is more within your control is finding a better paid job. Mumsnet is all doom and gloom about employment but I know plenty of women in their sixties, working in retail, education, admin etc and happily changing jobs every now and then.
Being older (and therefore believed to be responsible!), employed, and, I’m assuming, without dependents, make you in demand as both a tenant and an employee.

Thank you all again for the replies. After a few hours sleep I'm trying to see this as a new beginning, perhaps. I dont love where I live, have no ties and I hate my job! Why would I pay to move locally for just the same?!! Big step though, new location and job, tying them together, the logistics...

Well that’s really positive then! Perhaps this is the nudge you needed to make the changes so you do love where you live and you do find a job you don’t hate. This could turn out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to you 🤞

@RepublicOfPirates that’s a very positive attitude to have. You literally have your next adventure ahead of you.
You can do whatever you want. Go for it!

Remember…sometimes not getting what you want is the most magnificent stroke of luck.

Thank you, I'm absolutely drained now.

The council I work for nearly always has availability for rural, over 55s housing. It’s not very popular because there are usually poor transport links.

Shelter will be able to advise, but as others have said retirement accommodation is often a good option, people your own age to socialise with and security in your tenancy. The rates aren’t usually too bad as well - because of the age restriction they often go for just below market rate as less competition for them.