to wonder what questions I should ask about a council flat?

[snowmash]

I think I am being slightly UR and should google...but I effectively have a day's notice of viewing, and need to spend some time working out accessible public transport to get there.

[and I keep passing out...but I can't give up this opportunity as over 200 people bid on this 2-bed flat and it would be great to have somewhere safe and accessible to live]

I've been homeless for over a decade now, and have never been in a position to rent*. So:

Please does anyone have any ideas what I should be looking at as I go round, or relevant questions to ask?

[*Please don't biscuit this part - councils tend to fulfill their housing duty towards severely disabled people by putting them in nursing homes, and private landlords aren't usually that keen].

Hi i am probably not going to be all that helpful but look out for stuff like damp and repairs that obviously need doing and ask when/if these problems will be sorted before you move in or how long after. You will probably think of other stuff to ask as you look around and see the layout of the property and the area its in etc.

Good luck hope it works out for you x

From the last line of your OP I am assuming that you are disabled, so I suppose the first priority would be accesibility ti the flat and from the flat.

You would need to factor in what the rent includes. When I had a acouncil flat the rent included the water bill.

Be prepared for the fact that it may probably be completely unfurnished, and I mean no curtain poles or carpets.

If it is in poor decorative order, there may be help available for you towards the cost of decorating. Although this may have changed as I got mine 12 years ago!

I would be looking at the security if it's in a block - is there an intercom system and a lock on the main external door.

And at homeless for ten years. Really hope this works out for you.

Are you disabled? that would obviously mean looking at it from a different aspect.

With regards to help with the cost of decorating they do still help with that if its very bad. They usually give you decorating vouchers for a choice of stores-homebase,brewers,b&q. You are able to purchase wallpaper,paint and decoating materials with them but not sure if op is disabled? So may be different-they may actually deocrate for you if you are unable to do it yourself or have somebody who can although not totally sure about this.

If its relevant, look at the energy performance cert. It will give you an indication of how the flat holds heat in the winter so you can keep the bills down.
Also, what kind of tenancy agreement maybe?

Check exactly how the heating works and, if you can, ask how much it is per month, winter and summer (you may not get a response, or an honest one, but may as well ask).

Check how you'll cook.

Can you take someone with you? Always good advice not to go to a viewing alone, or at least to tell someone where you are and get them to call if they don't hear from you to say you've arrived/you've left.

Take your time looking! Don't let them rush you or fob you off if you want to look at something more closely.

If the kitchen and bathroom are in poor condition ask when they are being redone. Councils are supposed to be doing this under the decent homes scheme i think. Unless that has all been scrapped now.

Yes, I'm disabled (and should be able to work out that side of things ok as my OT is kindly coming with).

It is all the other common sense aspects really, as they are the same for anyone.

3Of1And1OfTheOther , thank you - I think they will paint the walls one colour for me (but I think the floors are my problem).

verybored - thanks...I've been trying to convince friends that undecorated/unfurnished means nothing at all - I think a camera will come in useful.

theratpack thanks, I do need to check out the heating (type), and as LittleRedDragon has said, gas/electric in the kitchen too.

Unfortunately it's too short notice to get friends/family to come (it's a long way from where they live).

GooseFatRoosties, thank you - I'll google that (not heard of it).

Not got any bright ideas snowmash but I just wanted to say good luck - I really hope it works out for you and that you don't have to be homeless any longer.

It will be unfurnished. I don't think I asked much when we first moved into my house, just what day the rubbish got collected lol. Hopefully they will paint your walls for you, round here they have stopped doing it now unless it's really bad

Sorry not much help I know, enjoy your new home

Check when they would want you to sign the tenancy as some councils pressure you into signing that week if there is a lot of demand. It could be awkward if you have to give month's notice on your current accommodation.

If you're in receipt of housing benefit, check if they can pay on the two properties for a period while the tenancies overlap. Also check which property you need to be living in in order to get the overlap. It used to be that you had to move into the new one and could only get the benefit on the old one once you had moved but I'm not sure now with LHA.

I agree with galli, we viewed our house on a wednesday morning and were told to go and collect the keys in an hours time from the council. We had 4 days to move! they start to charge rent from the following monday

Just be warned the day of viewing is the day you normally get the keys unless it's a late viewing :)

Take a tape measure.

Measure the doorways - work out what and how you will get furniture in and out and start looking at freecycle.

Take a lot of pictures.

Open all the doors and windows and try everything especially the heating and make sure all of it works.

Good luck!

Hi, this used to be my proffesion.

So will try and help as much as i can..

I can only go on my own la though.

Is it an accompanied viewing? By either a property inspector/void coordiator or will it be a h.o.? This will make a massive difference wrt to the questions they will be able to answer.

Ie pi will be able to answer questions about the property, dec vouchers, o/s repairs

A ho will be able to fully answer questions about sign ups, heating charges and anything relevant to your tenancy agreement.

If you need any further advice pm me.

+heating type and costs

+signs of damp or decay

• check the skirting and cupboards for signs of pests/rodents/cockroaches

+check the windows are secure and draft free

+check your front door for solidity

+stand outside the property for as long as you can to suss out the neighbours (people who are home 24/7 and making a racquet are not desirable) Also tap on your walls for soundproofing.

Visit the area in day time after 4pm to see what the children in the area are like - good way to avoid little gangs that misery make

visit the after after dark to see if it is well lit and safe

check all transport links.

You can check what can be checked and accept the flat thn carry out further checks, you have a few weeks to change your mind after accepting if it is not right for you.

Good luck

if you are homeless then you will be eligible for a grant. this could pay for carpets and some furniture

council tax band?

wheey bin?

gas/electric.....you might find you are inheriting pre payment meters!

Check under the kitchen sink
I know someone who moved into a council flat and couldn't use the sink as the outlet to where the washing machine hose would go wasn't blanked off. Any water that went down the sink came out the hole. It was a non standard fitting so they had to wait on the council coming to "repair" it

If there's a wet room run the shower to see that the water drains, my MIL was about to move when I checked the newly installed wet room and found the water flowed right out into the hall!

In Edinburgh it's standard for the council to have lifted all carpet and removed curtains before the new tenant takes over. The flats seldom have cookers supplied either.

Check the width of doors, would you be able to get a wheelchair through if it is used/needed.
Would you get a disableds cooter through the front door?

Ask the housing officer about grants available, help with furniture or white goods

Good luck

Thanks very much for all the tips - I've foudn a list of what the councli say they will do before you move in (state of the property), which I wouldn't have thought of looking for.

I don't think I'll be eligible for grants etc., as I'm on a fairly generous RC bursary (as bursaries go), but I'm sure I can scrape by with a microwave and a washing machine in the first instance as long as it's ok - I know other people that do in private rented (defintely be looking at freecycle).

Floors are more of a shame, but I think I'd need to look into what wont be destroyed by my chair too quickly anyway.

I have a 1 bed flat. My son has moved in because he suffers with anxiety. The flat is too small. I think we will have to move out and rent. Will I ever be able to get on council list again.

@Kimmytom You'd be better starting your own thread than bumping one that's 8 years old.