Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To apply for a council house?

112 replies

canidothis15 · 28/10/2015 17:00

Hi

First of all, I own a property in an area of the country I used to live in and I left quite suddenly due to a bereavement. I didn't really feel up to selling it to be honest.

Now I have been talking to friends and some seem quite convinced I could apply for a council house (I work full time) as some houses are actually quite difficult to house people in due to the area being a bit rough.

The problem is that I have pets and so private lets aren't ideal and I am in a flat right now so that's not ideal either.

I would obviously pay full market rent. WIBU to apply for a council house or would the council laugh themselves stupid? My job is pretty well paid and I do obviously have a house.

Thanks.

OP posts:
FuckyNell · 28/10/2015 17:02

Hahahahahaha

ilovesooty · 28/10/2015 17:02

I can't imagine why you'd be eligible for social housing if you already have a property.

WombatStewForTea · 28/10/2015 17:03

You're kidding right?

swisscheesetony · 28/10/2015 17:03

My council let to home-owners.

JoySzasz · 28/10/2015 17:03

I think you'd find it impossible.
There are homeless families in B&B

sugar21 · 28/10/2015 17:03

Dont think you qualify to go on the years long waiting list

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 28/10/2015 17:03

But what makes you think you would get a council house? Haven't you been listening to the news?

aprilanne · 28/10/2015 17:04

i would imagine social housing is for people who cannot afford to buy or pay private rents .not for folk who own a house but dont want to sell presumably rent out to others for high rent .you are having a laugh

SurlyCue · 28/10/2015 17:04

Of course you can apply. Anyone can apply for council housing.

Getting one is an entirely different matter.

formerbabe · 28/10/2015 17:07

Council houses for property owners?!

Wow, fucking wow!

Polgara25 · 28/10/2015 17:09

Where are you in the country?

Eligibility for council housing has nothing to do with how rich or poor you are.

If you're in London/SE you're wasting your time. Others areas less so.

Original poster
canidothis15 · 28/10/2015 17:11

Ah, OK then, thanks :) I am purely going off what I have been told, by friends - which I am happy to accept isn't accurate!

Of course nationally there is a shortage but that doesn't mean (I assume) it applies to every area and my friend recently got a council house and told me she'd turned down a few properties due to the area and that these were considered "hard to let" which is why I wondered if I might be eligible, as it's difficult private renting with pets and children.

By the way - I don't let my property out for a high rent: it's actually below market rate. It is just that the people in it are happy and settled now and I'd feel awful turfing them out Hmm unfortunately you can be a bit TOO moral over these issues, as it's impeding my own life, a little.

OP posts:
DonkeyOaty · 28/10/2015 17:12

Yes do apply for social housing, anyone can.

You might be waiting ooh I dunno, 12 years, mind.

Original poster
canidothis15 · 28/10/2015 17:12

No, miles from the SE.

OP posts:
Arfarfanarf · 28/10/2015 17:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

x2boys · 28/10/2015 17:13

depends what area you live in i found it very easy to get a council house and waited nine months despite being lowest priority i got my house six months ago anybody assuming they have a right to live in the uk can apply for a council house the waiting times however are a different matter.

BrandNewAndImproved · 28/10/2015 17:13

Council houses are for everyone.

Lots of people end up in council houses even though they own houses. If it's not a large city with years of waiting you can but try.

IHaveBrilloHair · 28/10/2015 17:13

YANBU anyone can apply.

formerbabe · 28/10/2015 17:15

I find it completely shameless that anyone who owns a property would apply for a council house.

TalkinPease · 28/10/2015 17:17

You can apply.
You'll be allocated points according to your needs.
If you get enough points you'll be allowed to bid for a property.
If you have the highest number of points of the bidders you get the one you want.

I'd allow 5-10 years till you get one.

x2boys · 28/10/2015 17:22

depending on where you live of course talkinpease it took me nine months in the north west lowest priority.

TalkinPease · 28/10/2015 17:24

Indeed,
I was just looking at the Salford website : eye opener compared with down here.

Osolea · 28/10/2015 17:26

You have every right to apply, and why shouldn't you, you have nothing to lose. Whether your application gets you anywhere or not is down to the council, but you won't know for sure unless you try.

IfNotNowThenWhenever · 28/10/2015 17:28

Anyone can register and bid where I live.In some areas you could get one within a year, even on a low priority.

MoriartyIsMyAngel · 28/10/2015 17:30

The only way you'll find out is by applying. But it will probably be a lot quicker to just sell the property you own!