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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I should be allowed to live in social housing without getting a bollocking?

81 replies

OreosAreTasty · 27/07/2016 18:24

I live in a lovely HA flat. It's a "difficult to let" because it's a 2bed on top floor. Anything other than a ground floor flat generally isn't wanted/offered to those with kids and a single person on HB can't live here due to Bedroom tax which is why (according to my housing officer) it's likely that's why no one wanted it. It was listed 3 times and no one bid on it, put in the difficult to let list (open to everyone even those not on list) viewed once and rejected. So we managed to get it.
Dh and I both work- I'm off sick atm. Even with me working full time we make approx 25k PA (after deductions) that isn't each. That's both of our Salaries. At the moment we're managing on 15k pa plus SSP. The point is we're not rich by any stretch and no one wanted the flat anyway But since moving in (last week) 4 people, one being my sister have had a go at me for it. Apparently I'm taking from the vulnerable in society? Not sure how as the vulnerable couldn't have it or didn't want it.
We also earn enough to not NEED reasonable rent apparently (even though I reckon everyone should get it but there we are).
The fact there was no deposit etc was a major plus but the rent itself is actually 150pm more than my last deathpit house.
I don't know why I'm justifying myself anyway tbh.
I'll cut to the chase.
Aibu to think I'm not doing anything bad or wrong? :(

OP posts:
anyname123 · 27/07/2016 18:30

Social housing is open to everyone. I don't understand the mindset that only people with no income other than benefits should be the only people entitled, then the pursuing complaints that there are "sink estates" where no one works. Years ago council estates would have a right mix of people, working, low waged, unemployed; and there was a good sense of community. I think you are completely reasonable and anyone who says otherwise is talking out of their arse.

ElsaAintAsColdAsMe · 27/07/2016 18:30

People have very strong opinions on social housing.

You have done nothing wrong, you're perfectly entitled to the flat.

MrsJoeyMaynard · 27/07/2016 18:36

You're doing absolutely nothing wrong.

If the HA thought the vulnerable in society needed the flat more than you, they wouldn't have let you rent it, would they? The HA is in a better position to judge that than your sister and other acquaintances are.

PersianCatLady · 27/07/2016 18:37

You are not doing anything wrong, no-one else wanted the flat.

Also by paying rent for it each month instead of to a private landlord and it being occupied instead of empty the HA is receiving revenue from the flat as opposed to having to deal with the problems of leaving it empty, for example squatters.

Ifailed · 27/07/2016 18:38

you are not doing anything wrong. Thank your lucky stars that you live in an area where such flats are available, get on with life and enjoy.

straightouttacompton · 27/07/2016 18:42

You haven't done anything wrong but you are very lucky so enjoy it and don't take it for granted.

RubyGoat · 27/07/2016 18:44

YANBU. They are clearly being judgmental without knowing or caring about the facts. Ignore. Congrats on getting out of the death trap!

VimFuego101 · 27/07/2016 18:48

Take the flat. Housing associations are not charities - they need people in their properties, paying rent, to run as a business and fund the maintenance of their properties.

What does your sister classify as a vulnerable/needy person anyway? whoever those people are, they will likely have an income similar to yours - if not working, through benefits/tax credits.

P1nkP0ppy · 27/07/2016 18:50

I suspect there's an element of jealousy op.
Smile sweetly while gritting your teeth and she'll get bored soon. Honestly you're not doing anything wrong at all. Enjoy your new home 💐

Iamnotloobrushphobic · 27/07/2016 18:51

You are doing nothing wrong. You are just as entitled to live in that flat as anybody else. Social housing is not just for the unemployed.

BeckyMcDonald · 27/07/2016 18:52

If you were a millionaire I think people would maybe have a point. But you're basically on the poverty line. Ignore them OP. Social housing was invented for people exactly like you. It's designed as safety net for when things go wrong or for people who aren't earning a massive wage. Both apply to you at the moment. Feel no guilt.

And actually, even if you were loaded, it would be fine. It's much better for a flat to be rented out so them money can go back to the council than for the property to be void.

Doingprettywell · 27/07/2016 18:56

Social housing is not open to everyone in my area. I am a single mum on a low wage and because I am renting privately I was taken off the list. Apparently I would have had to keep my children living in terrible conditions for over a year to even get a look in :-( A lot of my rent is paid by housing benefit, there's no way I would be able to afford anything around here on my wages. Seems a bit wonky to me.
I am very happy for you though op!

PaperdollCartoon · 27/07/2016 18:57

Enjoy the safety the property offers you, you're as entitled to it as anyone. I used to live in a HA flat, I suffered severe mental health problems for years and it was a godsend to have that low rent. It allowed me to go to Uni and get a good job. We now earn over £50k a year between and decided to move into private rent earlier this year because I know social housing is in high demand and someone else needed the flat more, people like you on very low incomes/disababled/etc. I don't know where you are in the world but where I am private rent is bloody high, you would struggle on like than £20k for a couple. Ignore them, you've done nothing wrong.

MiscellaneousAssortment · 27/07/2016 18:58

I, as annointed 'The Vulnerable In Society' personally give you permission to live in your social housing flat and enjoy it.

I also give my personal blessing on telling people to mind their own beeswax Grin

Signed,
disabled single mother,
lowest of the low!

crazybat · 27/07/2016 18:58

My salary is 21K I pay full rent and could never afford a private accommodation I don't know how anyone can! X I'm subject to bedroom tax so have no choice than to work full time or have a lodger when I'm part time. Sour grapes sounds like OP.

Boosiehs · 27/07/2016 19:00

Jeebus Christ OP. I am impressed that you manage as it is. I would say low income like that needs the help of HA, and you met the criteria of that particular flat anyway. Enjoy it and hopefully you will get better too. Good luck.

RosaRosaRose · 27/07/2016 19:06

If the HA allow you the flat it means you are eligible to rent it. I live in (and am so deeply grateful for) social housing having spent 6 months in a refuge. Many of my neighbours see it as a given. I'm glad for my chance to get my life back and wish you the best in your new home! Enjoy it and make it yours x

UnderTheGreenwoodTree · 27/07/2016 19:07

Yanbu.

MrsDeVere · 27/07/2016 19:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

heyday · 27/07/2016 19:15

I dearly wish I could be allocated social housing. I have to rent privately with an extortionate rent and as I can only work part time, due to chronic illness, I have to rely on HB to top up my meagre wages. I am deemed as being 'suitably housed' by the council and although I have been registered for social housing for 15 years I am not eligible to bid. You are fortunate to get the flat. Enjoy it and don't listen to anyone who tries to put you down on this.

Gran22 · 27/07/2016 19:18

There are social housing properties in this area that are similar to the OPs in that there is little or no demand for them. It's quite surprising that some people are desperate for a council property, but they don't want a maisonette, they're picky about the area, etc., etc.

The OP has done exactly the right thing IMO. It's good for social landlords to have tenants who pay rent, plus it helps the local economy if not everyone is on benefits.

Discobabe · 27/07/2016 19:22

If they were 'more vulnerable' than you, they'd be living there instead of you! My dm got a bungalow. She was housed already in a private rent (albeit with damp, a leaky roof and difficult stairs) and 6/7th on the bidding list. Everyone above her turned the bungalow down. It's 2 beds, HUGE garden, brand new kitchen and bathroom, decent area. It certainly opened my eyes, I think you can't be THAT desperate if you can afford to turn down a place like that??

Ifailed · 27/07/2016 19:22

The decimation of Social Housing stock has got us to this place
No, the right-to-buy process got us to this place.

MrsDeVere · 27/07/2016 19:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ifailed · 27/07/2016 19:31

MrsDeVere
Of course right-to-buy has reduced the amount of social housing, that was the whole idea, to move to a mythical "home-owning democracy".
The income from RTB was not allowed to be invested in new social housing, so the number dropped, down by 1.9 million between 1980 and 2013.

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