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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to ask to move to cheaper studio

46 replies

lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:44

Hi
Right just to explain.
Me and my partner where living in a studio that had mold issues and I asked our landlord if he had other properties to rehouse us I was paying £400 for it we are stuck with this landlord due to money issues.
He had some new studios priced between £400 to £450 I ended up choosing one at £425 at the time I was glad to get out of the mouldy flat as I was worried about health risks.
I would dearly love a flat with seperate bedroom etc and have seen these priced around the same price as this tiny studio I am in.
I feel really depressed as I just cant get the money together for the £1000 they want these days to move in somewhere and my credit rating is useless and I cant get a guarantor so I am stuck at getting something better for same money or even less.
I have noticed that he is not filling the studios that well and a lot have been reduced right down to £350 would I be unreasonable to ask to move to another one for this price or would it be cheeky.
.

OP posts:
LovingLola · 19/02/2018 08:46

Of course you can ask.

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:48

I am so depressed loving about my situation and I know its not the landlords fault that I have the money issues.
I ended up choosing this studio because the layout was more practical but since I been looking at other rentals I feel its overpriced

OP posts:
Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:48

so fed up I feel like topping myself

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Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:51

I saw a flat for just £347 with everything separate and special offer of £500 for moving in which I would still struggle to find and when I told them about my credit rating they said it isn't looking good and never got back to me.

OP posts:
MargaretCavendish · 19/02/2018 08:52

I'm really sorry that your situation sounds difficult and that you feel trapped, but I think it's incredibly unlikely that your landlord will agree to let you move to a cheaper one when he's struggling to fill them anyway - why would he? You're essentially asking him to give up £75 a month. And it seems that he did offer you one at £400 when you initially had to move due to mould, so he didn't force you into a flat that's more expensive that you originally agreed, you chose it.

I think more constructive than trying to get him to agree to let you pay £350 is to work out if there's anything that can be done medium term about your finances - do you have a lot of debt and that's the issue with your credit rating? That can't be fixed overnight, but it can be worked on, which could make you feel like you're making positive steps towards the future. Or, on the housing front, would you consider a room in a shared house? If you're in a studio anyway you won't be sacrificing personal space, and you could end up in a nicer property overall for less money - and the deposits are usually much lower. That might get you into a cheaper property and so allow you to save money and improve your finances.

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:52

I have never missed a rent payment in 18 months

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Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:55

I would never go into a room in shared house that's a definite NO,
With the studio I have my own kitchen area and bathroom but in rooms your sharing these with others.

OP posts:
GrannyGrissle · 19/02/2018 08:56

Our council provides the deposit so that people can move inot private rented housing especially if there is a reason ie. cramped condition/mould and health issues. Contact the housing department and ask (don't be fobbed off!). In the meantime tell LL you're struggling so can you move to a cheaper place? Don't feel awkward ehy would you want to pay more?! Is it worth getting your name on the council housing waiting list?

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:57

I do have a lot of debt that a relative is paying for me but they are only making a very small payment.
The debt will never be paid off before I am dead and buried

OP posts:
Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:58

My name is on the council but I am in lowest band

OP posts:
MargaretCavendish · 19/02/2018 08:58

Ok, so rule that out as an option. Some people would prefer being in a bigger, nicer house even if shared, but obviously that's a personal preference.

It's good that you've always paid the rent on time, as that means you should get a good reference from your current landlord. So it's the credit rating that you think is a problem - why is that so low? It seems unlikely that nothing can be done to improve it.

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 08:59

I cry about this I feel my life is fucked sorry

OP posts:
Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 09:00

It happened from years ago I was going through mental health issues still am

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Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 09:03

I cant get money together for anything when I try I end up dipping into it.
I never go on holiday, never buy clothes, don't drink, don't smoke, and the money still goes.

OP posts:
MargaretCavendish · 19/02/2018 09:06

I'm so sorry you're feeling like this - are you still getting mental health treatment/support? What about your partner? How is he with saving and money?

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 09:12

I am on antidepressants and have received counselling before now but I don't find it usefull.
Partner has some money issues with trying to pay off a couple of friends he owes and also he has to pay maintenance for kids from past relationship.

OP posts:
Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 09:17

I cant bring myself to ask the landlord about this.
Bloody stupid isn't it.
He isn't that easy to talk to he is motivated for money and it takes him ages to sort anything out he has moved a man in upstairs who is a drug smoker apparently and don't work and all you can hear is him talking so flipping loud and he is always setting the smoke alarms off.
The building has also had issues with rats in the ceiling and walls and one was getting into my bathroom although I think they are getting on top of this now.

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 19/02/2018 09:18

You sound so very down. Can you go and talk to the cab about your situation? And stepchange about your debt? See if they can come up with anything. With regard to the tenancy, you’ve signed an agreement and I don’t see how you can get a reduction on the rent or ask to move to the same specification apartment for less money. The ll won’t accept this.

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 09:33

I have been with free debt management companies but they where expecting a minimum of £100 a month and I just cant afford it.
At the moment my relative is paying just £34 a month for me and the creditors have all accepted this.

OP posts:
SofieMonde · 19/02/2018 09:40

I have PM'd you as I had a similar situation and I hope my story helps you :) xx

Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 09:45

thanks will take a look

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Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 10:04

the only benefit I get is £32 a month working tax credit and I am gonna have to pay back this back because my earnings have tipped over the threshold for this year.
God there is no way out of this.

OP posts:
Original poster
lakia10 · 19/02/2018 10:08

I am in a load of self pity because everybody else in my family goes on holidays, buys stuff for their house and themselves. They have come into money either thru ppi or pensions etc and have never known what its like to receive money like that I am so sick of it.
My sister received money back before and kept it quiet because she felt bad about me I am useless.

OP posts:
SofieMonde · 19/02/2018 10:15

I think you should call MIND they are very helpful and provide great advice :)

GladAllOver · 19/02/2018 10:21

Is there anything you can do yourself about the mould?
With two of you living and cooking in a small space there will be a lot of condensation, and that will cause mould. Do you have plenty of ventilation let out the damp?