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AIBU?

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Original poster

to think I will get this flat?

33 replies

winkingdemon · 08/11/2018 16:26

Posting here for traffic, hoping somebody can shed a little light for me as I've never done this before! Apologies that it is long.

Bit of background info as to not drip feed:
23 y/o, currently living with parents which is unsustainable for various reasons, after fleeing an abusive relationship earlier this year (emotional and physical). I applied for council housing just before I left (wanted to move out and on my own) but it took a long time to get everything established and the situation escalated and I finally saw sense so I left as I couldn't wait for housing etc. (For context I had no income, was stopped from getting a job, put all my money into the relationship etc and was left with nothing).
I have MH issues (that now are thankfully under control and getting better for the first time ever due to leaving the relationship) and put all of this in detail on my housing application.

Have been bidding on properties etc. Just started a new job so starting to get my life back on track thank god (didn't work before due to MH issues etc). It's been a number of weeks since I bid on anything due to getting everything else in my life sorted. I received a phonecall today about a flat I bid on (it was a couple of months back if I remember correctly) saying I was top of the list, all the details of the flat and rent etc, and told to arrange a viewing of the property. I arranged all of this and phoned them back and asked what happens if I like the flat etc and she told me to send over copies of my passport and work contract (proof of ID and proof I am now working and have an income) which I have done.

She said she has booked me in for a viewing and sign up for the property (providing everything at the viewing goes well). Does this mean that when I go for my viewing next week, if I like the flat and it is suitable etc that I sign for it then and there and the flat is mine?

I'm so anxious but exicted and trying not to get my hopes up too much. I just want this so much as I can finally start to live my life again and gain some much needed independence after my life was put on hold for almost 3 years by my abusive ex.

OP posts:
darkriver198868 · 08/11/2018 16:45

Sounds like it to me.
It's what happened 3 months ago. I was living in supported accommodation. Was bidding and got matched. Went for a viewing, signed up and got the keys ten days later.

ShalomJackie · 08/11/2018 16:53

Good luck. Hope it is all.you want it to be.

Original poster
winkingdemon · 08/11/2018 17:19

darkriver glad you got your flat! hopefully this will be it for me and I can get myself sorted now properly

shalomjackie thank you, hopefully it will be and I can start afresh properly

OP posts:
Bumbumtaloo · 08/11/2018 17:28

It sound like what happened with us. It was effectively down to us weather we liked the property and accepted. I will just say, we had to pay a weeks rent on the day we signed for our place - obviously not an issue.

JustAskingForAFriend · 08/11/2018 17:30

Yes thars how it works..
Well done and good luck. You deserve it

AwkwardPaws27 · 08/11/2018 18:05

It sounds like a very good sign BUT sometimes things happen outside our control. Try not to completely set your hopes on this one - my friend viewed and accepted a flat but then a couple of weeks later was told that it needed major works and wasn't being let - they got another place a couple of months later. I have also had MH problems and disappointing can be hard to bounce back from, so take it as a very good sign that you might get a flat soon and it may be this one, but try not to set your heart on it (although I really hope that you get it!).

darkriver198868 · 08/11/2018 21:04

I was the same as PP I had to pay a month's rent upfront.

Original poster
winkingdemon · 08/11/2018 21:54

thank you for all your replies
Hopefully this will work out as I definitely feel I deserve a break and a chance to sort my life out finally!
I asked the woman who phoned me about deposit etc and she said the deposit is one months rent so I’m aware of that at least I won’t get a shock on the day lol
Another query - do the flats have anything in them at all like carpet etc or do I have to get everything from the ground up (literally)?

OP posts:
Feefeetrixabelle · 08/11/2018 22:00

Usually everything from the ground up however some housing association give paint vouchers if needed. And when I viewed mine they hadn’t taken the carpet in the bedroom and I asked if I could keep it and they kindly left it down.

darkriver198868 · 08/11/2018 23:07

I was very lucky. The previous tenant had done my flat up to an amazing standard and the HA kept it that way

Singlenotsingle · 08/11/2018 23:11

My dsd was allocated a lovely one bed flat but yes, she had to carpet and furnish it. It didn't even have white goods but she bought stuff on Facebook Sales.

Bumbumtaloo · 08/11/2018 23:42

Yes, we had to get everything from the ground up but as we’d privately rented before we had everything apart from carpets, we were incredibly lucky a charity relating to my DH work, that he had to give up to become my carer, paid for them for us. And a cooker, we were given this by our housing association, they could give you one white good. Speak to the HA when you view and see if they offer the same.

We didn’t get any decorating vouchers as our bungalow was painted in magnolia throughout, it had been decorated and had a new kitchen put in before the previous tenant but unfortunately she hadn’t been here very long before she died.

Local selling sites are really good for white goods and household items. I have myself both sold and given items for free. I have friends who have ordered carpets from ebay and they have been very good quality and really cheap, not sure how long they’d last but may help you out in the meantime.

Good luck OP Flowers

Original poster
winkingdemon · 09/11/2018 14:12

Thank you again everyone

The viewing has been moved up to Tuesday morning now so at least I don't have to wait a whole week! The sign up will take place there and then, the lady said she is going to send me a copy of the tenancy agreement before the viewing so that I can have a read of it and familiarise myself with it and then any questions I have can be answered on the day.

I've been looking on gumtree and facebook groups etc at sofas and bits and bobs of furniture so hopefully I'll be able to get a few things relatively cheap, and my mum and dad are going to help out as much as they can which is hugely appreciated.

Hopefully it will all go well, I'm still a nervous wreck for some reason so it's probably a good job I don't have to wait until Friday!

OP posts:
Feefeetrixabelle · 09/11/2018 14:44

If you live near a city then auction houses can be good for cheap stuff too. If they are bringing a tenancy agreement then you are almost definitely going to get it. I signed for mine on the day of viewing and took they keys that day. That’s great news for you.

mummymeister · 09/11/2018 15:29

have a look at a local freecycle group and also facebook selling site groups. we have quite a few in our area and often people will advertise things either very cheaply or free because they just want rid of it. particularly carpet, furniture and bulky items because it costs a lot to get them taken to the tip and most of them are just on there because of a change in colour scheme. you could also speak to something like a british heart foundation shop near you and see what they have. good luck with your new start.

HighsandLows77 · 09/11/2018 15:34

@winkingdemon did the housing person say whether there would be other people viewing or what number you were ?

Original poster
winkingdemon · 09/11/2018 16:08

@Highsandlows77 she never mentioned anybody else viewing the property and as she’s booked a viewing and the sign up for the same day and explained all the sign up etc I don’t think anyone else is. When she phoned me the first time yesterday she said I was at the top of the list

OP posts:
PlateOfBiscuits · 09/11/2018 16:12

How exciting! Hope it turns out how you hope.

HighsandLows77 · 09/11/2018 16:19

So happy for you @winkingdemon i hope it goes well Smile

iwantanewusername · 09/11/2018 17:39

hi winkingdemon, if you are anywhere near me you are more than welcome to my furniture!

Feel free to PM me, if you can get a van and come to me, I am more than happy to give you the stuff for free.

Original poster
winkingdemon · 13/11/2018 12:45

Hi all,

Just wanted to leave an update. I went to view the flat this morning and I have signed everything and got the keys! The flat is absolutely lovely, it's so much better than I was expecting and I'm very excited as it's now the start of getting myself back on track properly and a fresh start with my life.
It all needs a lick of paint but there are decent carpets down in the hallway, living room and bedroom so it's just a case of getting everything else I need now and sorting out moving in.

Thank you for all your replies

OP posts:
Notthecarwashagain · 13/11/2018 12:52

Ah congratulations!

I was in a hostel when I was pregnant with my DD (20 years ago, where has the time gone?!) and still remember that giddy excitement at getting my very own set of keys, and front door!

Hope the move goes well, and enjoy your new home!

Bumbumtaloo · 13/11/2018 13:21

Congratulations OP!

FawnDrench · 13/11/2018 13:24

What really lovely news - I am delighted for you.
Wishing you all the best in your new venture!

EduCated · 13/11/2018 13:26

Oh congrats! Howlovely to have a space you can properly call your own! Brew and Cake and Flowers