Advice on Council Housing

[xLondonLeighx]

Please see below

I haven't been able to read through all the messages but in case it hasn't already been said, be very cautious about following your friends paths of lying about your partner living there.

Many HAs and Local Authorities will offer you a fixed term tenancy and at the end of the review period (which can be anything between 2-5 years) will assess your housing need once again, if you're not deemed to be in need of social housing any longer they can ask you to leave.

Picking up on one comment made by a poster, Housing Associations allocate nearly all of their properties via the housing register held by the local authority. It's only in areas that may be hard to let that the HA may hold their own waiting lists so I wouldn't say that going direct to a housing association will help as they'll just refer you back to the council.

If you can afford to privately rent, you should consider that, or possibly shared ownership.

Things might of changed but round here if your pregnant you'll be offered a 2 bed.

Things HAVE changed . Since the implementation of the 'bedroom tax' you would not be eligible for a two bedroom property until the baby is born becuase if anything happened to the pregnancy you would be under-occupying and if you were claiming HB it wouldn't cover the rent.

They never used to take into account savings or income, just your need for being housed. They may ask for it now, but didn't when I got my council property but I'm in an area isn't too difficult to get housed in. If you're in London they may ask if you're willing to move elsewhere in the country though.

I think it's clear why anyone would want a council house, especially in a more expense private rental area! I'm always puzzled why people would ask that. You're paying a sensible rent and have security. If you can't buy then a council property is the next best thing to offer a family security. Private rentals are insecure and a complete rip off with their over priced rents and rules.

You'd need to specify your council area and the amount of savings you have for anyone to give you an accurate answer. Or you could just look it up yourself on their website.

Your situation (current housing, the fact that baby isn't even born yet nevermind 5+, the relatively high income, etc) would in no way mean you get a council property in any area I've lived in the last 20 years.

You can, and should, expect to go into private rental property once you want to move out of your parental home. It's what most people need to do these days - many others in terribly desperate, overcrowded housing wouldn't come close to getting a 2 bed council house with 2 able bodied working people netting just shy of 3k a month in income! It's just not based on realistic expectations.

In my area your income is taken into account, as to whether your eligible. You have to have been living in the district, or work in the district. Your pregnancy wouldn’t be counted until you’re 6 months pregnant- but even then it’ll be one bedroom.

You can bid every week for up to 5 properties in any band within your bedroom criteria- but obviously if a person in that band was to bid they’d get the property rather than you...even if you’re a higher band

If your adequately housed you’d be in band 4 and op would be considered adequately housed regardless of squashed circumstances

Why on Earth did you get pregnant on the expectation it's the council's job to front you a 2-bed so you don't have to return to work? I mean, seriously? Anyone in London knows it's nigh on impossible (some of the people who lost their homes in Grenfell are still in temp accommodation) even if you lie and say you're single. Of course now you want to 'close out the thread' because people are telling you the truth.

You've got 8 months to sort yourselves out like adults who chose to bring a child into the world.

Yea, Grenfell tower residents. Many forced to move away from their friends/family outside of London. Many still in temporary accommodation, nearly 2 and a half years later.

And the worse thing, like the fire, wasn't bad enough, is because they are homeless, chances are they will have one choice to be rehomed. Same with thousands of others who have been forced out of their homes through no fault of their own.

Stay at home, keep saving.

It depends on area. We have a bidding system where I live. I was offered a house after a year but I only bid on one beds and didn't bid every week. We needed to move due to damp, because of flooding on the street. If you do want a council house check the area they are in. Look at the news stories for the street names.

Ours wasn't great and there was alot of crime going on, we didn't fit in and stuck out. Nothing happened to us but we didn't feel safe. I moved out as soon as I could and the day we left there was a police raid next door. Have a look at private or be very careful about the area.

They'll probably be very confused why you're applying when you have savings and that income. They house people in desperate need. You are not.

You earn 3k a month and have savings, it wouldn’t get you anywhere near a council property here or in my last county. You aren’t in need of a council house?!

I think honestly you are far away of getting counsil housing. You have good monthly earnings to rent privately. I rent one bedroom flat in North London for £1100. Plus my husband is only working, and he is getting less money than you, we have one baby and I'm expecting another baby. You can rent privately and then you can apply for universal credit, so you can have some financial support from them.

Your BF can stay with his mum.
You get a single bed and the baby has a Moses basket for the first 6ish months. After that get a carry cot/ pack and play with a proper mattress. This can be folded up when not in use.
BF works his arse off and makes more money. Tell him to look at bar work as well so he can work some night shifts and weekends etc.

Look at shared ownership - eligibility rules vary but are typically based on ties to the local area, not currently owning a property and having an income below a threshold.

You have a decent income, savings, and a roof over your head. Albeit you feel your current home it isn't suitable, you would be shocked to see what some Councils class as suitable. Some conditions are shocking yet perfectly acceptable in their eyes.

You do realise council homes aren't free right? They aren't particularly well maintained and you will wait years for your home to be approved for scheduled maintenance.

And what makes you think if you were given council accommodation it's going to be any nicer than where you live now?

I work in the private sector for a London Borough LA and trust me LA accommodation isn't what everyone seems to think it is

You won’t spend your savings on private rent but who do you think will pay for council rent? I’m confused - do you think your council rent will be funded if you don’t declare your savings?

You have money and a good income and currently a good roof over your head. It’s time to get out into the real world and suck up life’s expenses.

Psychotic? I hope you never have the misfortune of having a baby with him, because he could well do the same to you!

Oh wrong post...sorry how did that even happen?!

I am currently homeless I'm 48 years old and I have many of health issues and Thanet council said that I wasn't a priority and that I'm not vulnerable enough i also need a carer but still can't get any help from them

You may be better looking at the affordable rent a scheme or open rent. With your savings and earnings it's unlikely you would get a council house anytime soon.

Why are you homeless Vivvyb48? Do you have housing related debt or council tax arrears?

If you don’t then being homeless would make you a priority & you should get either temporary accommodation or a hostel. There are many homeless though so you’d get graded in that section and maybe in adhoc accommodation for many months

I’ve been in temp housing for 2 years waiting for a council house and I’m at the top of the list so next house is mine, so good luck. I’m sure you’ll get a nice house/flat with a mortgage if you save more I can’t afford to rent privately or buy so this is my only hope.
SH is in short supply and I live in Scotland

op won't be back.....didnt like what she heard

Aye, I’m sure suddenly she’ll have no bf or savings for a bit.....