To think I will be homeless in 6 months

[JulietteLeGall]

I have just been told my landlords are selling the house I have been renting for 6 years.

For complicated, and outing, reasons, I pay considerably less rent per month than the market value.

I’m priced out of the private rental market so my only option is local authority housing. I have been told I am entitled to a four bedroom property. I can’t see what properties are available yet because my application is waiting to be assessed.

There aren’t going to any, are there? The person I spoke with on the phone said I will be waiting years. I’m in a desirable area in the South West with limited social housing. The properties that do come up tend to be ‘swapped’ and so never get put back in the ‘pool’. Most social housing has been bought privately.

What am I going to do?! I’m terrified.

Can you not rent a smaller private and put the kids in shared rooms?

Can you not rent privately with housing benefit/universal credit help?

Universal Credit pays £300 under market rent for a smaller property. The children will happily share, but even a smaller house is out of reach.

Well you won’t be made homeless if you are eligible for a 4 bed house...
You may not get the 4 bedrooms or area of choice though.

^^was going to say the same as the above posters

Also, after speaking with numerous agencies, I would need to find a landlord that owns outright to be able to rent as I am on UC.

You must have some income? UC or HB? Will they not help you to find somewhere in a different area?

Can you increase your income in the next six months?

I’ve got complicated health issues at the moment so unlikely my income will increase in the next 6 months

You will get a good reference from your landlord that should help, can you get a guarantor? Can you move areas? South Wales is much cheaper.

I think some councils without large houses available will source one from a private landlord. Maybe yours does this?

With everything that has gone on recently I really worry about the impact of moving the children away from their school and friends. I also really heavily on our support network, my immediate neighbours in particular

Firstly the Council have a legal obligation to make sure you don't end up on the streets but that doesn't mean you won't end up technically homeless.
Secondly start gathering evidence now. Whatever needs you or your children have, you need all the proof from doctors, social workers etc you can get. If any family members have a disability, see if you can get an Occupational Therapy assessment done for them.
Finally find out what the Housing Bands criteria are on the Council Housing list so you know what you have to prove and can get as high up the sodding thing as possible!

Really Marisishidinginmyattic? I will try to look into this- that’s given my a sliver of hope!

To be honest, a 3 bedroom house would be plenty. I would happily take the couch to give the children more space.

How many children do you have?

I’ve been told I will be band 3?

But I can definitely get evidence from my doctor and we have involvement from various children’s services, will that push us up?

I have 3 children.

OP that must be such a horrible feeing, im sorry you’re going through this.
I think whilst you will technically be homeless you will be given somewhere based on the fact that you have children.
The council now know who you are - you have applied, from what it sounds like you should be accepted assuming you don’t have any rent arrears or previous trouble.
But you will likely have a long wait for the 4 bedroom home you are entitled to. That doesn’t mean you’ll end up with nothing.
Therefore it’s realistic to brace yourself that you may temporarily be in a b&b, a hostel or such. Or you may be given a home further afield.
Keep on the council, they may be able to find you a let that’s affordable before your eviction. If not you will have to present yourself to them as homeless and they will put somewhere. Temporary most likely to start with (though I know round here temporary is still at least a couple of years and that’s for people wanting two bed flats) As poster above said most councils will source houses but they may not be where you prefer. I’m sure there’ll be someone on here who has been through similar who can offer better advice
Best of luck OP

4 bedrooms for 3 children is surprising to me - they normally make two share (particularly same gender) - does one (or some) of your children have additional needs?
Bands vary by council. Ask what qualifies you for Band 1. The day you become homeless may well bump you up a notch automatically. Right now you are not homeless, only pending homelessness.

Who told you that you are eligible for the 4 bed house? If someone 'official' can they not help you with the application?

He said that band 1 is witness protection. Band 2 would be someone with medical needs such as a cancer patient.

I was surprised at the 4 bed entitlement, but I have been assured that because of the gender and ages of my children 4 bed is correct.

The council will put you in temporary accommodation. Although it’s called ‘temporary’ families often stay there for years waiting. You might as well wait to see what this is like first. If you really hate the temp then try moving to a cheaper area.

bananaskinsnomnom thank you. I am so worried about the prospect of a B&B. One of my children has an incredibly hard time staying away from home. When we have stayed with family before he hasn’t slept for an entire weekend. The whole thing is going to be awful.

Hey op you will be silver band. You can only bid on a four bed not three. You need a section 21 to be silver so you need to send them this. If you pm me your area I may be able to tell you the wait.

Are you sure on the four bed? Children can share under certain ages.