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.

Thanks Shocked, do you work for the council?

The council have a legal duty to ensure you aren't homeless, that's the good news. BUT there's no such thing as entitled to a 4 bed house, you aren't entitled to stay close to where you are (your whole county is fair game) and you are likely to be placed in emergency accommodation initially where you could be up to 3 people in a room with shared kitchen and bathroom. Hopefully they can source a flat at least from a private landlord in emergency but far better you look yourself - look at what local area housing allowance you can claim and start looking

I’m positive about the 4 bed. I specifically requested confirmation of this as I was surprised.

movingonup20 I am already receiving the maximum housing entitlement and this is at least £300 less than market value for properties in this area. Even for 2 bed properties.

Okay, I was just being polite because I'm a nosy cow and advanced searched before I replied (just to check it wasn't a troll thread before I replied) and the ages you've posted elsewhere would be a three bed.

I’ve been through the twice in the last 3 years, managed to secure a council house the second time.
Although we were technically considered homeless we were never without a roof over our heads or a plan. Once you have you eviction notice that should put you to the top of the list. You should be able to see your councils allocation/points policy. In our case it meant we got first refusal on any suitable property before they would appear on the system for other people. But if we didn’t accept an offer before the courts kicked us out we would have placed in temporary accommodation and would have had to accept the next available house. It’s also worth bearing in mind that it takes months for the eviction process to happen at the best of times. The council will likely want you stay put until there are sheriffs at the door.

I found the homeless team at the council invaluable who you can access when notice is served. We got lucky as our council has a shortage of 2 beds so despite having 2 young boys we were allocated. We have had to move away from family and friends and now live in a village we knew little about. We took the first house we were offered and it’s a complete mess decor wise. But the sense of security from a lifetime tenancy and cheap rent is so worth it.

Marisishidinginmyattic

Okay, I was just being polite because I'm a nosy cow and advanced searched before I replied (just to check it wasn't a troll thread before I replied) and the ages you've posted elsewhere would be a three bed.

The problem is that take Devon as an example, the housing allowance may only get you a house in say Plymouth, you might live in a lovely village on Dartmoor but you'll have to look where the affordable housing is - it's unfortunately how it works, remember the housing allowance is set high enough for basic housing, just not where you want. I've been there so I do understand it's hard to have to move.

LouLouLoupee Thank you for posting your experience the thought of the security we might have eventually is the light at the end of the tunnel!

Could you relocate to a cheaper area? We did that - we moved 200 miles away where we could afford to privately rent. It’s hard being away from family, but at least we’ve got a decent home for now.

@JulietteLeGall

Marisishidinginmyattic

Okay, I was just being polite because I'm a nosy cow and advanced searched before I replied (just to check it wasn't a troll thread before I replied) and the ages you've posted elsewhere would be a three bed.

What are you eyebrowing me for? I advance search before I reply to benefit threads to avoid contributing to a benefit bash. Yours looked genuine so I replied. I saw the children’s ages in the process and they wouldn’t get you a four bed so tried to politely ask their ages. Fuck me for trying to help you though 😂😂😂

The housing allowance is enough to get basic housing in the area but it wont be in the nicest places or the desirable locations. Unfortunately when you're reliant on the state to pay your rent, you get stuck in the less wanted areas.
Have you looked in other towns and areas within your council area to see where you can afford? You're in the situation of needing to live where you can afford, not where you want.

What ages are your children? And do any of them have an disabilities which would grant them their own room?

If they've given you the wrong information and filed your application with an error, it's best to find out now so you arent delayed in getting access.

Marisishidinginmyattic Because it doesn’t look like you are trying to help. I’ve confirmed lot’s of times on this thread that I have been assured I am entitled to a four bed. I don’t see why you are fixating on this, to the extent of searching previous threads. So

My application hasn’t been processed yet so if I have been informed incorrectly this will be picked up then I am sure.

The issue is the same whether 4 or 3 bedrooms with regard to availability

I have already said I will happily take a 3 bedroom

And if you have advance searched you will aware of my situation and what me and my children have been through recently. Aren’t you lovely.

@JulietteLeGall

A lot of people start threads like this to cause a bun fight over benefits and get people frothing and being horrible about people on benefits. The person starting the thread isnt actually on benefits or in need of housing; they're just doing it to start a benefit bashing thread.

One of the signs is discrepancies like a 4 bed house where you've got 3 kids, because that's really unusual so it makes it sound like you're making stuff up. That's why people have asked what ages your kids are, because if you're genuine then people will take a lot of time out to write you helpful responses. If its closely nonsense then they wont waste their time.

Any particular reason why you want to stay in your "desirable" area of the SW and not move to a cheaper area like Newcastle or Liverpool.

WhereverIGoddamnLike Thank you for explaining.

PatriciaPerch Thank you

Any particular reason why you want to stay in your "desirable" area of the SW and not move to a cheaper area like Newcastle or Liverpool.

Because that wouldn’t be traumatic for any of us

Each council has their own allocation policy and bedroom requirements are set out in it.

Where are your local connections. Eg lived in area for 3 years or mother, brother father sister for five years. You are more likely to get those properties even if lower banding as the eligible connections are smaller.

4 beds are less available and you may not be accepted in a 3 bed unless there is two reception rooms where one can be converted into bedroom.

I work in SW and I deal with housing every day. It’s varies between councils. You need to read the policies.