To turn down this house

[Writteninsilence]

I’m in a woman’s refuge, I’m currently classed as homeless. I’ve been here for 10 months now.
i went to view a housing association flat that I have been offered.

i originally put that I did not want a flat on my applications but due to me being homeless they said I wasn’t allowed to do that and there isn’t really 3 bedrooms in tenanent buildings anyway so it wouldn’t be that kind of flat I didn’t argue back and really wish I did now.

I eventually came to terms with the fact I could potentially still get a flat…I mean they’re usually sturdy and have some sort of shared garden right…
this tenanent flat is first floor, meaning I’m sandwiched between two people, which would be fine…however….these flats are in no way shape or form soundproof, literally hear full blown conversations from the neighbours, which will cause a massive issue, my daughter (9) suffers from ptsd and is on the waiting list to be tested for autism or adhd, this means she is noisy, has frequent meltdowns, she shouts and screams in her sleep due to night terrors.

The housing officer has said that keeping the kids quiet is my responsibility….but She’s a child with potential disabilities so it’s also not something I can help.

There is a big massive concrete garden at the back of the flats, all enclosed but get this…I’m not allowed to put anything in there, no garden chairs and tables, no kids toys, bikes nothing! It’s to sit bare. Very strange rules, why have a “garden” if we’re not allowed to make the most of it.

If I turn down the property my homeless status gets suspended, if that status gets suspended, I have to leave the refuge and will have nowhere to go. I can appeal it if I have reasonable grounds to reject the property.
I think with my daughters potential diagnosis I may have grounds to appeal, however I’m not sure if it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

risk potentially being on the streets with 2 children if the appeal doesn’t go through, or take a flat that live the next 10+ years walking on eggshells, trying to keep a traumatised disabled child quiet…

i left the anxiety and walking on eggshells kinda life when I came into refuge, now I’m gonna be thrown back in

How exciting for you.

given you anticipate issues though - make it very clear in writing to the housing association that your daughter is vulnerable. Keep them up to date on her diagnosis.

if there are soundproofing issues as right away for them to do something. If they can’t - and tilts a big issue - then continue to complain and they should take steps to prioritize a re move if they can.

polite but firm advocating for your daughter can help/

good luck!

Congratulations!
I hope your new home is safe and gives you and your daughter the stable start you need

Congratulations.
Is it worth speaking to the Neighbours in advance? Explain her special needs and tell them if they can hear and it's a problem to give you a call and see if together you can find a solution. They might be lovely and understanding. I think people can be more tolerant if they understand situations. Much better to explain before a problem arises.
Good luck.