Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is there even any point in bidding for council housing?

66 replies

BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 14:58

I don't see the point in being in the queue for a council house, and even bidding, if you're consistently place number 250 and there are always people in front of you joining the queue? I can't afford my rent now my landlord has increased it so I am being forced to stay here until I essentially get kicked out, made homeless then probably put into a dump by the council, as nobody else will take me on as a single mother when they've got 30 other couples and higher earners in the queue in front of me. Took me 6 months do consistent viewings to get this place. How did it get like this? Will something change? I'm really hoping that when the cost of living improves landlords will be forced to reduce their rents, but I suppose most won't. Just a rant really as my tent increasing really knocked me (only been here a short time) and suddenly feeling very vulnerable....

OP posts:
Sluj · 15/11/2022 15:01

Without knowing your details, are you sure you have the maximum points you are entitled to? Any medical conditions to take into account?
Also are you bidding for the less desirable properties and still coming 250th? If not, try looking at 2 bed top floor flats rather than 2 bed houses with a garden, for example.
Good luck

Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:05

Sluj · 15/11/2022 15:01

Without knowing your details, are you sure you have the maximum points you are entitled to? Any medical conditions to take into account?
Also are you bidding for the less desirable properties and still coming 250th? If not, try looking at 2 bed top floor flats rather than 2 bed houses with a garden, for example.
Good luck

I have anxiety, OCD and PTSD but none of those qualify me. I was living at my dad's house in 1 bedroom and even that still left me in standard banding as they said he had unused bedrooms that I could use (even though I wasn't allowed as he was redecorating and there were holes in the walls). There are only ever two 2 beds (flats, houses, bungalows, you name it I search for them all!) advertised each week and over 1800 people on the list needing a 2 bed. It's dire.

OP posts:
OP83 · 15/11/2022 15:05

BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 14:58

I don't see the point in being in the queue for a council house, and even bidding, if you're consistently place number 250 and there are always people in front of you joining the queue? I can't afford my rent now my landlord has increased it so I am being forced to stay here until I essentially get kicked out, made homeless then probably put into a dump by the council, as nobody else will take me on as a single mother when they've got 30 other couples and higher earners in the queue in front of me. Took me 6 months do consistent viewings to get this place. How did it get like this? Will something change? I'm really hoping that when the cost of living improves landlords will be forced to reduce their rents, but I suppose most won't. Just a rant really as my tent increasing really knocked me (only been here a short time) and suddenly feeling very vulnerable....

From my (albeit limited) experience this doesn't sound right. You say that you're a single parent at risk of homelessness but you're below 'better off' couples in the queue for council housing.

Without knowing every aspect of your situation it's hard to tell but my only thought is whether you're bidding on properties that you aren't deemed 'suitable' for or 'in need' of.

CourdroySlacks · 15/11/2022 15:05

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

LBFseBrom · 15/11/2022 15:05

Oh bless you, of course it is worth bidding but you have to be on the ball and regularly check. I have no personal experience but know one or two people who have - I understand some have others bidding on their behalf.

I am really sorry about your rent increase, that is a blow. I sincerely hope you find somewhere decent and affordable before too long and wish you good luck. I'm not much help, I know that.

Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:06

OP83 · 15/11/2022 15:05

From my (albeit limited) experience this doesn't sound right. You say that you're a single parent at risk of homelessness but you're below 'better off' couples in the queue for council housing.

Without knowing every aspect of your situation it's hard to tell but my only thought is whether you're bidding on properties that you aren't deemed 'suitable' for or 'in need' of.

Show quote history

I was referring to private housing when I said that people always choose couples and people who earn more. I went to over 30 viewings before someone accepted me to live in their rental and then upped the rent after 3 months so now having to move again.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:07

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I've just accepted I'm not going to get a council house unless I essentially make myself homeless. Which I will be if I get kicked out. I think it's insane that regular people can't afford to live a relatively normal life anymore.

OP posts:
OP83 · 15/11/2022 15:07

BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:06

I was referring to private housing when I said that people always choose couples and people who earn more. I went to over 30 viewings before someone accepted me to live in their rental and then upped the rent after 3 months so now having to move again.

Show quote history

Ahh...Sorry, I misunderstood.

Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:11

OP83 · 15/11/2022 15:07

Ahh...Sorry, I misunderstood.

Show quote history

I probably just didn't word it very well.

OP posts:
donttellmehesalive · 15/11/2022 15:12

It doesn't sound right that your landlord has increased your rent after just three months. Does your contract allow this? Would she be willing to negotiate rather than remarketing?

CourdroySlacks · 15/11/2022 15:13

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:14

donttellmehesalive · 15/11/2022 15:12

It doesn't sound right that your landlord has increased your rent after just three months. Does your contract allow this? Would she be willing to negotiate rather than remarketing?

The rent is going up in 8 weeks. Which is essentially going to be the payment for the 7th month of rent. Which is perfectly legal unfortunately.

OP posts:
AnaJeff · 15/11/2022 15:19

A friend of mine broke up with husband, went into a rental in a horrible area with her kids. Basically gave that up, lodged with friends for a very short time. Had to make herself homeless (which i know sounds scary) but has ended up top of the housing list with a lovely new build

Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:21

AnaJeff · 15/11/2022 15:19

A friend of mine broke up with husband, went into a rental in a horrible area with her kids. Basically gave that up, lodged with friends for a very short time. Had to make herself homeless (which i know sounds scary) but has ended up top of the housing list with a lovely new build

I don't know how I could make myself homeless though unless I stay here and refuse to pay the rent increase until me landlord kicks me out. Essentially I might have to do that anyway!

OP posts:
SnackSizeRaisin · 15/11/2022 15:24

Could you move to a cheaper area? Rented accommodation is cheap and available in many areas. Not easy with children and job but it might be a long term idea

Original poster
BlondeWaves · 15/11/2022 15:26

SnackSizeRaisin · 15/11/2022 15:24

Could you move to a cheaper area? Rented accommodation is cheap and available in many areas. Not easy with children and job but it might be a long term idea

I live near my family. I can't move. I fled a serious DA relationship. He's been prosecuted. I feel safe here and have support which is essential as a lone parent to a 4yo. I have OCD, PTSD and severe anxiety so being near my family is a non negotiable.

OP posts:
CourdroySlacks · 15/11/2022 15:57

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Yabado · 15/11/2022 15:59

It depends on where you are in the country and what your needs are .
The higher your needs the more likely you are to get something . Most likely a direct offer
My niece got a direct offer she went from a 2 bed , 2nd floor flat to a huge adapted house
( wet room type bathroom & stairlift ) within six months of applying .
Huge front side and back gardens
all freshly painted with hardwood floors from our local council
And we are in a area that has a huge housing problem .
We got her MP and supporting doctors letters to support her application to get this for her .

She needed the stair lift for her disability and she got this house as she was top of the list for an adapted house

Notwashingup · 15/11/2022 16:02

I was bidding for 10 months. Was in a perfectly suitable private let, band C I think. A housing development was built and I got a brand new housing association end of terrace. Yes, absolutely worth bidding. Good luck.

Meadowbreeze · 15/11/2022 16:06

Sorry Op, its really really crap. I would definitely get some advice before you stop laying rent. If you do that, the council will class you as intentionally homeless and will wipe their hands clean off you. They've made it neigh on impossible to get on the register now.
Are there any new builds coming up near you? My mum ended up getting a flat that way. She was bidding weekly and only got this as there's no parking and 5 people turned it down.

Winter2020 · 15/11/2022 16:25

Hi OP,
On a similar thread where the OP received some housing benefit as well as working and paying rent the OP was advised that she may be able to get help from the Council via a discretionary housing payment to meet the higher rent. Worth looking into if you can't afford the new rent.

Lisad1231981 · 15/11/2022 16:35

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

x2boys · 15/11/2022 16:49

AnaJeff · 15/11/2022 15:19

A friend of mine broke up with husband, went into a rental in a horrible area with her kids. Basically gave that up, lodged with friends for a very short time. Had to make herself homeless (which i know sounds scary) but has ended up top of the housing list with a lovely new build

Thats great but its very much area dependent ,i got my housing association house within about six months with no priority seven years ago ,but i live in the northwest and there were quite a few houses available at the time

x2boys · 15/11/2022 16:54

Notwashingup · 15/11/2022 16:02

I was bidding for 10 months. Was in a perfectly suitable private let, band C I think. A housing development was built and I got a brand new housing association end of terrace. Yes, absolutely worth bidding. Good luck.

We dont know where the Op lives or how long the average wait is ,its all very well giving our anecdotal experiences ,but unless we live in the same LA they are completley irrelevant

Want2beme · 15/11/2022 17:02

Just out of interest, who would be ahead of a single mother with a young child? I wish it was better for you and everyone else in this situation.