AIBU to turn down council property?

[worldcupfan]

NC.

After 10 years and four rejections. We have been shortlisted to view a council property. The property seems good to be true, not too far from DC's school, local shops, food transport links (where DC can travel to school) the monthly rent is quarter of my overall salary (which would mean we will managing decently) and the rooms are spacious. Also! DC will have his first proper room. We currently live in a 1 bedroom flat.DC has my room and I sleep in the living room.

But! It's not a ground floor. It's on the first floor. DC is 12, has "high functioning Autism" but has severe horrendous meltdowns, he will shout, cry, scream, jump up and down. We are getting help with this and I have hired private cognitive therapy, have a specialist who will be working with me in the home to manage DC's meltdowns. But I am so worried about disturbing the new neighbours below us. In my current place, it's like I'm having to walk on eggshells as I'm managing to prevent DC's meltdowns so that the neighbours don't complain- but also feel that I can never relax in my home and feel that I'm constantly walking on eggshells to prevent DC's meltdowns. Sadly, it looks like I will have to decline the offer but my friends and family are telling me that I'm crazy. What should I do?

Take it. Explain to the neighbours.

I would be far more tolerant of a struggling kid with autism than someone playing loud rock music. Context matters.

I am so pleased for you and your son!

You'd be an idiot to turn this down. If it's genuinely council, and in a good area etc people will bite hour hand off to swap if you're desperate to. Ground floor is so rare. You're fortunate it's just first floor.

Take it. Soundproof as much as possible with carpets etc. It wont be like this forever, your child's needs will change as they mature (I also have a neurodiverse family) and whilst you are clearly a very very thoughtful person, your family is your priority.

Take it, they may be able to move you to a ground floor later, but take the council tenancy and be secure.

Take it. Definitely. Go and see the neighbours with a bottle of wine and explain in advance but tell them you will be doing everything possible to minimise any noise. Enjoy your new home

Absolutely take it don't turn it down from what I know it wouldn't even matter if the neighbors did complain to the council for noise nuisance when it's noise from children eg tantrums, meltdowns, playing it's not classed as a noise nuisance it's only a problem if your blasting music, have huge rows with a DP or throwing massive parties etc

take it!

the noise issue is important obviously but not actually your problem. you can highlight to the council that this is a potential issue and ask them to look into improving the sound-insulation. They will probably say no, but in the event that there are any complaints you will know you have done what you can.

once you are in a property - there might be a minimum term before you qualify - but eventually you will be able to register for a "swaps" forum - there are probably other council tenants in your area who are currently in a ground floor property and would prefer a first floor property.

don't turn down this housing that you need.

This!

Dc is also getting to the age where the meltdowns may well change in nature anyway

Take it. Use the money you're saving in rent to have noise-deadening boards fitted to your floors, thick underlay and thick carpets.

No apology @PopplesRUs for your assumption that the OP has money flowing from a fountain and is taking the piss by even applying for a council property? Embarrassing, when you could have asked this in a more pleasant way.

If you refuse it you might never get offered another place. You would have the same noise concerns if you were ground floor.

I live in a gf and my neighbours still complained about my autistic child so doesn’t really matter what floor.

Take it

This is unlikely to be within your budget but might help you understand more about sound proofing floors: www.soundproofingstore.co.uk/floors

Take it. You can put in for a home swap after twelve months if it isn't working out

Grab the property. All the pluses you list here may very well improve your son's wellbeing.

The other issues can be sorted out as you go. The extra savings from rent will pay for some of his care and don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep in your new bedroom.

Take it and soundproof the floors.

Take it. If the jumping gets really bad just cover his floors with cheap mattresses.

Take it, explain to your neighbors, so what you can to minimise the sound.

You sound like a considerate person, best of luck.

Take it and buy sound proof underlay, thick carpet and put a big rug on top.

Most people or just you? No one else on this thread has been so judgemental so maybe it’s just you who has an issue with the op rejected an ideal property.

You don’t need to justify how you pay for it. 💐

And take the property, it’s sounds perfect for you.

Take it.