Council/housing association wait time for homeless?

[Maymoo99]

Can anyone around the derby/east midlands share there experiences or offer any advice on council housing waiting time?

I have become homeless in the last 6-7 weeks with my 21 months old toddler, currently sofa surfing in my disabled cousins which has been classified as severely overcrowded. The council has also set up a temporary pay-to-stay arrangement with my cousin to help with the costs of keeping me here. They have placed me in the highest band with a homeless need, severe overcrowding need and a minor medical need.

I have been bidding for the past 5-6 weeks and my bids have been positioning between 3-11 consistently. (Most properties have around 100 bids)

I cannot afford the upfront or ongoing costs of private rent as the average two bed around here is at least £800 per month and LHA only covers circa £450, and even if i could afford the demand for private rentals is very high with around 10-15 attending block viewings. I don’t stand a chance.

I suppose i’m just asking if anyone can share their experience and how long they’ve waited? I suppose at the least i’m just looking for some positive words.

Tia

Update: I have been offered a two bedroom housing association flat. I have completed pre tenancy checks and been informed the property is mine provided the viewing goes well etc. I am expecting a viewing within the next 1-2 weeks. Feeling very grateful 🙏

Aww congratulations!! You must be thrilled.

@OhHowTheDogsStackUp thank you, i am beyond thrilled. It could not of come at a better time as things were starting to reach breaking point but like many people have said it happens when least expected 🙏

That's how it was for me. The wait was interminable!! Then all of a sudden, I had a lovely home. I'm actually glad I had to wait now as it's such a nice place in a lovely area.

I'm so happy for you. I hope it's perfect!

Is it one you'll have to sort out the flooring for?

H/A told someone I know who is in a damp crumbling 2 bed high rise council flat with 3 boys, verbally that she would never get a house so she never bid for years until I pointed out she was told verbally not by letter . She is back on the list to bid again . I think they told her this and no doubt others to reduce the amount of applicants . Probably had a target to reach .

@OhHowTheDogsStackUp yes it’s unfurnished and no flooring. I have managed to save some money to make a head start to planning to just get it all sorted ASAP and move in without delay x

@SWSO this flat isn’t a high rise, it’s maisonette style so only a ground floor and a first floor so nothing like a horrible high rise thank god. In all honesty i really really nagged the life out of the housing officers and advisers and i received the offer on sunday so it must have had some affect.

That's brilliant. It'll be great once you're settled in properly.

Well done . I told my friend to get back on the housing list and bid bid bid . It's quite scary how she believed what she was told . She can only bid once a week though .

@SWSO yes, my advice would be to stand your ground with the council/HA, don’t let them fob you of with generic response, send as many emails and make as many calls as you need and don’t ever feel embarrassed to nag them, constantly remind them of duty of care etc x

@Maymoo99 Yay, glad to hear it :) Congratulations. xx

Best Christmas present ever @Maymoo99 ❤️ I hope you have years of happiness in your new home x

@porridgeisbae @SumthingAndNuthing thank you both. It is very close to where i am currently staying so no massive upheaval which is a bonus x

Awesome. Maybe when you eventually have it how you like it you can send us some pics of how you've done it out (if you feel comfortable.)

@porridgeisbae yes of course, it’s been a bit of a journey and it was you guys send positivity my way ! x

Hi so happy for you!
Just out of interest how long was the process from being made homeless to bring offered accommodation?

@ThereIsNoTomorrow thank you, once i was registered with the council as homeless its took around 10 weeks to receive this offer, which i think is really quick.

x

Update: I have since viewed the property and accepted, collecting keys tomorrow. It is a first floor maisonette style flat with private entrance (the building it in within is only 2 storey and only has 4 flats in total). It has a large lounge, good sized brand new fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms (one larger & one smaller but both of very good size), a good size bathroom with newly fitted suite, good size long hallway. There is lots of storage throughout the bedrooms and hallway. New boiler and gas pipe work. It has a small gardeny area on front which is classed as private and private parking space around 3-4ft away from door.

All in all very pleased x

Wow that sounds wonderful! So nice to have a bit of outdoor space too.

So pleased for you. And just in time for Christmas too!

Sounds fab OP x

I'm Cornwall. About 6 years ago it took 6 months in emergency housing (yuck.. worst experience of my life.. housed with drug abusers, people just released from prison- one bathroom and kitchen between 12 of us. My daughter was 7), then 18 months in "temporary accommodation" my house I'm in now I didn't even Bid on. They rang me and said I had an offer of a house. I got 3 offers in same week!

@sunr111se Ugh, that must've been awful. I suppose it was about 8-10 weeks for me in either a B&B or temporary flat and that was bad enough.

Fantastic news! So pleased for you. I hope you will be very happy there 💐