Is 600 a month for a 10 x 12 HMO room a good deal?

[MistressoftheDarkSide]

Just interested to know what people think.

It's all in, I need some sort of guarantor, and it us quite clean. Rest of house is clean and well ordered.

I'm allowed to have my cat but not in the communal areas because potential allergies.

I'm on the South Coast if it helps.

I'm in a shit position overall, very much beggars can't be choosers so it's likely my only option.

On UC and signed off but not entitled to any more than the basic unless I appeal regarding the WRAG thing after the assessment.

LHA is about 400 a month for room in a shared house.

Not opposed to working obviously but can't easily find a job while downsizing, plus at 55 I'm limited as I've been self employed for 7 years and my business has failed.

This has all come about since I was widowed two years ago.

Current landlord is selling hence section 21 expiring on April 11th.

Having difficulty sorting out the contents of my house. There is cheap storage I can get but on my likely budget it's looking unrealistic.

Friends and family can't help.

Finding bureaucracy a nightmare and a plan to leave the area has been scuppered as as soon as I made it both my elderly parents went into separate health declines and I can't in all conscience leave as I'm an only child.

Feel free to put the boot in, but also practical advice welcome.

Have approached the CAB and have been referred to the council.

Council say I must find my own accommodation and then they'll see if they can help.

Friends are all trying to jolly me along and embrace this new exciting phase in my life.

So, what would the vipers of Mumsnet do?

HMOs sound terribly depressing. I don't know/ understand your full situation and why a house share isn't an option. But I've quickly googled two bedroom houses in Brighton and Hove (which I imagine is probably one of the most expensive places on the south coast) and you could pay around £600pm in a two person house share, some cheaper. That sounds infinitely better to me, but as I said i don't know or understand your full position. And I totally understand you need somewhere that will accept the cat and include bills.

As a step in the right direction while you get your life back on track then the HMO serves a purpose. But for your mental health I think you'd need to work on a plan to get out of there ASAP. Sorry you're going through this. Remember it's a temporary position that, with work, will improve in time.

@Hereyoume ideally a cat wants outdoor space. If there's a back door the cat can go out and be let back in again. Though obviously only when your in. If not then fresh air from a window will do. As long as she plays with the cat it should be fine. The litter shouldn't smell really. You scoop out the poo as soon as they've done it, flush it. Then top up, and change whole tray once every 2 days...my cats tray was in my room before he could go out and it didn't stink at all.

£600 for a room in a shared house will include all bills except food. So not a bad deal if the house is clean and you can keep your cat. I think keeping your cat will be good for your well being. Not many shared houses allow people to keep a pet in their room so I think you have done well to find one that will allow it. I'd try to sell some of your furniture you won't be needing to pay less storage costs. Look into over 55 housing and save what you can every month.

For those curious as to how much housing allowance is in their area
https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/
And then go try to find somewhere to rent at those levels.

I've no idea where they get their rent data from to calculate these figures though!