To leave social housing to private rent.

[CoconutSky]

I’ve made threads about my social housing flat
Ground floor, adapted, ridiculously small kitchen and full of what they describe as “condensation”

I keep complaining, asking them for a move and I’m getting nowhere just being stuck on their allocations bidding list when their larger properties only go to homeless nominations

I am depressed, anxious, miserable and full of anger. I can’t exchange, decorating has been a waste of time as the mould has just ruined it all

Has anyone got any experience of leaving a social housing property for a private rental?

Already got. Never reads lower than 80% humidity.

Even if the flat didn't have damp, you don't like the layout or it's size or your neighbours. You also don't want to move area.

If you can afford to go down the private rental road, crack on.

I wouldn't. I'd do everything in terms of complaints to get the place fixed- and look at what I could do to fix the bathroom / kitchen on a temp basis.

If the wallpaper is causing an issue, take it off?

It's not that easy for people on a lower income though. People are being evicted left right and centre and ending up in temporary accommodation for years.

OP, in this situation I’d get a damp surveyor round to assess the cause of the damp. Once you know the reasons, you are in a better position to lobby the HA for the right sort of repairs or work out if you can make some changes yourself. I’m sorry that the situation is making you so fed up. I would be very wary of going into private rented. Over the years I was private renting I was given notice several times to leave when the landlord wanted to sell up, and that is really stressful with a child.

Do you have an external venting fan in your kitchen and bathroom? If not ask for them because that will likely cure the condensation. Always put a lid on saucepans too.

A bedroom needs to be min of 6.5m2 to be classed as such.

You say your child's bedroom is 'tiny' if it's smaller than this, could you argue that you need to be rehoused?

If it's not smaller than this...and you have filled it with her stuff...maybe you could do a clear out to make the place feel bigger?

How and why is the bathroom flooding?

The bathroom is flooding because it’s a tiny shitty wet room.

How long have you lived there? What condition was the flat in when you moved in?

Where did you live before you moved in?

4 years. Was a dump. I had it decorated twice to try and make it less of a dump. However due to mold, flooding from the bathroom my carpet is ruined. My DD’s bedroom has had 2 damp treatments and a passive air vent installed therefore aesthetically not very pleasing.

Private rented for years then fled DV. Had no choice but to accept this flat.

Unfortunately I have to agree with this poster. It does sound like your living condition is awful and I do have sympathy for you, but I don’t think private renting is the answer. More rent, less unstable future.

Hope you manage to find a solution.

there must be charities that can fight your corner?

Control? Are you aware of the competition for private rented homes? Ok well, it’s up to the OP but the conditions now are the same as applying for a mortgage. I wish her luck

A HA wouldn’t leave any repairs that cause flooding.

I'd be tempted to email a newspaper and highlight the issue and copy in Rayner. The newspaper might have an interest in running the story if they know she's your mp. Or it might give Rayner a kick up the bum to help get it sorted.

I must be lying then.

The wet room is not able to contain water. It goes all over the place. They refitted the floor but the issue is still ongoing.

That's not really the answer though ? If it's flooding as you say there must be a problem with the drainage? Or the floor not at the right angle. For it to drain ?

I know you feel desperate but its honestly not worth the risk of renting privately

Like clockwork.

I’m not suggesting you’re lying. Regulations regarding the upkeep of HAs and their duty of care where repairs are concerned has been overhauled in the past few years.

No one should live in conditions like this.

Any friends / colleagues who can do mates rates DIY work for you?

Have you looked at any private rentals to see what is available?

If you need to improve your financial situation can you put Uni on hold and up your working hours ( you can return to uni at a later date).

He’d have a job he’s been dead 2 years.

An overhaul doesn’t actually make councils and HA’s stick to the rules though unless they are forced to. And that’s the problem with all public bodies - they gave to be forced to fulfil their duties and it’s often a war of attrition which they often win because they bury ordinary folk in process and paperwork.

Can’t re angle the floor due to the size. No drain issue.

My DM dries clothes indoors No damp or mould.

I remember your last thread. Move out and find a better place. Life is too short for this shit - you are miserable and no one is helping your damp issue. There is no value in a secure tenancy if your home is making you ill and affecting your mental health.