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Original poster

Direct offer for housing from council.

35 replies

Hannab1983 · 15/02/2024 14:01

Hi, I have been waiting 20 years in temporary accommodation to be housed in permanent house, I am a single mum to 3 children 2 whom have autism. I was in a dv marriage and manage to get out of that 8 years ago. My current temporary accommodation lease has expired and I need to be out in 2 weeks, I have gotten the solicitor involved and the council have made a direct offer for a permanent home to me as a discharge of duty. The property they have offered me is suitable for myself and my children the only issue is it’s in the area where my ex in laws live. I haven’t had any contact with them in years and I avoided bidding for a property in that area. I am really panicking as they were really nasty towards me as I had to get the police involved with my ex. I have been told I need to accept the property and I have 21 days to ask for a review . Can anyone advise me please, thank you.

OP posts:
ThechicRoyal · 15/02/2024 14:03

20 years is a long time to be waiting in TA, I would accept it. Council housing is a so limited these days, I think if you denied the house they would then refuse to help you again. I think if your in laws bother you again then try and get a restraining order against them?

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 15/02/2024 14:10

Is that a typing error and you mean 2 years ?

I understand that as the property is suitable you have only 2 choices - accept it and that's that,

or

you refuse it and you come off the Council waiting list and you rent privately for the rest of your life.

The person at No 2 on the waiting list will be delighted to accept it.

LilBus · 15/02/2024 14:13

20 years? Wouldn’t your children be grown up now so guessing that means 2 years? I’m sure if you explain to them they will withdraw the offer

TwattingDog · 15/02/2024 14:21

"In the same area" - meaning what? Same street, next street, 1/2 mile away?

What's the likelihood of meeting them in the street, school gate etc?

What's the tangible threat to you from these people? How long since the last problem? Did they participate in any offending against you themselves? Any orders against them?

Does Ex still live there too? Do you have any orders against him?

Overthebow · 15/02/2024 14:23

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 15/02/2024 14:10

Is that a typing error and you mean 2 years ?

I understand that as the property is suitable you have only 2 choices - accept it and that's that,

or

you refuse it and you come off the Council waiting list and you rent privately for the rest of your life.

The person at No 2 on the waiting list will be delighted to accept it.

This. What do you expect to happen, you’ve been waiting a long time already, you need to accept it or rent privately.

Lovemusic82 · 15/02/2024 14:28

I would except it as long as it’s not the same street as ex relatives. I barely see my neighbours let alone people I would like to avoid in my area. Do you even know if they still live there? One of these people could raisiny move next door to you and you wouldn’t have a say in it. I know it’s tough and I have been in an abusive relationship, I know the fear of bumping into the ex or his family/friends but you can’t live in fear forever and you can turn the perfect house down for just incase you might bump into them. Except the house, after a year you could always swap with someone?

Original poster
Hannab1983 · 15/02/2024 17:14

I wasn’t no 1 on the bidding for the property as I didn’t bid for it, choice base letting meant to give you a choice as what you want u want to bid for, this was given to me a direct offer.

OP posts:
TwattingDog · 15/02/2024 17:16

@Hannab1983 I think your hands are tied and you have to accept this property or be homeless.

Is the property otherwise suitable? Have you been to see it yet?

LilBus · 15/02/2024 17:18

Hannab1983 · 15/02/2024 17:14

I wasn’t no 1 on the bidding for the property as I didn’t bid for it, choice base letting meant to give you a choice as what you want u want to bid for, this was given to me a direct offer.

Not true they can and do give direct offers

TwattingDog · 15/02/2024 17:19

Yes, direct offers are not unusual, especially if you're coming out of temporary accommodation.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 15/02/2024 17:20

Yes there is also automatic bidding - and you may have been on that.

Anyway, in the situation you are in I believe you are expected to accept the property esp if it is suitable for you.

I understand that tenants already in social housing that met their needs at the time but wish to downsize or do now need bigger etc. are only allowed 3 rejections or they are removed from being allowed to bid.

AnnieBuddyHere · 15/02/2024 17:20

I'd accept it on the basis you could bump into them anywhere anyway.

Thethruththewholetruth · 15/02/2024 17:23

well obviously you’ll have to accept it or accept that you will have to rent privately otherwise, it’s quite clear cut. There is to low of stock of housing to be that picky.

Original poster
Hannab1983 · 15/02/2024 17:25

Okay, thanks for the advice

OP posts:
itsgoingtobeabumpyride · 15/02/2024 17:25

Accept the house then go on the exchange register and see if another council tenant wants to swap.
Look up the rules on the council website.
I wouldn't turn it down, you're not going to get another offer.
Any problems with the ex in-laws call the police, set your stall out that you won't put up with it, get a ring doorbell if you're really worried.
Take the house.

restingrichface · 15/02/2024 17:26

In this case, accept the property.

newnamethanks · 15/02/2024 17:27

Take it for heavens sake, you won't get another chance. Put it up for exchange, someone will want it. Don't let the offer of a secure tenancy go, you won't get another.

Original poster
Hannab1983 · 15/02/2024 17:36

Sorry, I don’t mean to be ungrateful but I suffer from really bad anxiety.

OP posts:
restingrichface · 15/02/2024 18:50

You'll suffer worse anxiety homeless paying ridiculous private rent prices with kids. Now's the time to be the caregiver.

TwattingDog · 15/02/2024 19:00

I agree that the anxiety of being in temporary housing or private rental where you can be evicted at minimal notice will definitely be more stressful for you than a secure council tenancy.

Also agree with PP that putting in a video doorbell may give you some more confidence. Take the house and look forward to putting your own stamp on it.

NorthCliffs · 15/02/2024 19:03

How old are the children, OP?

Illbefinejustbloodyfine · 15/02/2024 19:07

More info needed. Are you likely to be at risk from the family? Is he likely to be visiting then? When dud he last contact/cause you any issues? Does he gave contact with the DC?

You can request a review if suitability, get some help from Shelter to do this . The council CANNOT house you in an area where you'd be at risk.

CornishTiger · 15/02/2024 19:09

You need to look at this

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation

and go down to location to read about suitability.

Did you tell them about in laws and locations to avoid. If you didn’t then it’s not their fault they’ve done this offer. However either way you have the right to request a review of the suitability of the accommodation.

Seek proper legal advice/shelter.

Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities - Chapter 17: Suitability of accommodation - Guidance - GOV.UK

Guidance on housing authority duties to ensure that accommodation secured for homeless applicants is suitable.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation

Prinnydiamond · 01/12/2024 20:57

I have been in temporary accommodation for around 6 years and was offered a direct offer from the council.
The issue is it's 2 hours away from my children's school, my job and my support network.
I was not aware that a direct offer could be outside of my borough nor that I would have to take it. Not to mention the property was at the back of a dark alleyway, no door number next to a pub. Inside was leaking water onto electrical switches. When I asked about this I was told the landlord is in India. I have now been issued a notice to quit for not accepting the place.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 01/12/2024 21:23

@Prinnydiamond

you have been offered a private rental through a social housing section ?