I'm writing to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar.
In February last year, my mother, a single parent, passed away. She was a HA tenant who lived in a three-bedroom property. For three months there was uncertainty if me and a family member could continue living at my late mother's property. A support worker who looked after my mum got involved and my late mother's HA allowed us to take over the property as long as it was just me on the lease.
I signed the lease, and things were alright. I shortly found out all my family members blamed me for my mother's death, and this family member who was living with me was constantly arguing with me and finally moved out after I kicked them out. I decided to start the downsizing process. I asked the HA to be placed on the downsizing scheme and they informed me I would be recognised, but it can take up to 15 years. They advised me to join Homeswapper and Glassbob and I did.
Shortly after I joined both sites, someone made contact with Homeswapper. At first, this woman seemed nice; she explained that this account was for her parents, but they are both in their 60s and retired and could be better with technology. She then explained her parents look after her disabled brother and would like to move back to my location to be near family as she is 10 minutes away from my address. I said I needed a one-bedroom flat in x location, and she found one that I liked.
After I started the application process, I received a phone call from the HA application team to inform me I'm in £600.00 rent arrears and won't be able to move until it's cleared. I didn't know I had a month's rent arrears, but it has to do with a month between changing it to my name. I could pay this debt in one go, but the issue is I have bills of around £500.00 and didn't want to do that, so I asked to pay £100.00 a month for six months and cancel my application. I sent the lady a detailed message, but I didn't go into detail about how I'm paying it back as I don't think it's none of her business.
She was upset, I don't know if it's emotional blackmail or if I'm just overthinking, but she sent a message saying "I'm so upset I'm crying now; my parents were looking forward to the move. I kept explaining to her and apologised, but she still messaged me; I blocked her on everything.
Recently, she signed up for Glassbob and came across my AD. She sent me a message saying, "I thought you were in rent arrears, and you can't move, so, how come you're still actively searching? And are looking for a new location?". I didn't respond but I was looking in a new location so it's closer to university as I found out from my HA I can keep my property whilst attending university and can even move.
I've found a one-bedroom property that I love and will be moving soon. The thing is this woman has tried calling me a few times but I have her number blocked. I also had two private miss calls on the day she sent those messages and I believe they were her as someone tried ringing me at midnight.
Has anyone experienced anything like this whilst trying to move home? As a 22-year-old I will gladly take any advice. Sorry for the long rant it just irritated me.