Looking for a Mum’s Advice!!

[lemonjuice19]

Hello Mums!
I’m not a mum myself, but I’m a young adult without a mum I can talk too. I would like to ask some advice about my situation if anyone has any idea what I should do.
So I’m a 20 year old working in retail, just finished my last year of schooling. My partner is on benifits after being homeless at 19. We are both not in contact with parents as we were both kicked out at young ages. We live together in his council flat but it’s not where we want to be anymore. Due to the pandemic we both haven’t been able to go into work and earn money. I have some saving - he has none. We don’t have a lot of money and I’m looking for a new job, and he is doing the same. The flat we live in at the moment is invested with bugs and small creatures that scare the sh*t out of me during midnight toilet trips. It is very small, with no room for a kitchen table, big couch, or bedroom furniture. We also live in a very dangerous neighbourhood and it’s becoming really uncomfortable sleeping at night. So many awful things have happened to us this year and moving just seems right. My partners mental health isn’t great and mine isn’t the best but I want to change this life!!!

I’m wondering if it’s best to use some savings and move to a private ket in a different areas with more than enough space. With intentions to both get jobs as soon as we can. I have enough saved up for 3 months rent (hopefully I wouldn’t have to use it). I just want out of this flat and to move would be so beneficial for us and our mental states. But is it best to move yet? Or should I wait a little longer? I just can’t do this myself anymore and I need some mum advice. How do I adult correctly??
Thank you for any responses ❤️

Pay for a pest control service and some paint, decorate the flat and try to get a flat swap to a better area.

(Hit post too soon.)

A social sector tenancy is the most secure tenure you can get outside of home ownership and is probably cheaper than private lets too (it is is most areas).

Don’t give up the security for an expensive merry go round of expensive six month tenancies and magnolia paint. Use the cheap rent to save once you’re back in work. You need to create your own security and take the opportunities that come your way, since you don’t have the back up of supportive parents l.

Arriety is right. Don't give up a council tenancy for private renting especially if you aren't in secure employment. Right now you have a roof over your heads unless you do something awful. Private rental can mean moving often, finding money for agency fees, deposits and higher rent.

If you aren't working, you could find it hard to get a private rental anyway. My agents would refuse you unless you paid 6 months up front in afraid.

Go with Arietty OP
You could use your savings to make improvements. Don't throw away your tenancy. Good luck.
You're very young to make these decisions by yourselves. Hopefully things will get better for you both.
Keep badgering the council too and try to get GP backup if you can

Definitely don't give up your council tenancy please. If you are a regular mumsnetter you'll read lots of horror stories of people having to move multiple times in rentals, not being able to decorate how you like, rent rises etc. Can you do it up a little, get pest control in and then try to do a mutual exchange to a totally different area tobstart afresh? Now isn't a good time economically either - wait until you both have jobs.

I agree with PPs short term stay in Council flat until you both have good jobs. But long term is not a good idea if you want to get out of rough areas. Also, pest control in a council flat is pretty futile. It’ll kill the pests in your flat, but when it wears off, the pests from neighbouring flats will just re-infest your flat. I’ve been there and unless the entire block of flats does pest control at the same time, pest control is expensive and very temporary. I’m not saying don’t do it. Just if you do, consider it a regular bill that you do every three months if you are going to do it. Then get jobs, and save money since you are paying lower Council rent.

But long term, you do want to aim to not need council housing. It is really a safety net to help people like you who are just starting out and are building their lives from the bottom up. Private rents are more expensive and you do need a steady income to qualify. But you can rent in much nicer areas compared to Council flats. Tenant fees have been banned so you only need a deposit. The deposit is now 5wks rent instead of 6wks. Rents are going down or staying the same in many areas due to Covid. Landlords have had many private renters stop paying rent during lockdown and are waiting to serve evictions as soon as the delay is over. Surveys have shown landlords are willing to accept lower rent than usual from renters with good jobs because there is assurance they won’t get in rent arrears like many have due to Covid job losses, furloughs, etc. In addition, you can ask for and get up to a 3yr lease agreement without any extra legal reviews.

So, I think long term your goal of getting out of council estate and into private renting is achievable. You have a good start on savings. Get the jobs and a bit more savings and you will be well on your way.

Thank you so much!! I didn’t expect so many responses I can’t thank you all enough. We’ll stay here and hopefully work when restrictions are lifted. Save some more and hopefully get a house switch! It’s just hard and I’m new to this. We’ve painted and tried everything to get it to look better but it’s falling a part which isn’t great. But I know I’m really lucky to live here all the same. It’s so reassuring to have your help! Thank you! ❤️

By the way OP. Contact your local council (Google the members of your local councillors who sit on committees particularly housing committees).
I could give you some steer on that if you need. I'm sure other posters could too. See if there's any local pages online as well.

OP don't sit back and take it. Xx

I would also suggest to stay where you are and try to avoid private rentals if you can,you should aim for a mortgage in the long run.Make a plan to work at improving your future with your partner .Once you are back working start saving as much as you can while you have the security of a council tenancy.Have a look on Gumtree / Facebook /Freecycle for free stuff that you can use to make your home more liveable and comfortable. The council should pay for pest control .

OP you have loadsa mummies on here

Thank you! This site is so overwhelming with good people it’s really amazing. I told my partner about the responses and we are both overwhelmed by your kindness. I agree guys, we’ll make the flat liveable if we don’t get a house swap, and try our best to save for a mortgage one day! You’ve all really helped! I just can’t wait to go back to work and make the life I want. Hopefully things will go back to normal soon! ❤️

OP, I ask this gently. If the flat is over-run with bugs and scamper things, do you keep it spotless? Do you both have support for your MH? You sound as though you are doing the right stuff and good luck with job hunting. Please make sure you are on top of contraception.

Hi OP! Hope you are doing O.K. You sound like me when I was little. Get the council round to sort out the bugs. Put up with the current situation for as long as you can. Add your names back to the housing list for a council house. It is probably a very long list but you may as well be on it. Keep applying for jobs and Good Luck! Xxx