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Original poster

Advice needed on criteria for getting a council flat?

37 replies

Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 18:48

Just wondered if its possible to get a council flat in an area I dont currently live in. It is in a very poor area where people dont want to be housed and I imagine difficult to fill. But I want the flat.
I would pay for it, as I am not on benefits.
Any help or advice gratefully received

OP posts:
Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 18:49

also its one bedroom, not recommended for families or people with pets so I am not taking up a family home

OP posts:
KristinaM · 11/03/2006 18:49

Just phone up the council where you want to live and ask how to apply.

misdee · 11/03/2006 18:50

are you a council tennant? do you own a property or private rent?

tinyFox · 11/03/2006 18:50

Sometimes they might put you on a transfer list or ask if you have a family conection, but i am not too sure really. hope someone can help.

expatinscotland · 11/03/2006 18:51

sounds like it wouldn't be hard, then. give them a phone.

Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:09

I am a homeowner but have no plans to move to this property permanently, it would be used weekends and for breaks.
Have looked at the council website they say they consider applications from people who can pay rent from wages or own money not from benefits.
My problem is would they rent it if I was still going to keep my house miles and miles away?
I do have local connections.
Is it best to be honest with the council?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:11

I suppose they wouldnt know I have no intention of living there permanently but would they want to know what my job was locally.
Looking at the form they just want to know how long you have lived at current address, have you any arrears, have you an asbo, or a criminal record. Answer is no to all above

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misdee · 11/03/2006 19:14

i dont think u can have a council property if you own your own property elsewhere in the UK.

Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:17

bugger, thanks misdee
does anyone else know if this is the case?
so I would have to find someone who rents to rent this for me?

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misdee · 11/03/2006 19:19

possibly, but they would get for fraud(i think) and cfould get taken to court. i am afraid council properties are there for people who need them and cant really afford to buy, not for use a holiday homes.

spacedonkey · 11/03/2006 19:21

I think misdee is right. Subletting isn't legal (as far as I'm aware). But it might be worth ringing the council concerned and asking - if they have loads of empty properties, you never know, they might be willing to rent one to you, or sell?

Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:22

yes point taken absolutely, I agree, hope I havent offended you. Its not specifically that reason that I want it, but too difficult and personal to explain.

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Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:23

thanks spacedonkey, I might try that. How would I put it to them though. I dont want them to think that I want it as 'a holiday home' which is not true. Believe me no-one would want to holiday here!

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Blossomhill · 11/03/2006 19:23

mosschops - don't feel bad. You only asked a question!

misdee · 11/03/2006 19:24

is it to get away from dp? ask at the counicl, i know some do things differently. i think bolton council you just register interest in a property as they have lots of empty properties.

Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:24

yes but misdee made a valid point, I'm not some snobby cow who thinks it would be nice to holiday with the common folk a few times a year

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busybusybee · 11/03/2006 19:25

Hi Mosschops - AFAIK If you rent a council flat you have to live in it - You deffo cant have one if you also own property - Sorry

Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:26

not really misdee. This council do a similar thing, advertise their propeties on a website and you can register interest in them.
Should I just phone and say 'I'm interested in this property if you cant get rid of it, and I can afford to pay for it, and be a good tenant'?

OP posts:
misdee · 11/03/2006 19:26

lol at holidayiong with the comman folk. how about an occasional home (bit like an occasional table Grin)

spacedonkey · 11/03/2006 19:26

I don't know what your circumstances are but can you not explain the situation to the council when you ring? I think it's unlikely to be fruitful from what you've said, but it's certainly worth a try.

misdee · 11/03/2006 19:27

you can buy try. but be honest if you can about owning a property.

Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:27

sorry misdee hope you are taking this in the context its meant.
i used to live on this estate and had some good friends there, even though it is the depths of hell

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Original poster
Mosschops30 · 11/03/2006 19:28

yes I think thats the only way to go. They can only laugh and tell me to get lost

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misdee · 11/03/2006 19:29

i am taking it as yu need a palc to escape to? is that right?

spacecadet · 11/03/2006 19:30

i was a council tenant once and as far as i remember, if you owned a home then you wouldnt qualify for a council property.

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