Pregnant and living in 1 bedroom L&Q

[charlotteboscic]

Currently I’m 15 weeks pregnant and living in a small one bedroom flat. Lifts are always out of service and i can just about fit a baby cot in my room let alone baby wardrobe and changing station etc.

When or how do you apply for a 2 bedroom? And when would they allow priority for a 2 bedroom property.

I can make it work for my babys sake, but its a struggle ans squeeze and I’d prefer not to.

If anyone else has had the same issue.

If you are in London you will be joining a very long list. I have worked with women with two kids and a husband in a studio. I doubt you would be considered overcrowded with one child in a one bedroom flat. The baby will sleep with you for the first six months anyway.

Baby will be in room until at least 6 months anyway and much longer is fine and preferred by lots of families. You don’t need a changing table or a baby wardrobe.

I actually have no idea what people in baby wardrobes!

Lived in a one bedder until DS was 7 years old. They won’t be in a rush to accommodate your needs. Where are you?

I’m in south london at the moment, i just feel bad squeezing babys stuff into a shared wardrobe and no space for changing table. I suppose they aren’t necessary but having the option and room would be nice. It’s nice to know other people have done the struggle and had a 1 bedroom with a baby. So I’m not the only one

We lived in a one bed flat with our DD until she was one. We did it until our circumstances changed and we could move to a nice house. You may have to consider moving out of London if it's a possibility?

(bumblebeeme) me and my DP have considered moving out of london, we was about to get a mortgage and put offer on property but found out i was expecting. But because of family etc we decided to stay for possible another year or so. Just until everything'settled as this is my first baby and family being so far honestly scares me.

Your chances of getting a two-bed flat in London with one-child are very slim. Many boroughs there consider the living area as adequate sleeping space. I think you need to look at how to get adequate housing off your own back, sadly.

Can I ask if you are in a 1 bed or studio? Technically a living room is considered another room. Therefore you might not be considered overcrowded. Me & my partner had our baby in a studio and were moved when baby was about 6 months. This was also in South London. It does depend on the council as well.

Have you actually spoken to anyone for the HA?

Mamathebest
I'm in a 1 bedroom but a small 1 bedroom. Im with L&Q its a housing association. I haven't spoken with them yet just wanted other peoples opinions first.

Also whilst im at it do i have to declare the baby to them and when?? as it would be dependant living with me??

Several women in my London NCT were in your situation and so is my very well off friend in Paris! When you go back to work you can buy and get something bigger. Invest in a sling in case lift is buggered.

I lived in a 1 bed flat with dp and ds we stayed there, had dd and only moved when dd was 1mo because landlord was putting up rent an extoritiobate amount.
You can make it work, sort through your belongings and charity or bin or ask family or friends to store some things if they can. Changing table and baby wardrobe you don't need. My ds and dd are 3 and 1 now, tbf we share a wardrobe for coats, dresses, anything that needs to be on a hanger or hook, and we all have a chest of drawers each. We are in a 2bed house now but honestly, baby clothes are so small they take up no space.
And nappies too, I used to keep them out of packet in a drawer with cream and wipes, and slotted the changing mat underneath unit. Even now, nappies are on a shelf specifically!
Legally a person under I think 3 is counted as half a person so you wouldn't be over crowded. And council always say if you have a bedroom and livingroom, you convert the living room into a bed

I work for a housing association - they wouldn’t consider you “over crowded” and eligible for a two bedroom property until the child is two (it would be seen that they could share a bedroom with you until this age). On that basis I don’t think you stand much chance of getting a two bed flat anytime soon... you could still apply but you would be toward the bottom of a very, very long list

Can you and your partner not rent privately? I appreciate it will cost more but if he was looking at a mortgage he must have some savings and a decent income?

OP I’m also now with L&Q after being rehoused. You would have to declare your baby to them once he/she is born. I doubt you’ll be prioritised but it wouldn’t hurt to try. They will do absolutely nothing until baby is here.

Honestly- although we are lucky to now have a two bed, baby is still in our bedroom and his room is not even being used! We just about got by in our tiny studio and I think although cramped, your 1 bed will be fine until your baby is 1. You really don’t need a changing top (which you can’t really use when baby is mobile anyway). Or a wardrobe. One small chest of drawers for baby stuff would be sufficient. We have a cotbed with a pullout drawer underneath. You just have to be creative with space for now. Don’t over clutter yourself with baby stuff. Get things as and when you need it.

Woman downstairs from me is with her husband and 4 year old in a one bed - council.

Changing station not necessary. You'll make it work.