Emergency housing what happens?

[creaturcomforts]

Me and daughter could end up in emergency housing, just wondering if anyone has been through this and what it's like, will they place you somewhere that's really unsuitable for a child? I'm thinking of overcrowded hostels and not knowing what will happen.

I've gone through separation in the last year and am now claiming universal credits and working, but I have a feeling my landlord and letting agency are about to end my tenancy. It's up for renewal soon.

I had to make them aware I was now a single tenant and claiming as I was working full time before. They questioned me a lot about this and was asked to write a formal letter explaining my circumstances and that I could now cover the rent to the landlord which I did.

I have tried different letting agents to find another property but haven't been successful. One agent said that it is possible to find a rented property as a single parent that claims but it's just up to the individual landlord. I've had no success so far.

I'm really hoping that the landlord will help us stay, but I have the feeling that they are going to evict us at end of tenancy. I have been asking since Christmas to fix the heating in the kitchen but the estate agents never get back to me, I feel they're not bothering as the tenancy might end.

I've been private renting for 20
Years and would like to continue but am not sure if I will get any landlord to take us on!!

I don't want to go into emergency housing as I'm so worried for me and daughter!! Can't unfortunately move in with family as they haven't got the room for us.

Sorry just read back and didn't mean to put so much down, could anyone who's been in this situation or knows the process with being homeless come along and help? I'd really appreciate any advice.

Just to add, although I just about scrape together the rent each month, I'm now not earning what they would class as being able to afford it. I.e. I don't earn with wages and universal credits 2.5 times my rent . I didn't pass the credit checks when looking at properties so I wonder if they take this into account too.

I'm sorry you're facing this after so much upheaval.

Lots of landlords whose properties are mortgaged have a mortgage condition which states they cannot rent to people on benefits. Landlord insurance policies can have similar restrictions. It's about the risk of the rent not being paid.

You've said you are just about scraping the rent together so it sounds as though it's too expensive? Are you getting everything you are entitled to in terms of benefits and child maintenance? I suggest you speak to Shelter and Citizens Advice to be clear of your rights and find out what you can do. Are you on the local housing list with the council?

Sorry, sounds really stressful. I didn’t want to read and run but not sure if I can offer any advice. I think local authorities may work differently. Round here you may go into emergency accommodation if no social housing available. Emergency accommodation is usually a guest house rather than hostel. I know someone it happened too and they were in the guest house for about a month before getting a flat. They didn’t like it as shared laundry facilities but their kid thought it was a great adventure. Might be worth seeing CAB for advice. Hope it all works out. 💐

You don't say where you are OP, but if it's England, you have to be evicted before the council will find you emergency accommodation. This means you stay put when the s.21 notice expires, which is notice of intended eviction, and wait for the court eviction process to grant the landlord a possession order.

Thanks for the replies, yes I am struggling with the rent but getting everything I'm entitled to as rent is high around here.

My local cab is appointment only and they've only got appointments that fall when I'm working. I will give shelter a try, thank you.

Could you perhaps ask for time off from work or swap some hours with a colleague to get a CAB appointment?