Moving from social housing to private rent

[nonamemummy]

I’ve been renting from a housing association and am soon to be moving in to a private rented house. I’m feeling quite nervous so if anyone here has done the same could I please ask you some questions

Oh dear...

Better to lose the holding fee And have 4 people in a 2 bed than lose your deposit and end up in emergency accommodation like a bnb, which is what could happen and does often if landlord increases rent, sells up, ends your contract at the end of the term, you can't pay rent for any reason.

You are not going up in the world and your quality of life hangs in the balance rather than improves.

No way I’d do it. Having been evicted from a house because the landlord decided he was moving abroad and the stress (it made me ill) I think you’re crazy for even considering this. I was told it was long term, the house was for his retirement, he was so lovely, we were brilliant tenants and I know he technically did nothing wrong really but honestly living in a house while it sells, trying to move with 2 small children, the absolute fear of becoming homeless in a matter of weeks. Don’t do it.

Renting privately gives you way more control. Personally i always went for land lords that live abroad.

I definitely wouldn't move. I'd get some safe saving ideas. Have a trip to IKEA when lockdown ends and you can get there.

Another one saying don't do it OP. Can you minimise on any of your furniture at all to make a bit more room? Do you have a partner and 2dc? are the DC same sex? Just keep on at the HA to move somewhere bigger (I know this could take ages) or maybe look at part ownership properties if your HA are building any?

It's not only the risks of a non-secure tenancy, but HA rents are controlled and private rents aren't, plus you are generally restricted in terms of decorating and improvements in private rented. Also, letting agencies are still finding ways to charge tenants for various things even though fees are meant to have been scrapped. I really don't think it's the right time to make such a big decision.

@Victoria you have literally no control private renting! How are you in control?

I very rarely say much op but please really think this through.
I personally would loose the deposit just to remain where I was.
Even if its just one more year.
There is so much uncertainty at this time and I cant help but think at least here you know you are secure.
I know thats not the answer you want but I cant lie. X

If you do move you need at accept that's it, you are now going to privately rent forever as you will never be top of the housing list ever again.

The council/housing have no reason or incentive to house you if you are in private accommodation, and if your landlord decides to sell up and evict you, it will be your responsibility to find another landlord, if you then really can't find anywhere you'll be put into b'n'b

Your only more in control with private renting if you easily pass the referencing and have lots of money. The worst situation is going through the homeless route, absolutely no choice at all then, and for many that's the risk with private renting. That you end up in bnb

Op what were the questions you want to ask?.

Even with lots of money you aren't in control with private renting, they can still evict at will and then you need to find somewhere in a hurry, and wirh kids that means near their schools.
Its just so unstable.

Well a little update. Was supposed to go in and sign paperwork today but we decided to back out, they also refunded all the holding fee. And I may have found someone to do an exchange!

That's really good news noname I'm crossing my fingers for you.

Good luck @nonamemummy

Thank goodness for that! I rent privately..its a nice house, nice location. I'm always on edge though waiting for an eviction. In my last house it was ten years. I was on a knife edge for ten fucking years. I'm saving to buy but who knows if that will ever happen .

That's brilliant. Social housing tenancies are like the golden ticket.... never give them up unless your neighbours are literally unbearable, murdering, crack-smoking, pimping horrors.

@Whathewhatnow

That's brilliant. Social housing tenancies are like the golden ticket.... never give them up unless your neighbours are literally unbearable, murdering, crack-smoking, pimping horrors.

Absolutely.

How long have you been on the waiting list? Can you get the housing to come out and measure your current property? To get your priority moved higher? I wouldn’t go into private either!!

Supporting letters from where ever you can.

As a last resort I would look into shared ownership.

I lived in a private property for 7 half year me landlord William calderbank put it up for sale and give me notice I find a new private rented flat