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Original poster

Giving up council house to private rent?

143 replies

BananaSlug · 01/09/2023 23:21

I live in a council house but I am really desperate to move areas, mutual exchange is out of the question as I live in a rough area and no one would move here, I’m thinking of giving up my house to private rent but would I be mad to do this? Has anyone done this? Did you regret it? I don’t want my kids growing up here.

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 01/09/2023 23:24

Have your circumnstances changed that made you eligible for the council House in the first place and can you afford private rent? If so, go for it.

BafflingAndBothersome · 01/09/2023 23:25

That is such a difficult situation to be in.
Council is secure, your landlord isn’t going to sell suddenly and make you move, rent is lower too but I can understand you not wanting to bring your kids up in a terrible area.
Can you afford to rent privately?

Original poster
BananaSlug · 01/09/2023 23:27

Singleandproud · 01/09/2023 23:24

Have your circumnstances changed that made you eligible for the council House in the first place and can you afford private rent? If so, go for it.

Strange question? Council homes aren’t just for poor people 🙄

OP posts:
Original poster
BananaSlug · 01/09/2023 23:28

No judgemental comments please only looking for advice on if anyone has or would do this 😊

OP posts:
CornishTiger · 01/09/2023 23:30

Honestly I’d really try not to. Private rentals have such insecurity of tenure.

Have you actually tried mutual exchange.

Are you eligible to go on the housing register in area you want to move to?

Original poster
BananaSlug · 01/09/2023 23:30

No you can’t join lists in other areas

OP posts:
ChaChaRealSmooth · 01/09/2023 23:35

Given the current rental crisis and cost of living, I wouldn’t recommend someone giving up the security of a council property.

Only you can decide is the new location worth the higher rents and increased risk of a landlord selling up\evicting you.

Singleandproud · 01/09/2023 23:36

@BananaSlug I wasn't being judgemental I live in a council house or it was until I bought it. But generally they are in such a high demand they are only given to those who need them for particular reasons, over crowding, MH challenges, disabled family member, single parents etc and they give these more vulnerable groups more security than private rent does. I don't think it would be a good idea to move if one of those more vulnerable groups but if you were never vulnerable or your circumnstances changed then I'd go for it.

DesolationRow · 01/09/2023 23:37

You can join lists in other areas. I've done just that twice in the past ten years, and both times been offered excellent housing association homes in places I really wanted to live. Obviously it depends on the areas you're willing to move to.

Original poster
BananaSlug · 01/09/2023 23:39

Singleandproud · 01/09/2023 23:36

@BananaSlug I wasn't being judgemental I live in a council house or it was until I bought it. But generally they are in such a high demand they are only given to those who need them for particular reasons, over crowding, MH challenges, disabled family member, single parents etc and they give these more vulnerable groups more security than private rent does. I don't think it would be a good idea to move if one of those more vulnerable groups but if you were never vulnerable or your circumnstances changed then I'd go for it.

Anyone can join my councils housing list Just need to live in the area for 5 years and that changed recently.

OP posts:
LindaDawn · 01/09/2023 23:40

I wouldn’t give up a council house. Are you certain nobody would do a swap with you?

Original poster
BananaSlug · 01/09/2023 23:40

DesolationRow · 01/09/2023 23:37

You can join lists in other areas. I've done just that twice in the past ten years, and both times been offered excellent housing association homes in places I really wanted to live. Obviously it depends on the areas you're willing to move to.

Not in my area. Every area is different where I am you have to be living in the area for 5 years…

OP posts:
SpringIntoChaos · 01/09/2023 23:41

I'm renting and honestly it's so insecure. Twice in three years I've had to move as the landlords 'were selling'. Only it turns out later that this is untrue, and once I had moved out (at great removal expense...twice!!) both times the landlords put them back on for rent at much higher prices.

It cost me thousands of pounds in removal costs, and huge stress trying to find new affordable houses to live in. Not to mention the physical time and energy it takes to actually move, which is horrendous (I'm nearly 60, single and work full time as a primary teacher, so logistically it was a bloody nightmare!)

So unless you are REALLY desperate to move...I'd stay put!

CornishTiger · 01/09/2023 23:42

It’s usually 3 years for a local connection based on yourself or 5 years for a family member. Do scrunitise the areas policies.

Allthecatsandcosyblankets · 01/09/2023 23:42

Don't rule out a mutual exchange, you never know if someone needs to be closer to their parents/family etc, the area may be rough but some people don't care and would swap for whatever reason.

You would regret giving up a secure home with cheaper rent. Landlords can sell up anytime as I'm sure you know. Council homes are hard to come by. Rough areas are hard but hold tight and keep checking local swap pages.

TeaKitten · 01/09/2023 23:43

Is there any possibility that you’ll be able to share for a mortgage, even if it’s shared ownership? If not, I’d move, yes private is not as secure but it’s worth the risk to give your kids a better chance (if your already is particularly bad live you’ve said).

Lesina · 01/09/2023 23:43

No. You have much more security as a council tenant as well as right to buy. Either sit tight or tram an exchange. Do not give it up.

SpringViolet · 01/09/2023 23:45

Unless you’ve got serious issues with antisocial behaviour/crime making you fear for your safety, I wouldn’t advise it. Private renting is much more insecure and expensive than it’s ever been in the current market, that’s if you can actually find a property and you get accepted. Lots of landlords want 6-12 months upfront if it’s a high demand area.

We moved out of a council property into private rented as neighbours were abusive and threatening on a daily basis. Council weren’t interested.

Don’t regret actually moving out of that hellhole but have had to move 3 times since and are now living in an ex council property (as only property available when last landlord wanted us to leave as selling up) and paying over a £1k a month more than similar properties in the area that are still council!

We’ve probably paid close to £150k in rent over the last 10 years to someone else’s mortgage.

I’d make the best of it in whatever way you can unless you feel threatened and try to save to buy (new housing scheme or shared ownership maybe?).

ElEmEnOhPee · 02/09/2023 00:19

I would move. I know social housing is like gold dust but if it's that bad where you're currently living then moving will be worth, especially if it means your kids feel safer and can play out and socialise more.

sillyuniforms · 02/09/2023 00:23

Having seen so many issues with private landlords I'd be wary. But then the areas might be better.
But overall council is safer

dizzygirl1 · 02/09/2023 00:26

I private rent. Don't do it, really don't do it. Private is dreadful for security

Montbresia · 02/09/2023 00:45

How rough ? I mean my mates social housing, the actual house is lovely, it was brand new but she has had so many horrendous neighbours, there was an axe attack, people with severe MH issues screaming, drug addicts, people fighting in the street.

Whereas estate some of my family lived on was rough compared to where I live but it was more eggs thrown about by kids on Halloween, bit of arguing in the street and the odd bit of noise.

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 02/09/2023 01:15

Have you looked at the home exchange groups on Facebook? Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious

Original poster
BananaSlug · 02/09/2023 01:35

I’m on housing exchange sites but as a lurker, and my area is the area that often comes up as people saying anywhere but x area, it’s known to be a rough area and as that reputation. When I say rough I don’t mean we are being personally targeted I mean there are problems with gangs, grooming, drugs, stabbings it’s just generally a rough area and I’m concerned about the children growing up here, I only moved here to be close to family as they promised all sorts of support but they’ve never bothered and that was really the only reason for moving here.

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 02/09/2023 04:55

BananaSlug · 02/09/2023 01:35

I’m on housing exchange sites but as a lurker, and my area is the area that often comes up as people saying anywhere but x area, it’s known to be a rough area and as that reputation. When I say rough I don’t mean we are being personally targeted I mean there are problems with gangs, grooming, drugs, stabbings it’s just generally a rough area and I’m concerned about the children growing up here, I only moved here to be close to family as they promised all sorts of support but they’ve never bothered and that was really the only reason for moving here.

I wouldn’t have wanted my children to grow up in an area like that either. So if you can afford to move out into a nicer area, I would do so. You say you’re not poor so it’s unclear why you haven’t gone into the private sector in the first place. I’m sure there were good reasons but if you no longer need council accommodation then maybe move to a nicer area and free up your current accommodation for someone who does need it.