Challenge rent before becoming a tenant with housing association

Lottie1732

Hello

I've been lucky enough to be nominated for a 1 bed bungalow in a nice quiet location within 5 mins of all town amenities.  I've filled out the pre tenancy assessment form and sent it back to the housing association.

What I've found out whilst waiting about a month after coming out in position 1 is that:

1. this bungalow is the smallest of about 14.
2. It may only be a single bedroom rather than a double.
3. The rent is also 35% higher than another in the same terraced row that was offered only a year ago. 
4. It also has  less garden frontage (small flower beds either side of the front door) than all the others
5. Less flower bed space because of an enclosure underneath the (smaller) window that may perhaps contain the boiler system for all the houses (not sure on that)
6. At the back it is concreted with a washing line - which I suspect is for all to use (communal garden). Others have garden sheds/summer houses/planting.

The move has to happen as I'm soon to run out of money and can't pay my private rent (children all flown the nest so I'm over housed)  I am probably looking a gift horse in the mouth and it seems a bit churlish to be questioning what is a lifeline.

Do you think they'll listen to my concerns and negotiate on the rent or might they just say, run along then, we'll give it to someone else?

In no way do I resent having less (well maybe just a bit) but it doesn't seem right to be paying more or the same as tenants who have larger properties, more garden to play with and not a boiler system outside their bedroom window, if it is the bedroom. I don't know yet. 

Thanks for letting me rant!

Best 
Lottie 
(Downsizing from 187 square meters to 30 - ho hum).

poppy123456

If you're claiming help with the rent and you don't work then you'll be entitled to the full amount. When renting from social housing there will only be deduction in your rent if you have a spare bedroom. As it's a 1 bedroom there will be no deduction. For this reason does it matter how much the rent is?

Having said that if you don't like the property then you can so no. However, you need to be careful because if you refuse they may not offfer another.

Lottie1732

Thank you so much. I do have a very small amount of self employed earnings that often don't impact my UC and HB.  You're right of course. I've thought about it again (thinking of nothing else recently) and it really is amazing luck that I was nominated for it and will potentially be offered a tenancy. It's all a bit overwhelming as I'm faced with selling or donating most of my belongings/furniture so that I can fit in a tiny (cosy and secure) home.

life

Congrats on getting the bungalow 

Wish you all the best in your new home 👍

Hannah_Alumni

@Lottie1732 Congratulations on the new home. Hope everything goes ok with the move!