Need to move address HELP

dalis46

Hi. I recently have been in ill health and was made homeless after a long hospital stay. The council housed me on day two, to a room with a shower, which I couldn't say no too. However this doesn't adapt to me as I'm unable to shower in the small space, and using aids. I've got housing benefit set up but I wish to move. I spoke to my homeless housing officer and he said because I accepted it I can not move. Is this correct? I've been looking for more suitable places with a bath and easy entry, and alot cheaper. How easy is it for me. Thank you

poppy123456

Is it temporary housing you're currently living in? Are you under or over state pension age?

dalis46

Hi Poppy. The last message I got from housing after I asked for move is,

'This is permanent, the council has negotiated with landlord to house you.'

Im 39 years of age, i have been signed of work till end of the year, maybe longer if condition doesnt improve. I get PIP and UC- the UC covers HB.

poppy123456

HB is a completely different benefit. When claiming UC, rent is known as housing element.

There's nothing stopping you from moving. However, if your tenancy agreement is a fixed term then you could end up paying the landlord the remaining months. There's some information here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-privately/ending-your-tenancy/ending-your-tenancy/

Do you have your name down on the housing list for social housing? If not then it would be a good idea to do that. However, it doesn't mean you'll be rehoused immediately. If you're a single person then you could be waiting many years.

Looking for a privately landlord is another option but that won't be easy either because many landlords will refuse those claiming benefits.

Have you ever referred yourself for a needs assessment? If you haven't then you can do that here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/ this may help with the process of moving, if adaptions can't be done in your current home but it's not a guarantee that you will be rehoused.

dalis46

Thank you for your reply. Some great information for me to look at.

OK, yes it is housing element on my UC login. And with landlord, I have not got a tenancy agreement, did not sign for one. He just showed me the property and handed me the keys and said housing will sort rest out. However he did take my UC login details and updated my personal details like change of address and new monthly rent. And also wrote on journal to pay estate agent directly. The also made me log into my bank account and check it. 

Please don't ask why, I was out of hospital 1 hour before and was on morphine and tramadol so didn't know what was fully happening. 

I will look at getting a tenancy agreement from them and reading it.

Thank you

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @dalis46

I'm so sorry to hear that you have been unwell and in this situation. Like Poppy, I would also encourage you to reach out to Citizen's Advice. Please keep us updated