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Stuck in an unsuitable house

Aphrodite_Persephone

Feel like I'll never get moved to somewhere suitable for my disability needs because my local council have decided to change their policy that their own tenants (I'm housing association but live in the borough so they're who I go through for social housing) are given priority. My housing officer confirmed that even if they're in a lower band than me (I'm in Band B medical) they get priority over me. What's worse is I've been able to bid since January and that's when they only put that change into effect as before it was the same as all other councils your priority band and date were considered first on properties bidded for. I understand their own homeless tenants needs a permanent property but their current one is suitable for their non needs, while mine isn't for my medical needs at all.

So I can't use the stairs in my home, I haven't been able to have a proper wash (only sink baths) in years as I can't access the bathroom upstairs, also cannot get outside to access medical treatment (I cannot use the communical stairs and there is no lift) and add to that my home has a constant rodent infestation and nothing seems to be getting rid of them! I've bidded on yet another property and the outcome is "not prioritised" once again. I'm in tears right now, in addition to constant pain and I'm honesty considering ending my life because there just seems no way out and I can't take it anymore as this is no life to live.

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Comments

WhatThe

Aphrodite, do you have the option of exchanging your property or at least register for an exchange while you bid? Does your HA have more suitable properties even in another area?

I'm sorry you feel defeated at the moment. It's really important to share such feelings and I'm glad you have with the forum. There is always good advice and support to be found here so I'm bumping your post.

Take good care 💜

Aphrodite_Persephone

@WhatThe

I've registered on homeswapper and am waiting on my housing association to accept my membership but honestly I doubt anyone will want my property as everyone wants a house. My housing association has other properties in other parts of the city & other cities, I happt to move elsewhere but the majority of their properties listed are for band A priority moves only, which I can understand, at least it's still a fair system based on priority banding & date.

It's just so upsetting as I waited so long just to get the OT housing assessment and once I'm able to bid my council changed their bidding ppolicy. My housing officer is encouraging me to continue bidding but what is the point if I'll never get anywhere.

WhatThe

That's it, Homeswapper. I registered briefly (HA tenant) and had a look at one property then changed my mind about moving but it was a good experience overall. I don't remember bandings coming into it though. Has that changed?

Your HA needs to be doing a lot more to find you suitable accommodation. Mine isn't very responsive but your situation is clearly urgent and they have to act.

Aphrodite_Persephone

@WhatThe I've emailed the housing ombudsman so fingers crossed

WhatThe

Aphrodite, have you filed a formal complaint with your HA and received a final response? My understanding is this needs to be exhausted before the Ombudsman can intervene.