Tenancy succession

Sam0056

Hi I will get right to it recently my mother passed away and my sister and myself lived with her in her adapted council ground floor 3 bedroom flat. Now I have succeeded the tenancy but the housing association are saying we need to downsize because the place has a spare bedroom and is adapted for more people. I have lived here since I was 20 nose im 50 and my sister had also always lived here she is 55. This place is all we have known and ask our memories are here it is the family home. We both work and never missed paying the rent and while mum was alive she never was late with the rent either. We have even decorated tracksuit and keep the place very clean. Within the last 2 years my sister suffered bowel cancer and has just finished treatment for this. We are very worried they will force us to downsize and the other areas around here are full of druggies and anti social people in the high rise blocks where they are thinking to place us.i really cannot think what to do I feel very under pressure while I am still grieving the loss of my mother. Should I involve solicitors or wait and talk with the housing officer again in the hope I can convince her for us to keep this place. I would appreciate any input thanks for reading.

Kimi87

I'm really sorry for your loss.

I appreciate you view the property as your family home, but it belongs to the council.

There are families with children living in homeless accommodation (often a bed and breakfast room) who are in greater need of a permanent home, than your desire to stay.

Your family were fortunate enough to be given a 3 bed property when you were in need, now it is another families turn to be afforded that opportunity.

It's only right that you downsize now that you are under occupying, and you don't have to accept a 2 bed property you are not happy with.

Sam0056

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/999580#Comment_999580

That's for your quick response when discussing with the housing officer I asked her if we were forced to downsize what would the options be and she said we would have the option of 3 placements to which I replied what if they do not suit us and she said you will have to accept one of them. This has left me feeling very under pressure and is adding immensely to my depression and anxiety because some of the areas around here are very rough I know this because I've worked all around our area as a driver. Also I know my sister who is not in the best of health will feel very vulnerable and scared. Surly there must be something we can do.

Kimi87

Unfortunately not, you have inherited the tenancy and not the property. So you will need to leave.

If you find you are unhappy in your new home, you can look at moving again via a mutual exchange in future.

You could also look at renting in the private sector, although I'd never advise giving up a secure tenancy to do so.