Housing advice - unsafe environment, need advice on moving

LM28

Hi all,

I'm currently living in an emotionally unsafe living environment and would like to try and move out as soon as I can. I rent off a private landlord who is very reasonable with his rent prices and I can afford them with my UC housing element. I'm devastated to have to even think about moving as I know how hard it is to find an independent living place whilst on benefits (and with multiple health conditions), but I can't keep living in an emotionally unsafe space as it's impacting my healthy deeply.

I'm looking for some advice and to be pointed in the right direction about how to go about moving and what sites/support I need to consider.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kimi87

You can try OpenRent, where you communicate directly with landlords cutting out letting agents.

https://www.openrent.co.uk/

If domestic violence is involved (it doesn't have to be physical) there are sources of support who can help signpost.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

You can also try your local authority, but waiting times for social housing are extremely long.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-council-housing

They might hold a list of benefit friendly landlords.

LM28

Thanks that's really helpful.

Is it pretty pointless looking on sites such as spare room etc as landlords will likely discriminate against potential tenants on benefits etc? I'm going to register with my local housing association and at least be put on the waiting list.

Rachel_Scope

HI @LM28. I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Are you safe right now?

I have rented properties whilst on benefits in the past but yes there were some landlords who wouldn't accept those on benefits. It's worth having a look and asking.

LM28

Thank you @Rachel_Scope,

I am safe right now and the issue is with another tenant living in the same building block that I live in.

Okay, that's good to know re looking at other options on sites such as spare room etc.

Rachel_Scope

Ok, I'm glad that you're safe. Let us know if the situation changes. I hope you can find somewhere to move to soon.

Is your landlord aware of the issue?

Kimi87

Would getting the Police involved be an option depending on what the problem is?

LM28

@Rachel_Scope thank you- my landlord isn't aware of the situation. It's tricky and complex and it's more covert narcissistic abuse with an individual that once was a friend. Thanks for the suggestion @Kimi87, I think getting the police involved is too much right now and not necessary. I'm seeing a clinical psychologist which is helping a lot as I already have CPTSD and this situation is triggering it more.

Rachel_Scope

That sounds complicated. It's a shame that it's forcing you to move but you have to do what's best for your mental and physical health.