What can cause housing associations to delay move ins?

ThePurpleKing

I was assessed by a housing association 3 months ago. I was asked permission for them to access the marac information and use it to populate a form. I was also asked for the usual name, DOB and medical info.

The housing association is aimed at people fleeing domestic abuse. I was told that I could move in at the end of the month. (that was 3 months ago) Then i was told there was a delay because the tenant had not moved out. (that was 2 months ago) Then I was told that it would be 2 months delays. I have chased them again this month and I have been told they cannot give me move in date. I have also been told that the person has not moved out.

I understand that contracts for these places are 6 month contracts. I dont understand how I am a priority and down for this property allocation, yet, the person who is in the property has been able to overstay.

Surely, these tracking systems and property portfolios are large enough for them to be able to locate another property?

Another strange thing is that a support worker (from another agency) who liaises with these associations has told me contradictory information such as the person has not been in there for 6 months, but has confirmed that contracts usually last for 6 months.

Why would they be so ambiguous and specific?

As a disabled person and someone fleeing abuse I would have expected allocation tracking systems and move out procedures to be more efficient.

I have been told that there is going to be a professional meeting soon to discuss the issue.

Is the system really that slow or could there be something more going on behind the scenes?

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

The law does not allow any landlord to just kick a tenant out immediately. The previous tenant may have decided to stay there until they get evicted, even if they cannot pay the rent for whatever reason (loss of benefits for example). The eviction takes a while as it has to follow various legal processes.

I completely understand your frustration but also appreciate that this may not be the fault of the HA. The current tenant may be having an awful time trying to find somewhere to move to as well.

If you live locally and are able to travel, you could have a quick look one day to see whether the property still looks lived in or not. If it is empty then the only reason to delay a move in would be for repairs or for legally required checks such as gas safety and EICR.

SheffieldMan1976

The delay when I moved into an HA Flat, which will be 20 years ago in August, was that they wouldn't let me move in until the local Fire service had sorted the devices under my Pillow to wake me up in the unlikely event the Fire Alarm went off in the night, it was a safety thing.

I was supposed to move in around mid July, but it was delayed till the second week of August.

Stellar

if it relates to the current tenants' personal life, they can't tell you to GDPR. they may also not know themselves the full details, before telling you.

The advise about looking around to see if its lived in is a good idea.