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Trying to find a place to rent on UC + PIP is a nightmare.

ichiblaire

I've been trying to find a place to rent for a long time now. I live with an abusive family member, and it's been so dreadful I almost took my own life at one point. I've contacted the council, and they told me to "just hide". My family are siding with my abuser so going to them for help is out of the question. So I'm doing this on my own. Everytime I enquire about a rental on openrent I immediately get declined. They see that I'm going to be using Housing element to pay for my rent and I get hit with a "sorry, we're moving forward with other tenants." It's been like this for months and I'm at my wits end. I can't get help from my council, and trying to find a place to live on my own has been nothing short of a nightmare. What am I even supposed to do? I feel like I have lost all hope at this point.

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Comments

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Is there a Housing Association separate from the council in your area? (There is in mine). Those will be expecting tenants to use benefits for rent, so are easier to access than private rentals.

Sadly, there's such a shortage of private rental properties at the moment that anyone who works is likely to be higher on the list for private rentals than anyone on benefits. It's the law that we can't be refused specifically because of being on benefits, but it's also law that the landlord is allowed to choose whoever they like.

Aside from a long term property, it may be worth looking into refuges nearby if you feel forced to leave for your own safety at any point.

Stellar

you have no choice but to go back to the council. councils routinely lie and misrepresent the law to try to artificially reduce demand for housing. you are legally homeless under English housing law due to domestic abuse. you need to read up on housing law, go back to the council, gather as much evidence as possible, and force them to take you seriously. if that means turning up in person at the council offices and claiming you have nowhere to go, that's what you've got to do.

Community_Scope

A member of the team is going to pop you an email soon @ichiblaire, please keep an eye out for it.