Renting a home

Sgwyn99 · July 2018

hi guys, I’m new to the site so hello all. I have a predicament and any advice would be most welcome. My husband left me and 2 kids in November last year, I have Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis, we had to sell our house because he left me in a lot of debt and I am finding it very hard to rent a house suitable for my needs. I have approached housing at the council and was told there are 44,000 families waiting for a council house/association and I was better off privately renting, but I’m finding that terribly difficult. Would any one be able to give me an idea what I can do because a big tent and the local park maybe my only option. ???

Jean_OT · July 2018

Hi @Sgwyn99

Welcome to the community, so sorry to hear of your difficult circumstances.

Assuming that the local authority accept that you are a vulnerable person (this will depend on the strength of the medical evidence you provided) they will have a duty to you and also to your children if they are still minors. Whilst this will stop you ending up in that tent it doesn't mean that they will necessarily find you a suitable permanent home anytime soon. Really it just means a roof over your head, so it could be something like a B&B or out of the area. See: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homelessness/your_situation/disabilities_and_health_conditions_help_if_youre_homeless

Obviously the council would prefer you to go away and sort your housing issues yourself but if you can't manage that (and in reality they do know that private renting for some disabled people can be near impossible) you will need to keep talking to them, arguing your case that they must ensure that your family do not become street homeless.

Do also take advice from Shelter Helpline: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

Good luck

Jean

feir · July 2018

If you do go with the tent then put it up outside the council so they don't forget about you.

Renting a home

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