What would you do?

lincsdan86

The situation as it stands is that myself and my pregnant partner are currently renting a room from my brother in a house that he owns. We pay him rent of about £250 which is around the going rate of a room (not even reduced family rates).

Anyway back to the point, as we are only lodgers and do not have a tenancy agreement he has been dropping hints that we have no legal right to stay in the property or even have a notice period. He has been saying "I could throw you out tomorrow if I wanted" alot recently. And of course with a baby on the way and trying to pay off our debts we havn't got enough money to rent somewhere privately and I dont think we'd even have the time to find somewhere.

I was just wondering would you throw your brother and his pregnant partner out onto the street???

Honestly we might not sort the dishes out straight away but they get done, we do all our washing at weekend, he works nights and does his during the day. We keep the room tidy (ish), partner a bit of a clutter bug. We keep ourselves to ourselves only using the kitchen and that when we need to.

I'm seriously worried that we are going to end up on the streets because of how he is!

ANy opinions would be great, thanks

Noctu

I don't think anyone here would condone your brother throwing you and your pregnant partner out onto the streets for no good reason.

However, morals aside, I think your priority right now needs to be getting out of his house, and finding a place of your own where you are tenants and have legal rights - for the security of not only yourselves but your child also. Have you contacted the council regarding housing at all? Paying off your debts might have to be cut back on for a few months whilst you get back on your feet - after all a roof over your head is the most important thing!

It's easier said than done though - I wish you the very best of luck.

January20

Actually, and you're not going to like that, but I think if you are in such an uncertain situation you should be perfect lodgers ie do the washing up straight away, keep all communal area tidy etc.

However, I would not in your position appreciate little comments like that about being thrown out. To me it sounds like your brother likes the power he has over you (gets a kick of reminding you every so often) or he wants you out.

My advice? have a proper chat with him and ask whether he wants you out. Your pregnant partner doesn't need the stress of whether she is going to be thrown out or not.

ETA: perhaps your brother is worried of the consequences of having a new baby in his home?

lincsdan86

We have been on numerous council registers, because me and my partner work in two different countys and we live in a different district so we are on a number of list, and have been for while. I spoke to one of them yesterday and they said that we needed to get brother to write us a letter saying what he was intending on doing but when I asked he turned around and said that he didnt have to. we dont have the money for a deposit on a rental but we probably could we cutting back and budgeting afford to rent it is just getting the money for the deposit which we lack.

lincsdan86

January20 wrote: »

Actually, and you're not going to like that, but I think if you are in such an uncertain situation you should be perfect lodgers ie do the washing up straight away, keep all communal area tidy etc.

We rarely use "communal" areas and the dishes are normally in our room until we take them down stairs. So they are well out of his way.

If anything he is inconsiderate by drilling and painting until late at night. He has caused a number of complaints from the next door neighbours about it.

I believe you are right with the idea of him enjoying the "power" he has. I doubt he would follow through any threats as our parents wouldnt take it too kindly, especially with their first grand child being so closly involved. but it is stressing me out and it is causing extra stress for the misses. I mean we are trying to get out. but like i said we havent got the deposit for a rental and the council dont seem to like taking an interest, not their fault they have more important things to do.

floss2

lincsdan86 wrote: »

We have been on numerous council registers, because me and my partner work in two different countys and we live in a different district so we are on a number of list, and have been for while. I spoke to one of them yesterday and they said that we needed to get brother to write us a letter saying what he was intending on doing but when I asked he turned around and said that he didnt have to. we dont have the money for a deposit on a rental but we probably could we cutting back and budgeting afford to rent it is just getting the money for the deposit which we lack.

Have you actually told these various registers that you are expecting?

Under which Council do you live now? They are the ones who you should be going to for assistance - you need to contact their Homelessness department, and tell them that you are expecting and have no tenancy agremeent and are getting threats from your brother to evict you.

Do you keep a record of the rent that you pay him?
Are your names on the Council Tax & Electoral Roll at his house?

specialK

If you can get a letter from your brother, by law, the council or HA have to activey seek accomodation for you. I think in the 20-30 days before you will become homeless.
This is how my local HA works anyway.

Like others have said, do they know you are expecting? This normally gets you extra points to move up the list.

Just ask your brother for a letter and then he will know of your plans. It is a stressful enough time for you and your OH, without all this hassle.

Good luck with the baby!

Taking a guess you live in Lincs! This might help:
http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/NorthLincs/Housing/HousingAdvice/homelessness/
and maybe
http://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/section.asp?catId=476

lincsdan86

Yes all the places we are registered with no that we are expecting.
We live under West Lindsey but because my partner works in Bassetlaw and I work under the city of Lincoln we can look for housing in all three, but I am looking to change jobs to Bassetlaw area aswell.
They also no that he has been threatening eviction, but they have said they need him/us to put it in writing i got confused as to which one, which he is relcutant to do.
I pay via interenet transfer to his account, we used to pay cash but this has no record but with the internet we do.
I dont believe either of us our to be honest I would have to check.

FROSTYFRECKLE

Hi,

Have to agree sounds as if your brother is on a power trip. Is there anyone you can move in with for a few months and try and save for a deposit for a flat. Must admit my knowledge is limited but I am sure I have read somewhere on MSE that some Councils etc guarantee deposits for private rentals. Perhaps the best place to look would be the Shelter website, they will have the correct info. The problem with Council housing is the wait and from the sounds of it you, your partner and soon to be +1 need security which you do not have currently. Good luck

specialK

A letter from him will set the ball rolling. Why is he against giving you a letter? Could he be willing for you to stay, but want more money from you?

I guessed right, look into the homelessness procedures above, to look like you know what you are talking about.

Talk to your brother and explain that you need his help, you need stability at the minute and need security with a new baby on the way.

lincsdan86

it wouldnt surprise me if he was, he is the type that enjoys having "power" and making idle threats with it. Parents have two younger children in their 3 bed house so there is no room there, although i have pleaded with them to conver the garage and we'd be happy there cos mother is a stay at home mum who wud be able to help my partner with the baby etc but they are on holiday.
Its scary as he has been to seek advice about it so he knows we dont have a leg to stand on