Problem flat, Council wont allow me to move.

deepindebtor

Looking for some help.

I live in a council flat and there have been a string of problems in the past and they are still on-going, basically never ending where I live, partly due to one of the flats being reserved for those coming out of prison, etc. I was not made aware of this when I moved in several years ago, surprise, surprise!

Anyway since then we have been subjected to all forms of abuse, I have been broken into twice and had another two attempted burglaries, of the few flats there are in this low rise block we have had upwards of 10 burglaries this year alone.

We have had police raids looking for guns and drugs, problems with noise and animal abuse, you name it we have had it here.

Now for my question.

I am currently unemployed and have sadly accrued rent arrears which are being paid back from my benefits now. I desperately want to move away to someplace else, being here is getting me very depressed, I rarely leave the house I am basically so scared of the people around me and what they will do when I do leave my home. I live in daily terror.

I have asked and asked the council to move me but because I have arrears on my account they will not do it.

Is there anything I can do?

I know paying the arrears would solve the problem but if I just dont have the money, what can I do?

I really am desperate.

I am on the housing list at another council but that is a distance from me and it may be years or never before I can get a house as I have no points in their points scheme, they dont consider my situation worthy of any points.

HELP and I really mean it.

zone

How long would it take you to clear the rent arrears? Any chance a relative could help you out etc? Or move into private rental?

deepindebtor

It will take years at the rate its being repaid at and no there is no one that can help me out and there is no chance of a private rental I am unemployed at present.

silvercar

It is unfortunate that your surroundings are not nicer and a shame that it is making you depressed.

I do think there is little you can do. Even if you found a private landlord who would take you while claiming benefits, if you ran up arrears like you have here you would be evicted and homeless. As the reason for eviction would be non-rent payment, the council would have no obligation to house you.

Remaining in a council flat at least gives you the security of knowing you have a home.

If the council have said they won't rehouse you while in arrears then that is understandable, they are allowed to prioritise those that pay their rents.

If you are single with no dependents I doubt they would consider you a priority case.

Best advice is to search as hard as you can for a job; hopefully then you will be in a position to clear your arrears.

Try not to be depressed, get a decent lock on your front door and dwell on the good news: you have a home you can call your own and, despite your rent arrears, your have security in your tenancy and haven't been evicted.

deepindebtor

Wow, how condescending.

Get a decent lock on my front door!

They took the whole door frame out the last time!

What la la land do you live in?!

And just for the record my rent is being paid by my benefits at present and I was making payments towards the arrears before I lost my job. Those arrears are being paid off too albeit very slowly.

Yes, I am grateful I have a roof over my head but I am in a living hell, why do you think I asked for help, if you cannot help, then why post?!

Apologies if my tone is getting angry, but I am, these people that post nothingness are wasting my time and anyone else that is looking for help.

poppysarah

Speak to your local PCSO about smart water and marking all your property. Ask the council for CCTV. Get on to your local councillors. Are there other people you could ask to complain too?

How's the job hunting going? Are you claiming all the benefits possible? How much are the arrears? Can you get a social fund payment to help clear them (Do they have social fund any more?)

I can understand how horrid it must be - being burgled is horrid - the council must have some duty of care to help prevent further break ins.

I'd suggest finding homewatch meetings and going to them. You can speak privately (or publicly) to the more senior police officers in your area.
There may be schemes available to help secure yours and other people's homes.

Getting onto local councillors could possibly get the problem property changed into different use ie: not a crim.

The more people who make complaints the quicker it'll be solved. A lot of people sadly just keep their heads down which doesn't help them or you.