What can i do? Overcrowded??

JEWISHPRINCESS

That's the problem - all the decent houses - especially 3 beds have been sold off. The council's haven't built any more to replace them and it's all a mess.

I have only recently started posting on this forum but have been an avid reader for many years and it disgusts me how so many people cruelly tear some people to pieces when they are only asking for some advice. It is completely unnecessary and uttely pathetic but they just do it to make themselves feel better.

JEWISHPRINCESS

I see like me you're in Glasgow Skint Bride to be. Have you thought about the LIFT scheme to help get you on the property ladder? That maybe able to help you.

PasturesNew

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Some people on the waiting list are still going to be waiting in 20 years time. It's heartbreaking

I was on the list for 12 years when I was told it'd be at least another 15 years before I might be offered a place in a shared house. And that was 20 years ago.

It's not new.

squinty

You can chose to be proactive any try to resolve this yourself, some examples:


1.Look at other housing providers; are there any Housing Associations in the area – what are their rules? Do you need to apply to them directly or are all their properties allocated through the council scheme?


2.You mention that you would eventually like to buy – are there any low cost homeownership schemes close by that you can afford and are eligible for ?


3.What is available in the private sector ? If there is something suitable you need to make a judgement – what is more important to you, the size of the property or security of tenure?


4.Have you considered a mutual exchange or homeswap? Try advertising yourself locally for someone who may wish to exchange.



5.Finally, if you feel that the council are the only option be realistic. Consider the widest possible range of property types and locations. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket.

Good luck

BitterAndTwisted

PasturesNew wrote: »

I was on the list for 12 years when I was told it'd be at least another 15 years before I might be offered a place in a shared house. And that was 20 years ago.

It's not new.

I accept that it's not new but 20 years ago single people had no chance of being housed, families with children is newer, especially those with children with special needs, it's just that I don't think some people quite realise how bad the shortage is

I won the lottery of life some 30 years ago when I got accepted for a local authority flat by answering an ad in a newspaper. I count my blessings every single day, believe me

Shakethedisease

private let tends to be really expensive. But ill keep trying to see if any new properys become available.

Please, please think VERY carefully about going into private rental accommodation with kids. Tenancies are renewed every 6 months at the landlord's discretion.. you may be lucky and end up renting the same house for years.. or you may not and find yourself having to move every 6 months/year and have to keep uprooting your kids, having to change schools, leave friends etc.

I know for us it was like a constant 'axe' over our heads every 6 months waiting to see if our landlord was going to renew our tenancies or not. There's no security at ALL. It's a very uncertain and insecure way to live for families really...and you'll be lucky to be considered ever again for council housing unless you are really at the end of the road privately ( ie baliffs at the door ).

jayss

Tennancy is not renewed every 6months. If your landlord dosent want you to stay its likely to be for a good reason and they still need to give you notice.
If you are a good tennant and pay your rent you are unlikely to be asked to leave unless the landlord decides to sell.

Lots of us rent in the private sector we dont live in fear that we're going to be asked to leave at any moment. Stop trying to scare people with utter rubbish.

I'm not suggesting the OP gives up a council place but they need to look at options.

silvercar

By going for a private rental, if you were evicted you would then be considered homeless. This would give you priority for a council house. Initially that could well be temporary accommodation but it should eventually lead to a home that isn't technically overcrowded.

Saying that, security of tenure even if a 10 year old has to share a bedroom would be preferable to me than a being on a 6 month AST.

Ste_C

If you can't afford your own home and you're struggling for space with 2 children, then why have a third? Not very sensible is it?

It's not the council's problem that you're short of space: it's YOURS.

benjo

I have sympathy with your overcrowded situation but in the scheme of things there really are worse situations to be in imagine if you had bought your own home, lost value and still had druggies down the road, with no chance of selling/swapping or moving. The council have told you that you are now entitled to a larger property so your overcrowding is only temporary. It is up to you really how patient or proactive you are with regards to pestering the council for a place - personally I would ring them everyday.

That said I would sooner be an overcrowded council tenant than a comfortable private tenant - in terms of security of tenure and the right to buy, Im not slating private LL's since I was in private rented accomodation for many years and I was also a LL at one time.

I know that there is a popular view that some people breed children in order to gain larger houses and there are some people I have met that I can well believe that of! but that doesnt apply to everyone who becomes pregnant and you shouldnt have to apologise for your fertility you just have to cope the best way you can given the circumstances.

Goodluck, hope you get an extra bedroom.