Starting to think we're in a real predicament.

Nixer

Elkie do you speak Russian? I suppose you have probably looked, but I would have thought you'd be able to get some sort of secretarial/translation work in London.

Elkiemoo

I have briefly looked at Open University courses, Viola Lass. The flexibility definitely appeals. Of course I would need to save up before I could start any course, so the first baby step is finding a job, any job. But like you said, it would be something to look forward to and start working towards now.

Yes, Nixer... although I finished university over a year ago now so I'm a little rusty. I've looked into skill swaps, which would be a cheap way of keeping up my language skills. However, I've been put off by the fact that most Russians offering their language skills for English are middle-aged men.
There are plenty of jobs for Russian speaking people in London, but many of the jobs specify they want a Native Russian with good English language skills, not the other way round. As for translation work, I would really need a translation diploma. There are freelance translators without one, but they find it hard to get work. If I were going to work for a company I would need an Iol diploma behind my name to be taken seriously. I have tried looking for in-house translating jobs as usually you work in a group to pick each other's brains and can learn whilst working, but so far I haven't found anything.

Elkiemoo

BitterAndTwisted, fear not, we have already filled in the holes. B/F just needs to sand and paint. All materials courtesy of his parents.

BitterAndTwisted

Oh, well done. Please ensure that the sanding and painting are a first-class, professional-standard job or the deduction from your deposit could be hefty. If in doubt repaint the whole room if possible

As you've only got less than two months before leaving the property you really should start getting the place in tip-top shape now. Pay especial attention to any marks on carpeting. The oven and cooker should look as good as new and you should defrost the fridge and freezer and clean both. Kitchen cupboards need to be spotlessly clean both inside and out. I expect you know all of this already but these are some of the things which have caused quite a lot of other tenants unexpected and costly deductions. If in doubt, have the agents round to inspect so they can pick up on things which you can sort yourselves before the final check-out.

Seen any suitable flat-shares locally or online yet? My niece, who graduated this summer, has just found a flat-share at Canary Wharf. Lovely flat, nice co-tenants who have been living there for over two years and the rent is £600 per month including Council Tax, utility bills and a cleaner once a week to keep the kitchen and bathroom ship-shape. Maybe with your two LHA's in place something decent and affordable could be found.

Jadedlady

Elkiemoo if you need to find a place that will accept LHA, have a look on the site dsslondon.com. Do register with them as well, they can be a huge help. Also check with agents, many of them have properties available where landlords will accept benefits. In this current climate, many more agents are relaxing the rules so don't be afraid to ask.
Good Luck!

Elkiemoo

Thank you Jadedlady, I sent an online application to dsslondon.com last week but haven't been contacted yet. I will call them later in the week, along with all the other local agents we circled in Newshopper over the weekend

Yes BitterAndTwisted, we saw a couple of suitable house shares online, and in Newshopper, most of which stated they would consider DSS tenants. Rent inclusive of all bills would be ideal, as it would take the heat off repaying arrears to EDF... However, we will need to cancel our BT contract - I'm sure there will be a healthy charge for that...

I was contacted by the estate agents who deal with our flat today. They wanted to organise a day later in the week when they can come around and take new photos of the flat for their ad. I'm confused as to why they need to do this when they have perfectly acceptable pictures posted online already, which DO NOT feature all of our junk... http://www.woosterstock.co.uk/DetailLet.php?id=5588.

Finally got the JSA1 and JSA3 forms to the Job Centre today. We also completed the Housing Benefit from, gathered all the evidence, except our Job Seeker's Allowance letter which we are still waiting on. B/F had a few nasty letters from debtors, which he sorted out over the phone. We paid our Council Tax arrears too. I'm quite happy with what we have achieved today. First think tomorrow we will set out to Lewisham with our Housing Benefits forms and evidence, then spend the rest of the day tidying the flat for the photos on Wednesday. I should probably call the estate agents and ask if we are expected to make the place look uninhabited.

BitterAndTwisted

I also think you should call the agents and ask them why they think photos including all your stuff would be preferable to the lovely photos they have listed up there already. Very nice pad, that's luxury accommodation, that is.

Nice work on getting organised! A++ AND I expect it's making you feel a whole lot better now that you're taking action and doing something constructive instead of fretting away

Elkiemoo

Yes, well, it looks a lot more appealing in the photos... The photo of the balcony is not the one shown in the floor plan, but is in fact the communal terrace. Still, the pictures they already have will do the place a lot more justice than the ones they want to take on Wednesday. I will definitely call them tomorrow and try to convince them of that.

Thank you, I do feel a lot better ... but I'm still having palpitations imagining all the worst case scenarios which may or may not happen. I've gone the other way entirely and am now finding it hard to pace myself. I'm more than tempted to stay up until the early hours cleaning, but I know if won't do me any favours.

BitterAndTwisted

Eh, you've got seven weeks so you should pace yourself. Maybe make a list of what's to be done and split it between the two of you. Don't forget that uncoloured vinegar is your friend, especially for getting hard-water marks off that shower screen. Stardrops will clean all the rest

Elkiemoo

Already have both