Where do I start ? no point going on !

Snaggles

Hello Can't Get Straight - I've been reading through your thread, and feel so terrible for you - jesus, if I had a spare room you could all come and stay with me. I can't think of any advice other that the things you have already tried. It did make me wonder if it was worth you contacting the press to see if any of the newspapers would have any interest in running a story on your situation - it may make the council sit up and listen. Don't know if this would be a good idea or not - any thoughts anyone?

Please don't give up, I am praying things will get better for you, take care of yourself and your lovely children.

All the very very best, Snaggles xxx

oakdale_minx

hi - I've just read your thread through and felt my heart go into my mouth when I read about your husband leaving you. I am so so sorry.

I can't offer any real practical advice on the housing front (other than my real disgust at the lack of help available), but, with my media experience hat on, call your local daily newspaper, email them, or write to them with your situation. This will be a good story for them to pick up and will definitely give a few people at the council a kick up the backside.

I've suffered from mild depression off and on for years. I've been advised to go onto anti-depressants more than once and i've always said no. I know how you are feeling so much.

Did you manage to get your credit reports? If you haven't, please please do. They can be (from my own experience) uncomfortable reading, but, at the same time, you will see which of your old debts have maybe gone from the record if they are older than six years old. You may get some positive news from them, you never know. That way, you will be able to have a definite figure to work with, rather than worrying about how much it may or may not be.

I am really really feeling for you. If you are anywhere near me and want a coffee at your place/my place (I'm in Poole), PM me. I do a mean yoghurt cake.

take care.

oakdale_minx

sorry, it hiccuped and posted twice.

bargainbetty

Can't_Get_Straight wrote:

I can't even get my landlord to put in writing that they are selling as the woman is afraid her ex husband will find out and it's part of the divorce settlement, so she won't put anything in writing for me to prove it either.

Just a thought, but how have they notified you that you have to move out? Were you at a break point in your lease? If not, the landlord can't kick you out, and has to notify the purchaser that there is a sitting tenant. If you did not have a lease you could possibly remain on site under squatters rights - make them go through legal hoops to evict you if necessary. It also means that the landlady may not have been declaring tax on the income she received from your rent - rather naughty of her. It is also illegal to file a financial statement in a divorce proceeding - it's a sworn court document.

Tell the landlady that you will have to stay put until the council sort you out, AND explain her situation to them and the tax office. She may become a lot more willing to write that letter for you.

Nasty mind you get working for lawyers. Will slap myself on the wrist immediately.

Good luck - I really hope it works out for you.

lil'H

Hello and welcome, firstly don't panic, with the help of people like lynz you'll find a way round. The only thing striking me is this intentionally homeless issue, basically if you can pay the extra rent owed and then are evicted you won't be IH? Is there any way at all you can do this, if there is it could get you out of the loophoel and give you more to go on when you are evicted. Perhaps even if you've attempted to pay some bits it would help? Your landlord will be chasing you for it in the future anyway. Secondly do you own a tent? My friend did this when she was homeless and set up right outside the council offices with her kids, they took notice then!:rotfl: Post all your income and outgoings, and usually people on here can find some savings for you, may help to try and get even small bits of your rent paid, and then you can show the council your budget and hopefully they wil see you've done all you can.

Good luck, do keep us all informed and listen to Lynz she is always good on these cases!

lil'H

msmicawber

Hi Can't Get Straight,

I'm new to the board and have got myself nearly straight after 7 years, but my heart goes out to you as I have been in similar situations to some of yours (ex-OH ran up my credit cards, beat me up, then reneged on paying anything back. A few years later I ended up homeless with my 2 children as my landlord sold up and no one would rent to me because my credit record was so bad ... mainly because of the CC debt and because the Council had messed up my housing benefit, blah blah - you're not here to read about me, I just want you to know that I can empathise with the levels of anxiety that you're constantly under.

Can you apply to go on the general housing list? I know it can take years to get to the top, but if you're on the list it might give you some peace of mind and put you in a stronger position if private renting goes belly up for you again.

Have you considered asking your MP for help? You can e-mail him/her directly if there's not a surgery very soon and it's incredible how helpful the Council can be when they receive letters on HoP letterhead.

With very best wishes,

Ms McCawber

dancingfairy

All I can suggest is what has already been mentioned, just keep going every day until they get the message. Try your MP, newspapers etc as suggested.

You sound very strong and together. I would personally not pay the creditors anything if you can't afford it- you need to feed yourself and your family first and if you have to get whatever cash you can together in case you become homeless (worse case scenario I know- sorry).

Just wanted to say good luck and how I'm sure you have the support of the many thousands of MSE'ers on here reading this. You have loads of friends on here- you just haven't met them yet. Everyone on here is so friedly and I'm sure they're all sending you best wishes and hoping for the best for you.

elona

I am so furious on your behalf!!!!:eek:

Try the M.P. and the local paper - I like the idea of setting up a tent in front of the offices with a big placard saying "council won't help!!"

tawnyowls

I agree. I think you need to get help from your doctor first, for both you and your husband. Then go to your MP - most have 'surgeries' 2/3 times a week where you can speak to them in person. Contact the newspaper, and probably more effective, your local news station - they really go for human interest stories like this. Also, as your landlady is a friend, I would advise sitting down with her and getting her to get a court order to get you out - there is no way that the council could then say you were IH and they'd have to house you.

As for the debts, much as this board generally is against it, bankruptcy does seem your only option. You have no assets to lose, and it would take an immense amount of pressure off you.

colnkits

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, I've got everything crossed that with the help here you'll find the strength to keep fighting and get a result.

I know that my local MP has helped several people with council related issues, and hope that yours can help you too.

((hugs))

Kitty