Council house question

busiscoming2

Couldn't decide whether to post this here or 'In my home' section!

I am having a new kitchen fitted very soon, I am offering my old kitchen which is in very good condition on freecycle. I have had a lot of people in council accomodation asking for it. My question is that surely the council are responsible for keeping council home 'fittings' up to standard? I used to live in an ex authority property and my neighbours either side were still council tenants and both their kitchens were fine, but I wonder if that is because they just looked after them better?
I have had a couple of people who are in private rented asking for it too as they say the landlords wont change the kitchen, surely then they would move?

bestpud

Kitchens are provided with social housing but they are often sparse and I guess some people might want more cupboards? Plus people tend to have the tenancy for a long time so are more likely to make some effort to get it how they want.

I'm not so sure about the private renters... I can't think why ayone in a private let would do that (unless it was long term) and I can't see how a LL would allow it either. My guess is the LL is looking to do up the house in the cheap or it is a homeowner who thinks you will be more sympathetic if they give a sob story.

It's hard when you get loads of replies, isn't it?

busiscoming2

bestpud wrote: »

Kitchens are provided with social housing but they are often sparse and I guess some people might want more cupboards? Plus people tend to have the tenancy for a long time so are more likely to make some effort to get it how they want.

I'm not so sure about the private renters... I can't think why ayone in a private let would do that (unless it was long term) and I can't see how a LL would allow it either. My guess is the LL is looking to do up the house in the cheap or it is a homeowner who thinks you will be more sympathetic if they give a sob story.

It's hard when you get loads of replies, isn't it?

Yes, I just want it to go to someone who really needs it.

jackieglasgow

In our previous council house we installed our own kitchen as legally all they need to provide is something like one double base unit, a sink 1.4m of worktop and a wallcupboard. Usually ugly too. Most councils will now be installing new kitchens but it might not be for a few years for some people.

SandC

As people can have their council home for all their lives and are often happy to stay there in their local community with family and friends nearby they will be happy to spend money getting the house how they like it.

Unlike in private rentals, you can do whatever you choose to the interior of a council property, including fitting kitchens and bathrooms.

A couple of the siblings of an ex of mine had council homes in his area and all of them had made them 'their own' in terms of decor.

I think because we see so much negativity in the media and little positivity that it's often presumed that council house tenants are mainly unemployed. There is often also an assumption that if someone doesn't have mortgage to own their home one day or already do then they are not prepared to spend money on making it homely and that isn't necessarily the case. Renting property to many thousands is 'home' not throwing money away as is so often the attitude in the UK.

bestpud

SandC wrote: »

As people can have their council home for all their lives and are often happy to stay there in their local community with family and friends nearby they will be happy to spend money getting the house how they like it.

Unlike in private rentals, you can do whatever you choose to the interior of a council property, including fitting kitchens and bathrooms.

A couple of the siblings of an ex of mine had council homes in his area and all of them had made them 'their own' in terms of decor.

I think because we see so much negativity in the media and little positivity that it's often presumed that council house tenants are mainly unemployed. There is often also an assumption that if someone doesn't have mortgage to own their home one day or already do then they are not prepared to spend money on making it homely and that isn't necessarily the case. Renting property to many thousands is 'home' not throwing money away as is so often the attitude in the UK.

I agree for social housing, but many private tenancies are for 6 months, so why would people spend money on a house they could be asked to vacate within a year, or at ay time the owner needs the house?

*Louise*

I can understand people in some council houses who have years to wait for a new kitchen wanting something to do them in the meantime.

My mum is in a council house and is getting a kitchen within 6 months - I was really surprised that they sent out a designer to discuss it all with her, and printed up a plan. She has got extra cupboards and things as well, plus it's decent quality, not the old laminated board stuff they used to fit :rotfl:. Quite impressed actually.

No idea why private renters would want to go to the bother of fitting a kitchen, I think I would be looking to move instead.

SandC

bestpud wrote: »

I agree for social housing, but many private tenancies are for 6 months, so why would people spend money on a house they could be asked to vacate within a year, or at ay time the owner needs the house?

Well they are free remember, many people are quite able to fit kitchen units themselves so for only outlay of time it's a win for the landlord who doesn't want to get it done for them and a win for them with better units in their home. I doubt if anyone only planning on staying somewhere for 6 months would do it but that's how I would look at it myself.

LJM

yes the council put in the basics but my parents replaced there council kitchen as there was a lack of storage not enough cupboards etc,if they are paying rent unless specified other they are entitled to refit and decorate as they see fit. with private renting though each may be different my friend isnt allowed to decorate/hang shelves/change fixtures etc without the permission of her landlord

faerie_girl

What about asking round local charities? I have done a few courses with the local YMCA and their kitchen could really do updating. We did some cooking sessions and the cooker broke down. I am sure they (and the people they support) would benefit from a new kitchen. There funding has just been really slashed so all funds only go on the really essential stuff now.

In my area all the council homes have had new kitchens and bathrooms refitted. We rent and ex-council house and still have the orignal bathroom and kitchen from about 60 years ago!

MX5huggy

I had a private rent that was well below market rate, knew I would be there as long as I wanted so was happy to make upgrades rather than push the LL and risk him noticing that the rent was low.