I need some advice from you all please?

Penny-Pincher!!

Can you not get Incapacity Benefit? Your OH's income would not count.

PP
xx

lynzpower

would it count though, as IM not incapable of working- I want to work! ?

silvercar

If you are in an area where (decent) rental properties are in short supply, you will need to put a holding deposit down to secure the property. The actual deposit and advance rental will then need to be paid (and cleared) before you are given the keys.

Holding deposits are usually around the £100. Actual deposits can be anything from a month's rent upwards. You will normally need to pay to be credit checked by the agent or landlord; this could be as much as £50-£100 each.

Just generalising to give you an idea, sorry if its not good news.

ZTD

So they won't provide the letter? There's this. Maximum fee they can charge is a tenner.

If they are as disorganised as everyone else, you can have "fun" pointing out stuff you know they have on you, but which they haven't provided.

Verbatim

ZTD beat me to it. I meant to say "Freedom to info' Act".

We use Gumtree to advertize when we have a property available. I expect agents do expect upfront deposits etc but we don't generally. The exception being if the new person doesn't want to move in for a while. Then we'd ask for part of the deposit as we'd be removing the ad and they could just pull out otherwise and we'd have to start from scratch again, v. scary.

tryhard_2

lynz
regarding rentals, if going through an agent ask their policy but generally when you put in the form for credit check they should hold the property for you. the deposit and 1st month's rent is generally paid on the day you sign the contract which could be the day you collect the keys. if you pay on the day you collect the keys it will have to be cleared funds cash/bankers cheque but beware that banker's cheque costs £10-15 depending on the bank; cannot remember if any banks do it for free

Storm

I'm moving next weekend & I've paid a holding deposit of £300, then deposit (1 month+£100), 1st months rent and £170 for references, check in fees, agreement & admin (horrendous!) off which the £300 holding is deducted on the day I move in. Hope that helps to give you an idea of costs - though it may well be more up in London.

Re leaving your employer without notice - all they can legally do technically they can prevent you working for anyone else for what should have been your notice period. HOWEVER, to do this they need to get a judge to sign the legal order by 12noon on the first day you don't turn up for work and they have your letter of resignation - which face it, they're highly unlikely to do!

Keep talking to your union - it all sounds very dodgy to me, and even though it will take time it could mean a windfall in the future (back pay, maybe even tribunal!)

I don't know what your medical condition is, but are there any charities/action groups out there? They may be able to support you with your employer or some may even give you some financial aid.

My final suggestion, depending how private a person you are, would be to contact the press - it's the sort of story they absolutely LOVE, although it would make it even more difficult to stay with the same employer. Or maybe a letter of complaint to the chief executive of the council/local councillors?

Good luck

Storm x

lynzpower

thanks storm. going to the press isnt an option. Im not a trouble causer and i wouldnt want anyone to think that I am I know what you mean though.part of me just wants to haul them over the coals, but I dont want to use a sledgehammer to crack the provervbial nut

moozie_2

Hey Lynz

I haven't got anything to add that hasn't already been said. I work close to where you work and in the same sector and I am so disappointed by the way you have been treated.

Wish there was something I could say or do. Happy to buy you coffee sometime and offer my shoulder

Take care and keep talking, it helps.

Pobby

Hi Lynz,nothing to add but sending you a hug.