Advice needed. Been made homeless

Am88_2

Without going through my whole life story, 2 months ago my partner and I moved into his mother's house after having to leave our flat share in London (tenancy ran out and we couldn't find a suitable place in time as we were only given 4weeks notice).

We never planned to stay here this long but we have found it almost impossible to find somewhere to live as we need to claim housing benefit and no landlords will accept us. We are extremely responsible people. I am currently unemployed as I lost my job when I had to relocate but trying hard to find another. My partner has a serious long standing health condition that means he is in severe pain 60% of the time and he is registered as disabled.

So currently we are living with hs mother and brother, neither of whom work and are mentally ill - hardly an ideal situation. Anyway she has gone crazy and decided she wants nothing to do with either of us and wants us to leave. We have been told to leave asap and we literally have nowhere to go. They are the only family he has and my family live 600 miles away so we are kind of stuck.

We are desperate to find a place of our own but we don't know where to start as we have had so many knock backs.
I am going to go to the local council this week and see if they can give me any advice but I am in such a state right now. We have nowhere near enough for a deposit and we are afraid of being turned down again.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Wee_Willy_Harris

Speak to:

Your Council (Go in, don't phone)
Shelter
CAB
Any Housing Advice Centres in your area

And do it first thing on MONDAY... Not "this week"!

Am88_2

Thanks for the advice, that is my plan!
I can only go to the council housing advice centre on Tuesday as that's the only time you can drop in!
Plan to go to CAB tomorrow.

Wee_Willy_Harris

Am88 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, that is my plan!
I can only go to the council housing advice centre on Tuesday as that's the only time you can drop in!
Plan to go to CAB tomorrow.

They will have a service somewhere tomorrow for the homeless. In fact, they will have a 24/7 homeless service.

Am88_2

I have found a number I can call, but the housing advice surgery is only open on a Tuesday!
At least I only have one day to wait and can go to the CAB in the mean time.
Thanks so much for the advice. Any advice on how to find a place when you are on Benefits? I have heard of Fast Trak but not sure I trust it - seems to good to be true. Also, not sure we are eligible anyway as although my partner is over 25, i am not.

BitterAndTwisted

There are a number of compelling reasons (to me, if not to your LA) why you should receive help as a priority: you are in imminent threat of homelessness. Your partner is registered disabled. And, of course, you are currently living with people who have mental health issues. Although your local authority may not have any suitable properties available for you now they may choose to help you find private housing by either arranging a private let and/or undertaking to provide or guarantee the bond/deposit.

theartfullodger

Sorry to read your story.

(If possible before you go see Council..)

Have a look at these..

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/help_from_the_council
&
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/downloads_and_tools/emergency_checker

&
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/help_from_the_council/applying_as_homeless

(Some... possibly most.. if not all..) Councils are, particularly with ConDem government so keen on slashing spending by Councils, very keen of finding reasons why they don't have to help/house those presenting themselves as "Homeless" or "Imminently Homeless" (both expensive for councils often). In your case I think they will seize on why you left the London flat. If you had not been served with an S21 or S8 notice or, in particular, not received a court order for possession for the Landlord they may say you did not have to leave and they might decide that you are "intentionally homeless" and turn you down. (I'm using their language so you see how they may think: I understand the position you are in...and am not judging you ).

However if, for example, there had been threats of violence by Landlord in London or you are fearful of your safety & that of your partner where you are now they might see you in a more sympathetic light.

See how it goes, stress as B&T says the difficulties you've had & best wishes to you all..

Artful

Am88_2

Thanks to everyone who has given advice. The council weren't particularly helpful. Artful lodger was right though about the fact I was living in a different council means they might not help me. The best help they can offer us is a bed and breakfast in the most awful area, i would sooner kill myself than pick that option. But what choice do i have!? We really want to be able to rent privately but dont know how this is acheivable. I feel completely lost.

Jowo_2

You should ask Shelter for advice on your options and how to challenge the council decision - local councils are notorious for not meeting their statutory obligations. I don't know whether or not, they've discharged their responsibilities to you as they should but Shelter will know.

clockworkboy

Very best of luck. Like everyone says, Shelter and CAB will have advice for you.

Can you trim down your belongings to an absolute bare minimum - clothes on your back and a couple of changes? And persuade the relatives to put up with a few boxes until you find somewhere? Being mobile can help a lot and at least means hostels might be an option for a couple of nights if necessary.

Does 600 miles away mean... Scotland? Mainland Europe somewhere?

Am88_2

I am already living out of suitcases, most of our stuff is in storage. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving any of my belongings here as they would probably bin everything.

And yes, family are in north of Scotland!