Council flat dilemma

theartfullodger

Johnfinch wrote: »

Hi

I had a quick look and it say I'm entitled to £114 a week. I'm not sure what that means. Could someone explain what it is. I couldnt have a proper look as I'm at work.

So you're over 35 ??

Have a look 'ere/....

http://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/info/10112/local_housing_allowance/424/local_housing_allowance_lha_scheme_explained/1

&

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/local_housing_allowance

pmlindyloo

Johnfinch wrote: »

Cheers for the quick replies

I'm here because I didnt have anywhere else to go and allthough we dont want to be together she is still very helpful.

I did look into renting elsewhere, but just cant afford to rent privatelyor I would of done this straight away.

My name is on all the bills and the council tax

I think people are wondering if you would be entitled to any help with your rent and/or council tax. The housing allowance is the maximium amount that the council would pay in Housing Benefit if you were eligible.

However, from what I have read (please correct me if I'm wrong) then you are actually paying the rent and council tax yourself?

So, the next question is why do you say you can't afford to rent privately?
Is it because the private rents are much higher?
Or is it because you can't afford the deposit? Or something else?

More information please so people can offer you specific help.

puddy

you'll have to rent a room, like a lodger, that will be a similar price to the rent you're currently paying but you wont have to pay council tax or bills so you'll actually be better off

Johnfinch

Yeah the rents are much higher. Plus couldn't afford the deposits, month in advance etc. Thought about lodging. Wouldn't mind if I knew the person. Not to keen with a stranger. Not sure if I have a choice though.

puddy

no you dont have a choice and as has been mentioned you should have been saving or have money put by for such an eventuality, although that is hard for most of us

go to spareroom.com and search in your area for a room which matches your requirements

your best bet is house that has a landlord living out, so the house is just a number of rented rooms where you share bathroom and kitchen etc. you might be lucky and find a room which has its own bathroom or at least toilet

bills are normally included and you're not liable for council tax as you dont rent the entire property which will save you a good amount of money, thy and get somewhere near your workplace which will save you travel costs to work too

ruggedtoast

You're all being really mean to this guy. Mean.

It's not surprising he doesn't want to be homeless, and living in an HMO is no life for someone in their 40s.

Still the flat will be empty soon and occupied by someone who has never paid a penny of income tax in this country soon enough I am sure.

BitterAndTwisted

John, it's going to take months for the Council to repossess. I suspect it could take until almost Christmas. In the meantime stash away the rent you are currently paying and use it for your onward move.

If you're on a low wage you could get some contribution from LHA towards your rent. The amount depends on your income and your new rent.

KnightSmile

John just reading about your situation, I'm afraid I can't offer any useful advice, but I hope you manage to get it sorted. I'm sure nobody wants to see you homeless.

If there is a way you can build a bit of cash before you get evicted to use as a deposit somewhere, that sounds like one of the better options.

All the best.

KnightSmile

mickey54

If the OP girlfriend does not want to go back to the flat - then, the OP can keep the flat - if he is already named with the council as being in the flat. The girlfriend can notify council that she wishes to transfer to him - as he has been there as a qualifying occupier. It would mean though - that the girlfriend may not be allocated another council property n the future - as she would be deemed to have given up a tenancy. (Therefore making herself homeless)

If this does go to Court - OP can apply request through courts that tenancy is transferred. AS I said - he is a qualifying occupier - and also has rights

Dontknowanymore

Can you not ask the council if they run a rent deposit scheme to assist.