'supporting each other through really tough times'

fuddle

Ginny, thank you for the fabric offer. I've asked the girls and they don't seem too bothered abou this one but agree that shortbread I. Their packed lunch will be a good idea.

Pops, because I know which HA yours is I've been having a dig at your tenancy agreement. I found, pretty much word for word, that what you typed about your letter this morning is what is on the part titled 'decoration and hygiene'. So, absolutely a generic letter and nothing to worry about in terms of wording but, they are concerned about something to trigger that response and I think a telephone call to get a written break down of what their concerns are is a must for tomorrow morning. You can't fix it if you don't know wha the problem is and even though I do think you should complain, I think your priority is to sort problems before the next visit. Hope you don't mind me saying, I'm just concerned that you're going down a slightly different route which won't get the root of the problem sorted.

Was this your annual visit? If so, they say

As part of the annual visit, information will be collected to ensure that accurate and up to date records are maintained in relation to all tenants and other household members and details associated with any identified service needs will also be collected.

So that would ring true of what they were saying to you, so again nothing to worry about. They say they are looking for instances of unauthorised living etc so again, they most probably will have needed to look around he house.

From reading the agreement and their policies it looks like they've been doing their job (reading your letter deary me) and by your own admission there were two rooms there were not in a very good state. They've most probably had to report
that which has triggered that letter. Pops, I'm sure there is absolutely nothing to worry about, a standard response to a few concerns tha if you put right will mean a seamless visi the next time. Don't worry

Popperwell

Thanks Fuddle, I've created more of a mess trying to sort out what concerned them in the first place...the only good thing is there will be so little in the house it will be practically empty ecept for my kitchen gadgets, bed and computers/radio.

I don't have lots of pictures/ornaments that need dusting all the time. And apart from making an odd meal I don't use downstairs much. I treat the house more like a bedsit.

He asked how I have a bath? It isn't usually like that and it isn't now...wonder what he'd say if I said I don't bath every day and sometimes have strip wash. I am clean and I do regularly wash my clothes too.

You and I know we all have our own little ways in every family but you have to fit a stereotypical view of how people behave.

I found that out as you may remember when Mum was ill and I had a battle with one particular District Nurse and a Social Worker. I am not awkward, quite the reverse, often I take the least line of defense and give in because its easier to.

When everything is tidy, I wonder if they'll pay for new carpets and curtains...I am reluctant in case I ever have to move...and there's only me, see they can call on me anytime they wih but someone in their own property could have an absolute tip and need lots of help compared to me but they'll be off the radar.

Funny how all the problems I have had were after the HA took over and we never had problems when it was rented from the council.

The garden was never mentioned when he called and he said that was not a problem(Mum loved her garden)and its only just shot away in the last week or so...I am waiting for my gardener to come and sort it out but he's been on holiday and you can't mow a lwan when its wet due to rain. Even the neighbours have offered in the last few days but again they can't do anything until it dries out.

I have just put out a big PC monitor, a chair and other bulky items that he did not see to clear space and as I said I have thrown all the video tapes away on Friday. The VCR will be going soon too. But again I am restricted by the way refuse collections are done these days...

All the tidying was being done in the first place, just unfortunate they called when they did.

Molly41

Popperwell wrote: »

I don't have lots of pictures/ornaments that need dusting all the time. And apart from making an odd meal I don't use downstairs much. I treat the house more like a bedsit.

Im sorry Popperwell but this comment has made me feel quite cross. It is so unfair that you are inhabiting a whole house but only use a fraction of the space. Why wont you consider moving to somewhere much more suited to your needs and allow a family to inhabit a family home. Many owner occupiers have to downsize. They often dont have a choice as they need to release funds to live on in their old age. I know that I will have to move and try not to become too attached to physical things - you can make a home anywhere if you really have to.

[Deleted User]

POPS you're doing your very best to sort out your home, keep at it and when they come to look around again it will be a completely different picture won't it? You have made such good headway in turning your outlook and take on life around to the positive, don't let this change that, this is something you CAN and will sort out, you are a sensible lad and you will get through this, the situation will be remedied and you'll go forward again, stand firm and don't let them rattle you, Good Luck, you can you know, Cheers Lyn x.

Popperwell

I just meant in the way they mean, of course I use it. Sorry to upset Molly, that's why I often avoid mentioning things here. But even Shelter said smaller properties are difficult to find and those who live where I do or have know what the situation is, even the HA said as much when they were here last week. As I annoy I will withdraw and will just say when all is sorted whether it went well or against me.

I meant more that I don't entertain/have visitors. Of course I have access to a TV in the lounge and I have jobs that we all do, when downstairs. And as I come through things and turn the corner I am doing much more and creating interests/hobbies.

All the rooms are used but some get used more than others and I am sure that happens in every household.

jackel

Been reading your inspection problems with interest Pops. In many ways I sympathise as I firmly believe a persons home is their own to use,within reason, as it suits them. However "apart from making an odd meal I don't use downstairs much.I treat the house more like a bedsit. If this is the case perhaps they are of the opinion you only need a small place and that the house could be occuped by a family ? jac xx

Popperwell

I have had a local councillor willing to help and he has suggested if it really is necessary he will help me approach my MP.

Thank you Lyn your support is appreciated.

Jackel,
Thank you they never brought that up and as said they also say small properties are rare on my town we have more large properties by ratio. Even Shelter backed up that view. Sorry I'm talking about it again...

[Deleted User]

POPS don't you dare stop talking to us!!!!!!! You are an integral part of our online community, we are all necessary, we don't all have to agree with each other 100% but we all need each other, to share, to help, to commisserate with, to laugh with, to ask advice from, to bounce ideas off and just to talk to, you stay here and keep us in on the loop because you are part of us, and we all care about each other and our wellbeing, and you are needed in that as much as any other of us are, Lyn x.

Mrs_Chip

Pops, I think you have to accept that your situation is going to hit a nerve with some people - especially those with families who are in homes far too small for their needs.

That said, what is happening to you is not right, and you need to address the issue head on, but in a focused and non confrontational way - give no-one the opportunity to say you have been uncooperative, put the ball in their court and ensure you get a list of their specific issues - that way, if there is anything underhand going on, they cannot pick up other issues and use them to beat you.

And perhaps is now the time to start thinking about the future - you are very lucky in some ways to have minimal ties to where you are now , apart from history, and really, can you see yourself living in such a big house for years to come? As you say, you don't have much 'stuff' yourself, so you have already effectively downsized. Perhaps you can take some time,on some of your trips out, to find an area that would give you everything you would need for a happy and fulfilling life without the millstone of a big house to maintain - much better to do this now whilst you have the choice than to have to go because you cannot cope.

wondercollie

I'm going to wade into this and probably get flamed but my tongue can't be held any longer.

Popperwell, it may be your home but it belongs to the authority or whoever. You are a tenant as were your parents.

When you state you were a tenant for a long time, how long has your name actually been on the leasing documents?

You say you have nine rooms? I have four bedrooms, three baths, a kitchen and three living rooms". I also house a total of five adults and a dog. Yet, I'm hoping to "downsize" to a smaller home and get some of my equity back for my old age if I ever get my kids out. I can't afford a gardener. My home repairs, new carpets, curtains, etc are expenses that I have to pay for.

I think you need a reality check. You are a single man renting a house that is far to big for him and with a garden you can't manage. You post frequently about your concerns on the cost of living and how expensive transportation is. Yet you hold onto a house that is too large for you. When my father died, my mother held onto their home for three years, sold up and moved into a smaller, new home that was easier to maintain.

Get yourself on a housing exchange list and improve your life.