Has anyone ever left a HA to private rent?

Arwen10

I have lived in my HA flat for about 9 years and I am about to give it up to private rent.

To cut a long story short I live in a terrible area - it was always a bit rough to be honest but in recent years it's gone completely downhill.

I could cope with that but for about 80% of the time I lived here I was stuck with a hoarder downstairs who regularly brought the contents of the local bins back to his flat and consequently infested the whole block of flats with mice and rats. The HA for many years refused to do anything about him because he had mental health issues despite the fact that workmen refused to work in his property, pest control reported him etc etc.

They finally moved him to sheltered accommodation earlier this year and I thought my problems were over. Until the new couple moved in.

They are so so noisy! They keep me awake every night and I have to be up for work so I am going through my days like a zombie and feel ill because of it.

I didnt feel up to another few years of reporting to the HA, diaries etc etc but thought I'd try anyway. I've been told it's living noise - because it's mainly just talking according to them. They don't talk - they bellow at each until 2 and 3 in the morning, it's like having them in the room with me. They bang, they stomp around and shout until all hours. I was also told - not in writing mind - that "people from other countries speak louder culturally" so basically I have to just put up with it. I am having to sleep on my sofa because my bedroom is above theirs and weekends now I dont even spend here, I go to my mums.

All I want is some peace and quiet. I am so careful because I am upstairs to make sure I am not disturbing anyone else! But it seems with this HA you can have quiet but infested or clean and noisy.

Sorry for venting - this has turned into a really long post. My actual question was has anyone else done this? I've never private rented before and I am a little nervous because looking through the forum there seems to be a lot of horror stories.

I have (probably stupid questions) such as can you decorate and are you the only person with a key? I am on my own so someone being able to come in whenever they feel like it scares me a bit.

I've also noticed on the moving sites, there also seems to be a lot of places up for rent and sale at the same time - is this something I should avoid? Is there any way you can find out whether the landlord is looking to rent a property long term or just really until the housing market picks up and sell?

Thanks a lot everyone - again sorry for the long post!

19lottie82

- You can decorate IF you get WRITTEN permission from your Landlord, never make any adjustments to the property without this, if only just to cover your own back.

- LA or LL will prob keep an extra key in case of an emergency BUT they are not allowed to just "let themselves in", AND you are within your rights to change the locks, as long as you return the old ones when you leave.

- I would definitely avoid somewhere that is advertised for rent AND sale, unless you only want a 6 month contract. There is no real way in finding out a LL's long term intentions with the property (you can ask but they don't need to be honest) BUT this is a definitely not a good sign!

- Please be aware that a private let does not guarantee you peace and quiet / considerate neighbours! Also, if you did rent a private let and you had similar problems, you would still be bound by the contract, should it be 6 or 12 months.

HOWEVER, it does sound that your head has been filled with "horror stories", as you put it! There are plenty of great private properties, with great LL's and neighbours.

I would say it really is a case of using some common sense and moving to the best area that you can afford.

When viewing a property, is the flat well maintained? What are the communal areas like, if it is a block of flats? That kind of stuff.......

PS try keeping on at the HA (and the noise pollution team) abotu your problem neighbours. If they are really as bad as you say, then dont' let yourself be fobbed off, try other departments of the council and keep a diary, detailing the noise)

19lottie82

PPS for a short term semi solution to your lack of sleep, try some of the silicone (waxy) ear plugs you get in Boots. My partner is a heavy snorer and they have been a god send!

baxtor

Yes! I have done it. Moved from a HA to the private sector.

Some great advice from 19Lottie82. If I want to make any changes to the decor or add a sky dish I always get the LL's permission.

My LL has a lot of tenants to look after. He has to organise the safety checks for the fire alarms and gas and etc. He always tries to notify me in advance but occasionally (I guess maybe once a year) he may have to let himself in if I am not there. I dont mind because it is all in the interest of the safety of the tenants. He would not dream of letting himself in otherwise.

Whether HA or the private sector a lot depends on luck in finding yourself a good LL and neighbours. The problem with HA's is that if you have problems it is often difficult to secure an exchange to another flat. At least with the private sector you can up and leave to somewhere else.

In looking for somewhere you should perhaps avoid flats that have a constant turnover of tenants who are there short term. This means new neighbours every six months or so.

Perhaps look for somewhere where the other tenants are older. Some LL's stipulate older people (over 25, for example).

If possible perhaps a maisonette or a property with its own front entrance where you dont have to deal with other tenants.

ruggedtoast

If you rent privately you get very few rights apart from the right to pay your rent on time every month. ASTs roll over every 6 to 12 months at which point you can be given 2 months notice to leave, which you probably will be if the landlord thinks you're a nuisance or you dont agree to a rent increase; or just some spurious fees the letting agency feels like charging you because they can.

That said it does depend a lot on the landlord. In the absence of much real regulation there seems to be a sort of market levelling whereby the nicer more expensive properties tend to have the nicer landlords. If you have enough income you can always leave if you don't like somewhere and providing they'll give you a reference.

If you'd be scrimping every penny to get the deposit together to move and only looking at the cheapest places I would try and stay where you are.

Private renting on a low income is grim, and if you'll just be trying to harvest the dregs of the market you could well just end up in the same position, but instead of the institutional indifference of the HA to deal with you'll have "Wayne" and his permanently turned off mobile phone to try and deal with. Not much fun when the boiler breaks.

Have you tried speaking to your neighbours? Its sounds like your flats arent well soundproofed and they may not know they are bothering you. Certainly complaining about people talking too loudly doesnt sound like the basis of a robust noise complaint I'm afraid.

Arwen10

Hi everyone, thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it.

I have tried speaking to the neighbours but unfortunately they basically laughed in my face and it made the problem worse. I know that on paper the shouting will be nothing to the HA but when its keeping you awake until 2.00 – 3.00 am and you have to be up at 6.30 it stops being funny pretty quick. I’m sure if the HA officer had the same problem it would be different lol! To be honest, even if they did do something about these neighbours and evicted them tomorrow, it’s still pot luck who you would get after them.

It’s sad really that it’s a bit of simple consideration (or lack of it) makes the difference between someone having to stay or having to move. I know a lot of people will think I am mad for giving up a secure tenancy but unless you’ve experienced this kind of neighbour thing you can’t explain it - it really does make your life a misery.

I would be going to a much nicer area so hopefully like you said, the people and landlord will be happy to get a nice tenant and neighbour. I suppose I wont know if this is a mistake or the best thing I’ve ever done until I’ve done it, but the practical tips have been great and I will definitely use them all.

Thanks again everyone.

drjones

19lottie82 wrote: »

PPS for a short term semi solution to your lack of sleep, try some of the silicone (waxy) ear plugs you get in Boots. My partner is a heavy snorer and they have been a god send!

I was about to recommend ear plugs also. They're by no means a perfect solution, but a few quid for a good nights sleep is a good deal. I don't know about the boots earplugs, but I use these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pairs-Howard-Leight-Laser-Plugs/dp/B0007XJOLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354638159&sr=8-1 they're comoftabale to sleep in, cheap (MUCH cheaper than buying for a supermarket), and cut out a lot of noise. These are good too, and block slightly more noise, but can be slightly uncomfortable if your ear canals aren't wide enough! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pairs-Howard-Leight-MAX-Plugs/dp/B0026IR2SM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1354638159&sr=8-12

incorrect_2

I moved from HA to private rental 8 years ago and its the best thing I have ever done as far as housing is concerned. I must say ask around regarding landlords and don`t be afraid to ask anything at all afterall you want to be able to live there in peace and not to have to keep moving. My landlord is great, I can honestly say I have had no problems and I had all the horror stories about bad landlords and how I would regret leaving HA for private rented but, I could not stand living on the estate any longer with noise and inconsiderate neighbours. What ever you decide to do I hope it works out for you.

fat-pudding

I privately rented for a long time but now I'm in an HA place there's no way I'd go back to private rent. First off private rents are astronomical in comparison.

Anyhow, have you considered trying to do a HA swap? We've done one and are in the process of doing another. Certainly the best way to get a new place and all the benefits of being a HA tenant.