No accommodation, what do i do next.

defurdog26

Hi all,

After the floods a few weeks ago my landlord has only just started to be involved and has informed us he wants us to move out so he can start the drying out process and get the plaster off the walls. We have had difficulties with our insurance company throughout our claim, quibbling about small amounts of money. We live in rented accommodation with no kitchen at all living out of boxes. We are aware that people are living in caravans - does anyone know if the insurance companies pay for these out right or rent them??? And do you have to pay your normal rent towardsthe costs of it?? I have tried to rent accommodation on a short term basis but there simply isn't any houses to be had, plus we have a medium sized dog!!! Can anyone give any advice at all, i'm at my wits end with all this and dont seem to be getting the help from my insurnace and its not the landlords responsibilty to re-home us. Many thanks for reading.

pennypuppy

Whatever you do, put it in writing (keep a copy)to the insurance company explaining the situation and see what they offer. I suggest you have a real good read of your insurance documentation and see what should be available. Get their answer in writing before you do anything. Incidentally, citizens advice is good.

MrsTinks

Also read your tenancy agreement very closely... I think there is a clause in there about if the property is uninhabitable for more than x time then you can with hold payment until such a time the property is again habitable etc etc but READ the document... The landlord should on their par have insurance in place to ensure they don't loose out either due to things like floods and tenants subsequently with holding rent for uninhabitable conditions
Good luck

Alleycat

I would suggest taking a trip to your local Council Housing Advice/Options/Homeless service for some advice. It may be that if you have to move out due to the flooding and the landlord is refusing to provide you with temporary accommodation they can help. Legally your landlord should provide you with temporary accommodation if he is expecting you to vacate on a temporary basis (be this a b&b/hotel/alternative property) however in reality many don't as they do not have adequate insurance or just can't be bothered.

If you do need to be rehoused then you will be considered a priority and the council would have a duty to assist as you have been affected by a natural disaster (which is a priority need category).

Just a quick question as well. Is your landlord expecting you to move out permanently or just in the interim whilst he sorts out the house? If it is permanent then the council will definately have a duty to assist but I need to check if they would still have a duty if it is only short term. I don't have my trusty homelessness bible with me but I will look it up and check.