Housing Association Problem

asbest789

Dear All,

I am looking for a bit of advise in regards to a secure tenancy agreement.

I grew up in a 3 bedroom housing association house in Hemel Hempstead (my parents lived there for 43 years). I am now 42 years of age. When I was 30 I met someone (didnt get married) and had 4 children in the process. Unfortunately, when the oldest child was 11 I found out my partner was having an affair and our relationship broke down. I moved back in to the house I grew up just over a year ago so I could be away from my partner (we brought a house together) and to take care of my elderly mother who had became frail over the past couple of years. I had lost my father 2 years before this time.

Unfortunately, my mother passed away 2 weeks ago and I am now concerned that the housing association will want the house back. Having looked at the tennancy agreement I notice that there is a right of succession (but I assume this right was used up when my father passed - I believe they were joint tennants, which became a sole tennancy agreement).

I just want a bit of advise as I am scared I will be homeless. I have my 4 children stay with me 3 nights a week and am afraid this is going to stop me spending these times with them.

Any suggestions on what the best thing to do would be ?

Thanks in advance,

Justin

[Deleted User]

Go to the Housing Association's website and see what they say about succession rights.

Unless you have a court document stating you have your children 3 nights a week, it will be difficult to get social housing as you probably won't count as a vulnerable family. Any non resident parent has this problem with children who stay over.

Even if succession was granted, it would probably be decided you were in too large a house, and would have to move or pay bedroom tax without court documents showing you have your children stay over. However, it would be wise to check this with the CAB, taking whatever documents you have.

You could phone Shelter and see what they advise.

As you aren't in the same caring position you were, could you look at getting work in some way and saving up for private rental? Its not ideal but you might have to manage with one spare bedroom and a bed settee etc. Social Housing is in such short supply, even those the council defines as having housing priority are having problems and waiting years for housing.

sniggings

deannatrois wrote: »

Go to the Housing Association's website and see what they say about succession rights.

Unless you have a court document stating you have your children 3 nights a week, it will be difficult to get social housing as you probably won't count as a vulnerable family. Any non resident parent has this problem with children who stay over.

Even if succession was granted, it would probably be decided you were in too large a house, and would have to move or pay bedroom tax without court documents showing you have your children stay over. However, it would be wise to check this with the CAB, taking whatever documents you have.

You could phone Shelter and see what they advise.

As you aren't in the same caring position you were, could you look at getting work in some way and saving up for private rental? Its not ideal but you might have to manage with one spare bedroom and a bed settee etc. Social Housing is in such short supply, even those the council defines as having housing priority are having problems and waiting years for housing.

not sure the OP is unemployed?

OP, ring and ask the HA is the easiest way to put your mind at rest.