Social housing - need extra bedroom

Idontknow5

Hello.

This is my first post, so hopefully it is in the correct section.

Me and my partner moved in with my grandmother after my grandad passed away, some time ago. It is a 2 bed housing association property. My nan has mobility problems which are beginning to get worse so are beginning to look at moving somewhere a bit more suitable for her. However in the past year my partner has also become ill. I wont go into detail (unless its relevant?) but he has has not yet been diagnosed, and is only working symptom management. Due to this, most nights I sleep downstairs.

I am wondering, when going through social housing, is it possible to assess for an extra bedroom in this case? On paper, I know we are not 'overcrowded' but the illness is a major factor in living arrangements.

I know they would ask for proof, or an OT assessment however with the lack of diagnosis, would he be considered as having a medical need? His medical history shows the ongoing problems, but is that enough proof?

pathtofreedom

Have you involved adult social services yet? They might be able to do an OT assessment even without a diagnosis which might help. Depending on the area though there is a big shortage in adapted properties but if it is just another room you need that might be easier if your partner is still ok with stairs.

[Deleted User]

Are u on the tenancy agreement? This might affect things. I'd call Shelter.

What do you want to have happen? Seems like there are differing needs here, some of which haven't even been assessed.

Are you saying your gran needs a ground floor bedroom? Maybe a stair lift will help. Maybe she could move into the lounge (yes I know that will be inconvenient but I am afraid its probably an option the council will look at). Does your Gran want to move?

If your OH doesn't have assessable needs yet, you won't get anywhere on that score.

I have problems getting upstairs, both because of asthma (which I've been having awful fun and games with recently to the extent that I haven't been able to do my normal housework) and arthritis. This is likely to get worse, and in some years I may need some help from the council.., but not yet. So I haven't even thought of asking. I manage.

Cheeky_Monkey

If you are not on the tenancy agreement, which is highly unlikely IMO, then the HA will probably put your Nan into a 1 bed ground floor flat, or similar, and you and your boyfriend will have to find your own place to privately rent

Idontknow5

Were not on the tenancy agreement, and but I'm not fully aware of why that makes a difference as we are a household, if someone could shed some more light on that? Wouldn't that be the same as with parents who have adult children? Ie if they're not on the tenancy they wouldn't be taken into consideration?

The house in general isnt suitable for an elderly person for various reasons not just stairs, and we couldn't leave her in on her own, as she does need care. Renting privately is an option but due to our circumstances the type of property we need isnt available, so we would just be going from one unsuitable to another. Of course if one comes up, we wont take any chances by not enquiring.

My partner suffers from severe chronic abdominal spasms with no known cause, he basically lives in the bedroom as he can barely move, so its not so much that certain things are not ideal its basically like were all living in separate parts of the house but need to stay together due to care.

booksurr

Idontknow5 wrote: »

Were not on the tenancy agreement, and but I'm not fully aware of why that makes a difference as we are a household, if someone could shed some more light on that? Wouldn't that be the same as with parents who have adult children? Ie if they're not on the tenancy they wouldn't be taken into consideration?.

in very simple terms you have no right to live there so have no right to demand to be rehoused as a single family of gran + 2 others

as stated by others above, your gran is the tenant. Only she has the right to be rehoused. Her needs are therefore what will determine what she is offered - ground floor flat? alternative place with existing stairlift?

you do not exist as far as the council are concerned and you have no priority to be rehoused - you will have to take your place in the housing queue just like everyone else who wants social housing. I doubt you will place very high on the waiting list as you do not have children of your own and your partner is not diagnosed as being disabled

you may think of yourselves as "adult children" but that is rubbish. You are grown adults who are expected to make your own way in life and you will be assessed on that basis ie more than capable of independent living away from gran

[Deleted User]

Phone Shelter. They will have more accurate knowledge. I suspect that the council may say you have no housing rights in spite of living with your Gran, but I could be wrong. Getting a stair lift for example, bathroom alterations might be possible without your Gran moving. However be aware and prepared that if anything happens to your Gran, you might find you have no rights to stay there. Look into this. Check out the tenancy agreement (assuming your Gran has lived in the house for many years, she may have an older type more assured tenancy agreement, I'm not sure if that will change things), most councils have them online and their housing policies.

You will at least need to get as much corroborating evidence from medical professionals as you can as to your partner's needs.

I had a partner of ten years. He had some wierd arthritis condition that affected his sternum (forget the name now). At one point he was carted away in an ambulance because of a suspected heart attack. The next two years I was his carer, he seemed to be in agony. He recovered some, and moved out. A year later he was done for fraud - working whilst claiming Incapacity benefit (I hasten to add I was conned along with everyone else, I was the one running up and down stairs catering to his needs, worrying myself sick over the agony he was in - although I did catch on eventually and that's why he moved out). Yep, I do pick 'em.

If your partner is as ill as reported, he needs to get evidence to back that up to give you any chance of help with housing etc. I am not making any accusations, just saying directly you need to get evidence if you want help.

GwylimT

As DLA is an out of work benefit claiming while working would not lead to fraud.

OP you are seen as house guests really. Gran should get in touch with the council about being rehoused.

[Deleted User]

Corrected. It was some time ago. I now live in the ESA/DLA age.

Poppie68

As already mentioned, you have no rights as far as the HA are concerned. Your Gran is the tenant and her needs don't require a 3rd bedroom. Even if you were to be added to the tenancy you would be struggling to secure a 3 bedroom property because your partner suffers from stomach pains. Have you looked at private rentals, if you really need a 3 bedroom then that's most probably the answer.

Idontknow5

booksurr wrote: »

in very simple terms you have no right to live there so have no right to demand to be rehoused as a single family of gran + 2 others

as stated by others above, your gran is the tenant. Only she has the right to be rehoused. Her needs are therefore what will determine what she is offered - ground floor flat? alternative place with existing stairlift?

you do not exist as far as the council are concerned and you have no priority to be rehoused - you will have to take your place in the housing queue just like everyone else who wants social housing. I doubt you will place very high on the waiting list as you do not have children of your own and your partner is not diagnosed as being disabled

you may think of yourselves as "adult children" but that is rubbish. You are grown adults who are expected to make your own way in life and you will be assessed on that basis ie more than capable of independent living away from gran

Thank you for your judgment however I don't understand your idea that Ihave no right to live where I do. The tenancy is in my grandmothers name ie she is responsible, but we are listed as living here. The housing association are well aware that we live here. At no point over the many conversations I have had with them have they stated I have no right here, so forgive me if I believe our landlord.
If you read my post properly, I did not refer to my self as an adult child it was merely an example. If you have a son or daughter over 18, are they jointly responsible for your tenancy? Or just listed on it.

The council have accepted an application previously with us assessing for a 2 bed. Quite clearly we exist. My question is asking about medical assessment.
I am capable of living away from her, however my grandmother is dependent on me. From your tone you seem to have concluded that I expect something for free? I am a working adult, caring for two sick adults and merely asking for advice, on an advice forum. I am 'making my own way' as best as I can under the circumstances.