Temporary accommodation from council - pets?

pinkshoes

There are plenty of charities that foster and rehome specific breeds of dog. No idea about cats.

Your friend might be able to find somewhere to foster the dogs until she knows if she can find somewhere to house them herself. They could then be rehomed if her new home cannot allow pets.

ripplyuk

That's a lot of money for her to have to pay within 28 days. I guess she'll have to get a credit card. It's really unfair that the council force people to wait for bailiffs. I understand they're inundated with people needing help but since they're going to house her at some stage, it would seem better to do so before she possibly gets into debt with court costs.

I know a couple of people who would take the other pets for a short time, but certainly not years, and no one knows how long she could be in temporary accommodation for. That puts people off, as they want a definite time period. The animals are not from reputable breeders and the child's father is not willing to help.

At the minute, it seems like she's sticking her head in the sand, hoping she'll find another private rental at the last minute. I feel like the prophet of doom, talking about how she should rehome her pets, prepare for court costs etc. She just becomes upset. I've told her all the advice given here but ultimately it's up to her. I guess all I can do now is be there for her, and help in whatever way I can if the worst does happen.

theartfullodger

ripplyuk wrote: »

....Its starting to look like she will have to drag it out through the courts and eventually ask the council to house her in temporary accommodation (she has a baby). .....

Whatever she can do to find accommodation & avoid this would be wise.

Temporary accommodation (whilst council look into her case & establish if they have a duty to rehouse her..) may be a bit grim - homeless hostel or B&B catering for the homeless.

Even if council establish she is entitled to be rehoused she may not get council or housing association property: Since Dave's Localism Act council can discharge that duty by simply offering a private let of at least 12 months: no necessarily in that council's area: London councils are usually moving people way out, Slough council rehousing in Birmingham, Leicester & Doncaster.

Not trying to be gloomy, just want to make sure she understands the process.

Best wishes, hope it is sorted OK for everyone & the pets.

[Deleted User]

Yes, I agree. It seemed insane to force me to pay the court fees (one way or the other). Your friend can do an income statement to the court and ask for longer to pay. I just didn't know where to start with that and had already made arrangements to pay with my LL.

Your friend could look to move to a private rental area where there are more tenants on benefits. They do exist. They aren't the best areas normally but at least she could have her dogs. It might be totally out of where she lives now, but if she makes enquiries of the council and they tend to place people in these areas anyway, she might as well choose rather than just be dumped somewhere. I was watching 'How to Get a Council House' this week and I saw a young 24 year old being told she had to move from Emergency Accommodation in Hounslow to a 1 bed flat in Birmingham. They were like a lettings agent, telling her how nice the place was, it was 'near' the centre of Birmingham (and it wasn't a brilliant area, I know it). She was told she had to move immediately. To her, it was like telling her to move to the moon. Quite frankly I know LA's do this to save money, but the coldness of it and uncaring attitude was awful. But it is how things can be with some LA's now.

Far far better to choose.

If your friend's council doesn't do this (like mine) then there's not so much reason to worry about being forced to move to another area..., but I believe that my council doesn't do this is quite rare.

By the way I was told last week by a social worker I was the most pro-active client she'd ever had lol. I do find preparation is key. You can't stop everything bad happening but you can still control some things.

theartfullodger

deannatrois wrote: »

..........By the way I was told last week by a social worker I was the most pro-active client she'd ever had lol. I do find preparation is key. You can't stop everything bad happening but you can still control some things.

That's great to hear you are as in charge of things as you can be: Hope it all works out!

marksoton

ripplyuk wrote: »

At the minute, it seems like she's sticking her head in the sand,

This is the worst possible thing she can do... Hope it works out.

Marktheshark

Richey_ wrote: »

Police will only attend to prevent a breach of the peace. They do not get involved in any civil law warrant execution.

Yes exactly why they attend, to ensure the correct paper work is present and ensure any force used is lawful.

The Bailiffs will behave correctly in front of the police and she will have the required paperwork exchanged for possession.

I have seen Bailiffs knock on doors, ask people to leave without serving any paperwork, getting someone to leave voluntarily is usually the first approach they make and then you are again, intentionally homeless.

I am afraid someone in this situation must get it 100% right to get emergency housing, one small mistake and it is a no.