Temporary Accommodation to Full Duty Applicant and an offer of housing

Cheri94Lou

Hi guys :j

I'm currently in temporary accommodation. Have been in my B&B since Nov28th'16.

I'm in my early 20's and have fallen on bad times, kicked out of my family home due to a breakdown and this has added to my distress and effected my mental health, which I have a history of depression/bipolar.

I applied to my local council as homeless and was accepted on my medical grounds.

My hosuing officer has not yet given a letter to state they have a full duty to offer me housing.
And I'm going through hell here as a Tennant has gotten it into her head that I am crazy and want to kill her 8 yo son

It's very stressful. They have accepted me as homeless (I can bid on locata) but they cannot move me from this woman as I'm not a "full duty" applicant- yet.

Is there anyone out there with some advice on how long this process can take?
If anyone has had this experience before or any positive words are really welcome.

This situation gets me so down I almost don't notice the size of the box room I am in. (Other housemates say it's even illegal).

I'm a graduate but have struggled to find work and it effects me mentally as I get down.. and this vicious circle continues. I wish I was well enough to work and go to interviews without the nerves, depression and anxiety showing.

theartfullodger

You can (formally, in writing, on paper - keep copy) appeal against your current accommodation on the grounds that it is "unsuitable" (this other person, size of room) - see detail of how, here, some way down...
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/social_housing/about_council_housing/rights_in_temporary_council_accommodation

What is the size of the room? If less than 8.3 sq mtrs you may have a case - see...
http://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/overcrowding

However, temp accomodation is just that, best option is keep bidding, but as (I presume) a single, no children, not pregnant person you have v low priority. (Please don;t take this as a suggestion you get pregnant; Don't!). You can try and argue extra priority due to health issue.

(No offence, not a criticism..) if you are/could be working you might get enough, with HB top-up, to rent privately.

Do you appreciate council can "discharge their housing duty" by simply offering you a private let of at least 12 months, perhaps quite a way away (say 100miles+?)

You n

[Deleted User]

Good advice above for those of us in emergency accommodation. I am afraid the council can do virtually anything it likes as long as its written down in a policy document somewhere and doesn't break the law.., but there isn't much law to protect us and less clarification on what the law means to particular circumstances. The council have fulfilled their obligation by providing some kind of housing. The only thing you can do is prove it is unsuitable. Getting supporting letters from mental health professionals/social workers/doctors.

See if there is a Community Mental Health Team in your borough.., sometimes they help with housing issues and can work wonders.

My GP, when I had my medication put up because the mould in my accommodation is affecting my asthma and other things affecting my mental health/physical problems (in constant pain because of the way the property is arranged, lounge two flights up from front door and kitchen) just said 'well at least you have somewhere to live'. I just looked at her.

I hope you are able to get a transfer. You do have to be persistent and get evidence but it is possible to do.