Need to move out but can't afford private rent

Yellowseven

Hi

On Friday I received a letter from my letting agent stating that my landlord would be ending my current tenancy in February 2018 when my current lease period ends.

I've lived here for 4 years, initially securing the properly with my ex partner who moved out 2 years ago and I took over the tenancy in my own name. It's a large house 4 bed semi - single parent four kids
I do work part time as a nurse and I get housing benefit and tax credits.

The house was leased to us due to our combined salary and now I have to move there is nowhere I can possibly move to (3 houses with more than 2 bedrooms locally at the moment all above £900) currently pay £825.
I don't have great credit and have been worrying myself sick that I can't afford a deposit/moving costs or even would get another private let due to credit issues and affordability calculators they seem to use now I'm on my own.

My mum made me an appointment with the council, I'm on the list but due to having a large family I was told I'd be lucky and I was happy in this house despite it costing me so much I don't expect to be housed by the council
Or feel I'm entitled to. I'm just worried sick what I'll do if I can't secure a private lease before I move.

My eldest son (16) had a bit of a upsetting year resulting in him dropping some of his augbjscts at school so was just starting to get stuck in again to try to achevoe better grades and my little son has had a number of admissions to hospital with asthma this year so I'm worried all the stress will make this year a write off for my eldest and I was off work with depression anxiety and stress last year so I don't want this to be a setback as I worked hard to become well and get back to work again now this.


The landlords famkily will be moving back in once I move out so I need to be out in Feb. Is there anyone with any advice or perSonal experience that could help me.
Obviously a council property would be ideal but I'd rather try to sort myself something asap so I know we have a place to go. The uncertainty is horrendous
Appreciate any help you could give

IAmWales

Could you afford a two bed property? Two children in each bedroom and you have the lounge?

nimbo

It may not be ideal but a three bed is more likely than 4 - it will also increase your chances with the council as four bed houses are scarce. Is anything coming up anywhere near you (-'as in the less desirable areas) or is it a 20 year wait anywhere in the area with the council?

I get it's not your first choice but people may have to share.

Where I'm from we would be advising a 'parlour type' three beds with a dining room to use as a bedroom. But again these are rare.

How much further out are you Able to move away? Is there any area with a good bus route?

Get on the council list and bid as much as you can - it may be a snowflakes chance is hell but once you've filled in the forms bidding isn't too hard.

I realise it's hard and moving is stressful - but try to put a positive note on it for the children. It may technically be a lie but if you frame it as an adventure it may be a little less stressful for them.

pinkshoes

You will need to think 'outside the box'.

Your first option is to stay put and keep paying rent. The landlord may have issued an S21 to start the eviction process (has he??) but this does not mean you have to leave. They would then have to take it to court, and if you wait for a court and bailiff eviction, the council will then have to rehouse you. This does not necessarily mean a house though... depending on your area and waiting lists, this could mean a B&B temporarily until something more suitable became available.

On the other hand, if council or housing association properties are on short supply, then why not rent a two bed, letting the kids share the rooms, and you have a sofa bed in the living room? No ideal, but you cold stay in your chosen location.

You will need to do some research.

macman

Is your deposit protected? If not, the S21 is invalid anyway. A letter from the agent does not in itself commence the process of ending your tenancy, so you may be able to win some time.