Private let

lee1976uk

Hi

I live in a council property with my wife and 3 children. I am looking at private renting to get a more suitable property. My wife has mobility issues and we live in a first floor flat. At the moment I am a mature student, but, will soon be applying for income support and carers allowance.

I need a guarantor and deposit non of which I have. What options are out there for us? I spoke to the council about their deposit guarantee scheme but we are not eligible for it.

Thanks

agrinnall

Wouldn't you be better looking for more suitable council accommodation?

G_M

Giving up secure council accomodation for the private sector is a major risk.


And without employment it is additionally difficult (as you have found).


How serious are your wife's mobility issues? Is she registered disabled or in receipt of whatever the current benefit is?


If her 'mobility issues' are medically recognised and documented, then pressure on the council for apprpriate re-housing seeems a better option.

lee1976uk

My wife is in receipt of pip we are on the council waiting list for accommodation but unfortunately not high enough to get a house anytime soon. Hence why we are looking at private letting.

We are on housing association lists as well

I have spoken to my local councillor but getting nowhere fast.

gwynlas

Do not give up a secure tenancy for the private sector.
You could move into the perfect house for your wifes needs and then find out in a couple of years time that your landlord is having to sell up as their circumstances have changed.
If your family have specific needs then flag these up with your council and whatever housing associations they have nomination rights for.
Do this in writing and send with proof of postage.
Find out your local MPs surgery times and visit to explain issues to them.
Give all services a reasonable time to respond then chase up and get local media involved. They like family centred news issues.
Dependent on your wifes mobility needs you could emphasise unsuitabilty of present accommodation.
Repeat unfortunately you won't get anywhere by sitting back and waiting.

HampshireH

Have you looked into a mutual exchange?