Renting a room with a housing association when I get married

alexsings · 16 July 2018 at 8:14PM

Hi all. Thank for the input everyone.

I spoke to my houing association today and they informed me that I cannot rent a room as it is a 1 bedroom and I would make the flat intentionally overcrowded.

The flat is tiny. Thought very nice.

I pay my own rent.

They have suggested I write to them, and request that I am allowed a house sitter for 12 months if it is exceptional circumstances ( which I feel it is as I was in care for 3.5 years )

I am feel pretty nervous about giving up something so wonderful having been homeless.

fibonarchie · 16 July 2018 at 8:22PM

Can't you just keep your flat for a while? You don't have to live there all the time, as long as you don't leave it empty for long periods. You need to live somewhere close to your work anyway, and your wife to be lives too far away?

alexsings · 16 July 2018 at 8:24PM

I could, but I want to do things the right way. I guess I could of told no-one but I am not trying to play the system. I guess I am just trying to keep myself safe.

fibonarchie · 16 July 2018 at 8:52PM

Yes, you need something to fall back on 'just in case'. I can see why you'd feel vulnerable if you gave up the flat.

chesky · 16 July 2018 at 11:40PM

I think it's highly unlikely that your HA will allow you to be absent from your flat for long periods of time. I'm not sure that getting married would be classed as exceptional circumstances.

We had a client at our CAB who was very nearly evicted for breaking the terms of her HA tenancy, because she was absent from her flat for four nights a week. She was going to stay with her sister during the week as the sister was ill and she was acting as her carer. She had to choose between helping her sister and keeping her flat. She managed by going during the day and returning every evening instead of staying over. Social housing is getting as rare as hen's teeth.

If they do by some miracle allow it, make sure you get it in writing.

fibonarchie · 17 July 2018 at 10:56AM

chesky wrote: »

I think it's highly unlikely that your HA will allow you to be absent from your flat for long periods of time. I'm not sure that getting married would be classed as exceptional circumstances.

We had a client at our CAB who was very nearly evicted for breaking the terms of her HA tenancy, because she was absent from her flat for four nights a week. She was going to stay with her sister during the week as the sister was ill and she was acting as her carer. She had to choose between helping her sister and keeping her flat. She managed by going during the day and returning every evening instead of staying over. Social housing is getting as rare as hen's teeth.

If they do by some miracle allow it, make sure you get it in writing.

I presume someone snitched on her? I can't see how else they'd even know that a tenant was staying at a relatives house for a few days a week, every week. Unless she was silly enough to tell them..

CBA to dig out my tenancy agreement, but as far as I know as long as you're living there (ie. not away for months at a time) there shouldn't be a problem. What if someone's working (and staying) in the city Monday to Friday and is home for the weekend? Seems ridiculous to say that's in breach of a tenancy agreement.

chesky · 17 July 2018 at 12:43PM

It's true that neighbours may well have informed on her - obviously she wouldn't ever know, since it's highly unlikely they would tell her. And the HA didn't know why she was away, they just knew she wasn't at home. Once they get an idea that a tenant is away on a regular basis, they tend to start calling round late in the evening and early in the morning.

Of course, if the OP gets permission, then they wouldn't do this. However, if he 'just thought it would be OK' then he leaves himself vulnerable. From what he's said, he's not likely to do this but, unless he's been in long-term contact with the local authority and HA (such as being in hostels or in care) then I'm not sure that getting married would make a sufficient case.

Housing Associations are getting much tougher than they used to be and are acting more like commercial landlords. It's to be deplored but, as I said before, social housing is much in demand so infringements are not ignored as they often were in the past.

fibonarchie · 17 July 2018 at 1:19PM

chesky wrote: »

It's true that neighbours may well have informed on her - obviously she wouldn't ever know, since it's highly unlikely they would tell her. And the HA didn't know why she was away, they just knew she wasn't at home. Once they get an idea that a tenant is away on a regular basis, they tend to start calling round late in the evening and early in the morning.

One of my neighbours never answers the door to anybody (unless he's expecting someone). I imagine a lot of folk do likewise, especially in some 'not so desirable' areas where you never know who it might be.

Not getting an answer when you knock on someone's door doesn't mean they're away or not there, it just means you didn't get an answer

oystercatcher · 17 July 2018 at 2:43PM

Op. does your housing association not allow you to do swaps ? Maybe someone else would like to downsize to a smaller cheaper place and you can find a larger flat or house ?