Council/social housing whilst i sell my house?

Daisy91

Hi all.

I created a new account because i don't want this linked to my main username that i use.

Basically, my relationship broke down earlier this year. I made a difficult decision to move out of the house that we both own 50/50 for my own mental wellbeing.
We are married, purchased the house 2 years ago.

I appreciate that no relationship breakdown is ever good, but it escalated to behaviour i was uncomfortable with. We tried to live together civilly whilst arranging to sell the house - but i was threatened and he kicked me out (threatened to forcibly remove me from the house) on a few occasions before i decided it would be a good idea to no longer be there.Whilst living there he would try and discuss the reasons for the breakdown but it always escalated into a shouting match (at me) with vile insults (telling me no-one will ever love me, i should kill myself.. etc) and then when i moved out he would call me drunk to discuss house stuff, and that would go down a bad path too (telling me i could not hang up the phone on him, or see what he would do if i did, he will come to where i was living if i hung up... etc). So - i got police involved but just so they had it on record. They did not go and speak to him as i felt it would make the situation worse.

As a result of that, i pay half the mortgage, but i also rent and pay bills elsewhere. I had also initially agreed to cover half of the bills too, but i was running up debts as i couldn't afford it (i agreed on the basis that it was my choice to end the relationship...)
I have stopped paying the bills at my house, just the mortgage and insurances - but I can barely afford it even now (i have £70 left after all my bills and rent is paid for the rest of the month - which i can deal with, but i am at breaking point.) He has kept the car that we purchased together, as the finance is in his name (we had gone completely halves on it though) and i cannot afford to get my own vehicle.

The place i am currently renting is actually really lucky - it is the flat that belongs to a close family member, who moved out with their partner so i had somewhere to live in the meantime. This is not forever though, and whilst they are doing me a massive favour (the rent i pay is literally just to cover the mortgage, then the bills are all in my name) I'm struggling to make ends meet and losing sleep over it.

I should feel fortunate that i have a roof over my head, but i was wondering if you think i have any option of applying for social/council housing - which i would hope would be cheaper than my current living situation - despite me owning a house? (although i cannot live there?)

Any thoughts welcome.
I am really at a loose end, and there is no interest in my house (which has been on the market now for 1 month).

Red-Squirrel_2

You wouldn't usually be eligible, as you A. own a home and B. have somewhere you are living now so aren't homeless.

I would suggest speaking to Womens Aid, you are a victim of domestic abuse and they may be able to offer more specific advice.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/helpline/

xylophone

Will you seeking a divorce and financial settlement?

He would need to buy you out or you sell and divide the equity between you?

System

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

You wouldn't usually be eligible, as you A. own a home and B. have somewhere you are living now so aren't homeless.

I would suggest speaking to Womens Aid, you are a victim of domestic abuse and they may be able to offer more specific advice.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/helpline/

That's not always the case but there needs to be extenuating circumstances .


We owned our own home but due to our daughters medical issues were given [after 18 months on the list] an adapted bungalow , it took a few months but we then sold our house .

Comms69

Sorry no. Social housing isn't for 'cheap' rent.

Daisy91

Thanks for your replies.

I appreciate social housing is not for 'cheap rent ' > but that's not what i was going for.

Along with barely scraping by, i cannot live in this flat for long. it is a temporary measure as my family member has to move back in (She is currently commuting 2 hours to work each way because of it, as a short-term favour).

I cannot afford to privately rent, and in a couple of months i will have no choice but to move back in with my abusive ex
I don't have any other friends or family that i can stay with. My friends turned against me when i broke up with my husband - i have no idea what he told them.

I am seeking divorce only once the house is sold. Even then, i'm told it can take 2 years from separation as he won't agree that he has acted unreasonably (for the 'unreasonable behaviour' reason for divorce). Neither of us can afford to buy the other out of the property so it needs to sell.

I feel so stuck...
I know i should feel lucky that i have somewhere to live for now, but i really don't know what i can do when i can no longer live here in the new year.

[Deleted User]

You wouldn't get a social housing place by New Years anyway. Waiting lists are years long and as a non priority application your banding would mean a long wait if accepted at all.

Comms69

Daisy91 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies.

I appreciate social housing is not for 'cheap rent ' > but that's not what i was going for.

Along with barely scraping by, i cannot live in this flat for long. it is a temporary measure as my family member has to move back in (She is currently commuting 2 hours to work each way because of it, as a short-term favour). - Unfortunately whether it's a favour or not. You have a legitimate tenancy. And given that she's not done any of the basics I imagine. She cannot evict you easily. Therefore you're entitlement to social housing (whether cheap rent or not) is already very slim.

I cannot afford to privately rent, and in a couple of months i will have no choice but to move back in with my abusive ex - get a non-molestation and occupation order.
I don't have any other friends or family that i can stay with. My friends turned against me when i broke up with my husband - i have no idea what he told them.

I am seeking divorce only once the house is sold. Even then, i'm told it can take 2 years from separation as he won't agree that he has acted unreasonably (for the 'unreasonable behaviour' reason for divorce). Neither of us can afford to buy the other out of the property so it needs to sell.

I feel so stuck...
I know i should feel lucky that i have somewhere to live for now, but i really don't know what i can do when i can no longer live here in the new year.

Unfortunately you need to make a decision and then act on it. There is no reason why you cant return home, with the correct court orders.

EachPenny

Daisy91 wrote: »

Any thoughts welcome.
I am really at a loose end, and there is no interest in my house (which has been on the market now for 1 month).

You've not mentioned children in your post... would it be correct to assume there are none involved?

If it were me, I would be looking to get him out of the property and for me to move back in. It has cost you money to buy, and will cost money to sell. That money will be lost if his actions force you to sell up.

If there is any way at all that you would be able to afford to live in the house on your own (perhaps with a lodger?) then try to persue that. Once you have allowed the house to be sold then you will potentially be looking at many years living with the uncertainty of renting.

Prioritise:
1) Look after your own personal safety
2) Get divorce proceedings under way (take proper legal advice)
3) Seek a financial settlement asap... the longer it drifts on for the harder it becomes.

And if you have any joint accounts or debts, make it a priority to get these sorted.

xylophone

(She is currently commuting 2 hours to work each way because of it, as a short-term favour).

You can't share short term?

Norman_Castle

Daisy91 wrote: »

i really don't know what i can do when i can no longer live here in the new year.

Look to rent a room or house share if you cannot find anything present yourself to your council as homeless, if they cannot find anything its likely they will find you temporary accommodation.