Council banding......

Elson6

It's very frustrating,  it's all very new to us and I've not really got a clue how to do this and what's going to happen, we were quite settled until this. 
Having taken out the iva to try and get back on track with our finances the last thing we need is court costs to pay for.

I don't assume I'm going to walk into a house straight away,  but I just would of thought it would at least of moved us up a band or two so we have a little more chance when bidding on houses. 

KxMx

Their allocations policy should be online, have a read of how they decide banding and see if you feel that you qualify for something higher.

Elson6

I did search their policies and could see all the banding allocations, but I couldn't see anywhere about if you've been served an S21 in current rental, and what affect that would have on the bands. 
I spoke to them again earlier today and was told that my banding would remain the same... band 4... but they have made a note on my account about the s21, so maybe that will show up when I bid maybe? I was told also that I need to wait until 28 days before the day our notice period runs out and notify the housing options team.... it all just seems very last minute to me. 

theartfullodger

Elson6 said:

Theartfullodger..... one of my worries with this is that we will end up having to pay court fees....?

True, possible, think it's £350ish - check with Shelter 0808 800 4444.

Probably only pay if it gets all the way to court hearing.  If you left before then probably nothing (again check with Shelter).

Would you prefer to pay £350 and stay in your home for 12-18 months or be homeless in a homeless shelter or sent miles away - or sleeping in a park bench?

You have the absolute legal right to stay until bailiffs, legal right granted by Thatcher's 1988 Housing Act, same one that grants landlord to serve s21.

Serious question, those may be the options.

Good luck, best wishes.

Elson6

Thank you, and yes, very true.. when you put it like that it's a no brainer... 

HampshireH

Elson6 said:

I did search their policies and could see all the banding allocations, but I couldn't see anywhere about if you've been served an S21 in current rental, and what affect that would have on the bands. 
I spoke to them again earlier today and was told that my banding would remain the same... band 4... but they have made a note on my account about the s21, so maybe that will show up when I bid maybe? I was told also that I need to wait until 28 days before the day our notice period runs out and notify the housing options team.... it all just seems very last minute to me. 

Because anyone can be given notice but many don't ever move out / have them actioned. The council can't prioritise people who get given notice as those people remain adequately housed.

Their role is to ensure those who aren't adequately housed are safe and with a roof.

Untill you are in need of emergency accommodation they won't be too interested

Elson6

Yeah.. it does make sense. Thanks for the reply. Its definitely helping, as I was completely clueless with it all....🙈

Elson6

Another thought I had... our date to vacate is 23rd October... and then final house inspection is 26th October.. what happens with that if we haven't left? And would it have any impact on getting our tenancy deposit back? 

AdrianC

Elson6 said:

Another thought I had... our date to vacate is 23rd October... and then final house inspection is 26th October.. what happens with that if we haven't left? And would it have any impact on getting our tenancy deposit back? 

After that, the landlord can start to take steps to regain possession.

Which, in practice, means joining the very long queue for a court hearing. Probably 18 months.

The return of your deposit is still judged on the same standards when you do eventually leave - but any reasonable and legitimate expenses incurred in regaining possession could be retained from the deposit.

Elson6

OK... thanks for that.