Council banding......

sammyjammy

@Elson6 is your landlord selling up?  If so it might be they've seen big £££ signs with the housing market as it is, this boom could have gone belly up by October and they might change their minds.  I know its a long shot but you never know.  Hope things work out for you, it must be a worry.

AlexMac

I have no knowledge of this issue (altho' I'm fascinated to read the advice above) but I do have some positive experience; from the Landlord's perspective, but many years ago.  My then tenant, a single parent but with the prospect of an emerging new romantic relationship, asked me to collude in exactly this arrangement (notice to quit followed by Court action for re-possession and a Bailiff order) as she'd found a sympathetic and supportive Council Housing Advisor who suggested this tactic as a means of getting a scarce Council tenancy.

I can't recall the exact detail, but as she'd been a great tenant, I did just that (although I told the Bailiff not to actually bother going in mob-handed!) Armed with the paperwork, she got a Council House!  I don't recall that it cost me a lot in Court fees either?

Real success story- nice house with garden (like hen's teeth in our part of London).  The relationship sustained, they had another child together; and lived happily ever after (at least they still were up to the time we lost touch 10-15 years on).    They'd never have been able to afford to buy, so decent social housing changed their lives,

As it did mine, when, after several years of living in literally dozens of really cr4p, transient, short-term accommodations my mum and I got a modest Council flat in a walk up block in Brixton, almost 70 years ago; which led to stability, an education in the same primary then secondary school rather than a different one every few months, a decent job and my current relative prosperity...

I sincerely hope it works as well for you; I think it despicable that Social Housing is now so scarce.  The very best of luck!  

Elson6

Thank you... so good to hear a positive happy ending. 

Ratkin007

The TV show is misleading, Council's do not have to re-house all homeless with children. There is a lot more to it, I believe they will provide temporary accommodation (if necessary) whilst they undertake an assessment.  With regards banding/rehousing it all depends on the Local Authority area you are in and the housing stock. It was àbout 4 years ago but in an East Midlands Area once notice had been served, the individual was acepted as homeless straight away and given priority banding, whilst still living in the property. They had 4 weeks to bid following which a direct offer was made. However I am aware that people in a number of London Boroughs are in temp accomodation for years. Unfortunately it is quite last minute and I hear a lot of times the advice given is wait for the court order. As they say, 4 weeks before notice expires contact the homeless team.Best of luck.

Elson6

Thanks for your reply..  we are in the Midlands.
I got some advise form Shelter and they seemed to think I could have grounds to challenge the banding.. so I will give it a try. 

Justonemorecupoftea

Maybe also speak to some lettings agents as at the moment it sounds like you're assuming you won't get a rented place. If you meet affordability criteria and have a guarantor you might be ok

nimbo

Letting agents now have less powers to do checks. And are no longer allowed to charge for them. So also look at private rented. It may be scarce - but you might find something rather than have a cosh hang over your head for that long 

xx