Want to get out of rented place

poppett

I am now at the end of my tether, not helped by suffering from flu, a big cold sore appearing today and (sorry guys) almost that time of month:mad: My problem is this....in february my hubby came out of the forces and so we had to give up our Married Quarter. We looked privately and this place was at the time all we could find that was suitable for us. We pay £615 per month plus £200 per month for council tax. Now that winter is here I am beginning to see that it wasn't such a good move. We have flipping night storage heaters that we have never been able to figure out properly, the place is always cold and tonight I've gone into the bathroom to find the floor soaking wet (from condensation dripping off the toilet), the window sill holding a lake and everything sooo cold.

We have been using oil filled radiators to help warm up the place but then this week we get a electric bill saying the £70 pm we are paying is no longer enough. I just feel like giving up.

We have our name on several council lists but basically because we have a roof over our head they don't even look at us. I have just lost my job so I know next year is going to be a struggle rent wise.

I REALLY don't want to renew our lease on this in March but what other options do I have?

I dont know what Im expecting here but just felt the need to write things down. Thanks for taking the time to read and sorry for the long post.

Forgot to say...this is an all electric bungalow...so having gas central heating is not an option.

mariagti

Hi, is it just you and your hubby? or do you have children too?

poppett

It is me, hubby and three kids ages 18,16 and 10.

Gorgeous_George

Not sure that I can help but:

Use vinegar on that cold sore.

Keep the house dry. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Drier houses keep warm easier.

Ask the LL to fit GCH before you sign another AST

GG

mariagti

Would you not be able to claim housing benefit?

poppett

Gorgeous_George wrote: »

Not sure that I can help but:

Use vinegar on that cold sore.

Keep the house dry. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Drier houses keep warm easier.

Ask the LL to fit GCH before you sign another AST

GG

Oh well if nothing else at least you raised a smile there re the vinegar! I have some strong cream from my doctor for coldsores so I'm constantly dabbing that on at the moment!

As for the GCH like I said in my original post this is an all electric place, so no chance. It's taken me long enough to get a simple thing like a window that was locked in the open position and no key to be fixed so I wont hold my breath for any improvements to the wamth.

Gorgeous_George

£200 per month for CT seems extremely high. £100 is probalymore like the right amount.

You should have stayed put in MQ until eviction. Then, you should have waited for the council to house you. I don't suppose that helps.

Sort out your CT.

vinegar works!

poppett

mariagti wrote: »

Would you not be able to claim housing benefit?

yes hopefully even if it is a small amount BUT you know how long these things take to sort out.

poppett

Gorgeous_George wrote: »

£200 per month for CT seems extremely high. £100 is probalymore like the right amount.

You should have stayed put in MQ until eviction. Then, you should have waited for the council to house you. I don't suppose that helps.

Sort out your CT.

vinegar works!

the reason it is so high is because when we moved here we were from another county so both out of work to begin with. HB and CTB were being paid, then hubby got some agency work which only last two weeks,so that messsed things up. I managed to find work while he was out of work, then he found a job a couple of months ago. Now we get a letter saying they want the full year £800+ over the next 4 months at £200pcm.

What a mess.

poppy10_2

Check on https://www.entitledto.co.uk to see if there are any benefits or allowances you could be claiming.

tr3mor

Definitely get a dehumidifier (or two). You'll save loads on your electricity bill if the house is nice and dry.

You say you have lakes of condensation. When you mop these up what do you do with the wet towels? If you just hang them up to dry then you're not actually getting rid of the water, as the towels dry the room will fill with water vapour all over again. Also, try not to hang washing indoors.

See if you can find a tumble dryer on ebay/freecycle. I know it sounds like it will add to your electric bill but if it's vented so that the steam ends up outside I think it will help with the damp.

When I had storage heaters I found it best to set them to maximum charge and minimum discharge.

In the long term you should probably look for an easier to maintain house. March is only 3 months away. You'll be able to get a much more efficient house for the rent plus bills that you're paying at the moment.