Is it ok to stay at my mum's away from a threatening neighbour at apartment?

LostSoulUK

Hi, I've been in a horrible situation since I moved in my 1st apartment last October, the neighbour has been nothing but threatening above, threatening to kill others and the other week verbally threatened to stab me in the eye with a machete just for saying shut up towards my ceiling to keep the noise down. His behaviour has also involved drug dealing, verbal abuse towards passers by as well as racial abuse, shouting non stop until the hours, all sorts.

To cut a long story short its involved the police, housing but they're really dragging their heels to move me over all this. In October I'd be eligible to swap my tenancy with someone else but has to be a mutual agreement. That is essentially the quickest way out because the housing take so long with these issues. I've documented everything and recorded quite a bit.

I'm thinking to stay at my mum's for a while until this sorted one way or another. I was essentially a lodger at my mum's prior to moving here, I gave her rent. My brother said he'll stay in my apartment whilst I stay at my mum's to look after the cat but I'm not sure if this possible. He's the reason I move from my mum's in the 1st place as he was also threatening. The anti social housing even suggested to stay at my mum's. Any insight would be appreciated as I've been living in fear for so long.

itsthelittlethings

He should be evicted rather than you having to move. Are you keeping a diary of incidents?

TheJP

Sorry to hear you are having to deal with this. In terms of your mortgage as long as you keep paying it then no issues, regarding your insurance this is ok as long as you make sure the property is secure and well ventilated/heated etc and that you stay 1-2 nights every 30 days so it does not invalidate your cover. Other than that there is no issues with staying at your mums until things are sorted out.

Voyager2002

If your brother goes there to take care your cat, everything will be fine. By the sound of things, your brother and the neighbour might get on together.

HampshireH

You need to be careful

There is staying at your mum's for a short while and there's not fulfilling the terms of your tenancy.

Moving your brother in probably isn't sensible. If you're eligible for any benefits associated with the rent these may stop

Your brother could cause more trouble for you 

Section62

LostSoulUK said:

...My brother said he'll stay in my apartment whilst I stay at my mum's to look after the cat but I'm not sure if this possible. He's the reason I move from my mum's in the 1st place as he was also threatening...

What does your tenancy agreement say about letting other people live in the apartment (when you aren't there)?

I don't see a problem with you temporarily moving in with your mum (if the housing department know, and know why) - but letting your brother live there could be problematic, particularly if you are having problems with him already.  For example, if he trashes the place then you'll probably be the one held responsible for repairs.

Grumpy_chap

TheJP said:

Sorry to hear you are having to deal with this. In terms of your mortgage as long as you keep paying it then no issues, regarding your insurance this is ok as long as you make sure the property is secure and well ventilated/heated etc and that you stay 1-2 nights every 30 days so it does not invalidate your cover. Other than that there is no issues with staying at your mums until things are sorted out.

I read it that the OP is a Tenant (possibly social landlord), not an owner-occupier.  That makes some of the content of this post irrelevant.  The OP needs to consider the terms of their rental agreement.

pmlindyloo

You need to talk to your local council housing department and let them know that you are staying with your mum and why.

Most councils allow 6/8 weeks absence but this may be extended in special circumstances which I would hope would be your situation.

As regards moving your brother in whilst you are not there then this would be a problem as they may assume that you have given up your tenancy or are subletting. 

Even if you explained the situation to the housing department, from what you have said, I would really think hard about this idea.

Can you not take the cat with you or pop in to have a cuddle and feed a couple of times a day?  You could also pay someone to do this for you.

This is an example of a council authority's advice re leaving a property for an extended period.  Your council may have something similar.

Being away for extended periods | Lambeth Council

Please make sure you have it in writing if your council grants an extended period.

I do hope you get this situation sorted soon.  

Skiddaw1

Is there someone (friend, relative) who could foster your cat in the short term? Or try speaking to a local cat rescue? Leaving aside all else I'd be wary about your brother caring properly for your cat if he has a history of abusive behaviour. 

RAS

Try the Cinnamon Trust, they foster pets in abuse situations.