Help I need a home and now we've found one !!

[SharonOR]

Can someone help. We are in a major bind. Our "delightful" [:(!]landlord has, after agreeing to extend our lease for another year, suddenly decided to sell [:0] the property (although she's told us she's moving back into it but she gets free housing with her work so unless she's lost her job she's lying !!!!). We have been given 2 months to get out (preferably sooner) but we have earnestly started looking for a 3 bed house but with no success. We have seen wonderful places and absolute dumps but as soon as you say IVA they shut the door. [:(!] Why will no one help????

We have a letter of reference from our IP, letter of reference from landlord, have never had a problem with paying rent and it was never part of the IVA. We cannot get a guarantor as we don't know anyone prepared to enter a legal contract like that. We don't qualify for council housing as we still don't have citizenship (SA/UK) and have no recourse to public funds, and we can't afford the £750 to do it. Where do we go for help and what do we do to get accommodation? I have aged parents living with me so can't squatt, can't go into a bedsit, can't live in a tent ....

Is there someone out there who has some advice?[V]

We're desperate!

[ianmillington]

For a problem like this Sharon, I would have thought a decent place to start would be your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Ian

[rayb]

Hi,

I would seriously consider getting in touch with your local Citizens Advice Bureau who will be able to assist you more in great detail.

[Totalgav]

Hi Sharon

Have you tried some of the private landlords in places like gumtree.co.uk or in your local newspaper? they generally dont need to do anything like credit checks and things so this would be a good place to look

Gavin

[SharonOR]

Thanks everyone - i will go to CAB and see what they say. I have ben on gumtree but the three places in my price range have been absolute tips. Carpets ripped up, electrical cables lying on the floor, bathroom humming!!!! Kitchen with cockroaches running about. One place I didn't even make it through the door because of the smell.

s

[ianmillington]

Good luck Sharon. They will know about all the other things such as benefits etc so I really do hope it will help you. I see Freeman Jones have given you a reference too - that's nice.

Ian

[SharonOR]

Hi Ian
Just spoke to CAB people on the phone. They suggest I come in to see them but they sounded doubtful about being able to help as we cannot get benefits, until we have citizenship. We don't qualify for Council housing, same reason. I'm not hopeful at all.

FJ have been really good since our last little problem and things are going well now. Thanks for your help with that.
s

[ianmillington]

Political correctness prevents me from saying what I'm thinking about the position stated by your first paragraph Sharon, other than to say it seems rather unfair. How long would it take to get citizenship by the way?

Are your parents UK citizens?

Ian

[Wizzard]

Hi Sharon
I might still approach your local council as they do have housing ear marked for non UK citizens. At least in my town they do. Give them a try, what can it hurt ... and best of luck

[:D]

[SharonOR]

Well everybody, thanks for all your emails and just so you know there is a God!!!

I got a home. At least I hope so - all I need is for the IP to say sorry find something cheaper and I will jump in front of the first train!


A very kindly Asian Gentleman who knows my husband approached him on Thursday to ask why he looked so depressed and unhappy the last few days. Well, my normally reticent husband poured his heart out. I am now more than convinced this man was sent to us by the angels.

He said Oh that's not a problem... he was just finishing renovating one of his homes as he had kicked the tenants out for damaging the property and would we like to come and look at it the next evening (Friday). We went, we saw, we loved and we move in next week. No questions asked. The rent is more (£200 more than now) than we'd have liked but beggars can't be choosers and he is waving the deposit until we are on our feet again. The lease is for two years and that takes us past our IVA end date. We will have to sell a lot of stuff as the house is completly cupboarded, 3 beds, huge garden and a bus stop right outside the door. I have never seen so much space to pack things! BUT I have a home, a garden to grow my own veg and a landlord I could kiss to death.

Thank you! thank you! thank you!

Ian to answer your question on the citizenship - it doesn't take long just costs - £750 - which we can't afford right now with all this hassle. My parents are in the same boat - also waiting to save enough to afford to apply for citizenship.

Ray, our council won't even consider my son-in-law for housing until he has been in the country at least 6 months and he a BRITISH citizen!!! He specifically went to the council on Friday and to JobCentre Plus to ask.

[Skippy]

Sharon, that's fantastic news! Good luck in your new home x

[SharonOR]

Thanks I have not been this animated and relieved in a very long time. I can't wait to move.

[facingittogether]

SHARON I AM JUST SO PLEASED FOR YOU! I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR POST AND AM JUST SO MADE UP FOR YOU!

THIS MUST BE SUCH A WEIGHT OFF YOUR MIND, I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE SO HAPPY IN YOUR NEW HOME!

BARB [:D]

[rockbottom]

Sharon that is amazing news, i think fate stepped in there to lend a helping hand just when you needed it, im so pleased for you, good luck with your move and i hope you enjoy your new house.

all the best

[animaleyes76]

Congratulations, it's sooo nice to read posts like yours in a time when you usually just read/see bad news.

Hope your move goes well and stuff.

Congrats again ) xx