What to do about housing?

[SpudsMama]

I'm 21 years old and sole parent of my 16 month old LO. At the moment I'm living with my mum, who has terminal brain cancer. We were told last week that she has roughly 9 months to live (with treatment. 2-3 months if she were to go without). The house we have is adapted and we rent from the council. When she passes I definitely won't be able to stay here because 1) the adaptations make it better suited for a disabled person and 2) the number of bedrooms (3). So basically, what I'm asking is would you prefer private renting, housing association or council? And would you rather move sooner, so everything is taken care of by the time my mum passes, or would you stay put and wait?

Personally, I'd prefer to private rent so I have more say in where I live, and what type of property I can aim for, plus there's no waiting around. But some of my family members disagree. They'd prefer me to stay here as long as possible, and wait for the council to re-home me after my mum has died.

What would you do in my situation?

 

[hayz_baby]

Private renting will b more expensive, you will need more money up front for deposit fees. Plus we ur tenancy comes up there is very chance that u will loose the house and have to move. So less security. From what I understand ha and council housing will b cheaper and there will b more security with u being able to stay in the property.

 

[KayBea]

private renting is a nightmare!!!

im currently private renting but trying to move nearer my parents, no landlords will accept housing benifit, even though i have the deposit, refrences & guarantors.. oh and have been here for 2 yrs with no late rent payment etc..

personally ide stick with the council, you have more security, can decorate & its cheaper..
is the house under your mums name? if it is, chances are when she dies the council will move you out & find you somewhere else to live.. ide get on the phone first thing tomorrow & ask what your options are.


good luck & sorry about your mum xx

 

[Kate&Lucas]

I'd try and have something in place before she passes away, personally. It's difficult enough dealing with losing a parent without adding the stress of moving too, especially with a baby.

If you've got the money to rent privately then it's the best option really. Although you have more freedom and potentially more security in a council or HA property, there's less choice and usually a lot more work needed on them. Plus it depends what it's like in your area, you could be waiting a long time for a place to live.

 

[wishuwerehere]

Oh hun, you've got a lot on your plate haven't you? no real advice, but personally if the council will rehome you when your mum passes away I would stick with that as I would have thought it would be less hassle?

 

[Rags]

You are having a hard enough time at the moment without having to deal with this too but it would be awful to find yourself homeless aswell so please, please, pleas be pro-active. Don't wait until you are being asked to leave your mum's home, register with your local authority and housing associations now. Private renting can be wonderful but you are very much at the mercy of your landlord and can end up moving every 6 months/year depending on the lease agreement and anything you do to make the house more pleasant for yourself is increasing the value for the owner. You may also be in a position to get a place close to your mother at the moment on the grounds that you need to be near by to help her out? Good luck to you all.

 

[babybaillie]

I would make an app at your local housing. They will go over the best option for you. The tenancy would prob go into your name when your mum passes. May be easier to swap to a smaller house than get a house.

I personally wouldnt go down the private let route. Ive had bad experience of that.

 

[lovejoy]

Firstly, I'm soo sorry you're going through this awful thing.

I would try and get sorted before she passed. Go to the council's housing options team and find out what your options are with them.
I rent private and personally I prefer it. I grew up in council houses and it's horrible. You are stuck in the same place for years on years.

I've been in my house for 3 years and have had no problems. Housing Benefits will help with most of the rent, but check the council's website for the amount you are entitled to claim. The council helped me find my property. If you wanted to move, you'll have to save for a deposit, yes, but you'll have more choose of area and can reject houses you don't like, so not all bad. I want to move to a house with a garden and better schools and would not have that option if I waited 10 years on the councils waiting list.

 

[teal]

I'd definitely try to avoid private lets if possible. More security and freedom with council or housing association xx

 

[Shezza84uk]

So sorry to hear about your mum, this is what I would do. I would stay put until your mum passes on here are my reasons for saying this, once your mum passes you would more than likely redeem the tenancy and rights etc from your mum. You can then apply for a home swap so someone who is more in need will be able to get this property you can also then look around at the same time and find something of your choice so in the end you do a 3 way swap.

This gives you priority, saves you being denied housing in the future and avoid you having high rents and maybe being uprooted if the private landlord decides he/she no longer wants to rent where as staying in the flat you can swap for council/ housing association which is more affordable long term.


Best wishes x