Hi,
I hope I am posting in the right place.
The circumstances are I currently rent a flat privately through an Agency. Over the past few years with landlords selling properties or changing plans with the properties I had rented once the guaranteed 6 month periods finished I have had to move 3 times in the last 4 years and I really just need some security of where I live. I do work but no way could I afford to buy (or even save the deposit). I was on the council housing list for many years but never got anything offered as I was deemed not in priority. However I would like a small council house/flat/bungalow etc due to the security of not having to move every so often at a landlords whim.
Since last year the Council in my area has joined up with other councils and housing associations to start the Choice Based Letting system. More out of diminishing hope than anything else I have bid on a few flats etc but not been offered anything.
However today I have just come in from work to find a message on the answerphone (and received an e-mail) from a local housing association to say I have been offered a brand new flat in a brand new complex. I have passed the complex often whilst it was being built and it looks great.(Infact I thought they were all for purchase as they look that good). It is close to where I work and near my family. The rent is also cheaper than I am now paying. It is only for people over 40 so shouldn't have problem young noisy neighbours etc.
However although I am pleased, I am worried that it is a housing association flat and not a council one. Does this make any difference?. For example do I have the same degree of tennancy security? I don't want to move in only to be given notice to move or anything (I have always been a model tenant whilst renting privately and never once missed the rent or caused any problems etc). I really just want some stability in my life and not be moved on or around again.
I really do not know much about housing associations and with it being a Friday evening I cannot ring them. Their website isn't exactly helpful on this subject either.
Should I hold out for a council owned property with its security or do I have as much security with a housing association? (If so what is, if anything the difference?)
Many thanks
Paula
I hope I am posting in the right place.
The circumstances are I currently rent a flat privately through an Agency. Over the past few years with landlords selling properties or changing plans with the properties I had rented once the guaranteed 6 month periods finished I have had to move 3 times in the last 4 years and I really just need some security of where I live. I do work but no way could I afford to buy (or even save the deposit). I was on the council housing list for many years but never got anything offered as I was deemed not in priority. However I would like a small council house/flat/bungalow etc due to the security of not having to move every so often at a landlords whim.
Since last year the Council in my area has joined up with other councils and housing associations to start the Choice Based Letting system. More out of diminishing hope than anything else I have bid on a few flats etc but not been offered anything.
However today I have just come in from work to find a message on the answerphone (and received an e-mail) from a local housing association to say I have been offered a brand new flat in a brand new complex. I have passed the complex often whilst it was being built and it looks great.(Infact I thought they were all for purchase as they look that good). It is close to where I work and near my family. The rent is also cheaper than I am now paying. It is only for people over 40 so shouldn't have problem young noisy neighbours etc.
However although I am pleased, I am worried that it is a housing association flat and not a council one. Does this make any difference?. For example do I have the same degree of tennancy security? I don't want to move in only to be given notice to move or anything (I have always been a model tenant whilst renting privately and never once missed the rent or caused any problems etc). I really just want some stability in my life and not be moved on or around again.
I really do not know much about housing associations and with it being a Friday evening I cannot ring them. Their website isn't exactly helpful on this subject either.
Should I hold out for a council owned property with its security or do I have as much security with a housing association? (If so what is, if anything the difference?)
Many thanks
Paula