Cant afford rented accommodation - what can be done?

Question

My dad has just decided to leave my mum, she is 53 and works part time due to health problems, he was in full time work and they rented privatley as they lost their home many years ago.
The problem now is my mum (on her part time wage) cannot afford rented property, not even a one bed room, she will of course look for full time work but this wont happen over night, I live too far away for her to stay with me and do not have the money to help her out., We are also not in a position to get a loan etc. She is on the waiting list for the council but this again wont come up over night - what can she do? is their any help she can get?
Its a terribley sad situation so only serious answers please - I really need some advice.
Thanks

Answer 1

go back with dad ?

Answer 2

If she is on a very low wage, she may well be eligible for some housing benefit. If she is not high prioirity on the council housing list, she can look for private rented accomodation - but she will need to ask the council for a 'pre tennancy determination' on any private property she is considering renting before signing any agreements (This is where a rent officer comes and looks at the property and assesses how much of the rent can be covered by housing benefit).

Her other option would be to consider being a 'lodger' and renting a room in someone elses house. She may also be able to claim housing benefit for this.

Answer 3

Once she actually becomes homeless the council have an obligation to find her accommodation- she needs to go to the council and tell them she is about to become homeless and they will then advise her from there. She may well have to go into temporary accommodation first or a hostel (not as bad as sounds actually) or they will put her in a bed and breakfast until something more suitable becomes available. Also councils have list of private registered landlords offering rented accommodation to persons on benefit. The council or the social will also loan her the deposit. She really needs to discuss her options with the council and the social security.

Answer 4

Try contacting the council again and explaining your situation, they may have "emergency" accomodation for occasions such as this.

Also is there any other nearby family?

Maybe get her to rind around nearby B&B to try and get a deal (reduced rate) as they will sometimes do that if someone is going to be staying over a long period.

Also I think the council has a list of housing to rent on lower budgets, although I am not sure.


I wish you and your family the best of luck though.

Answer 5

You say she on the list for the council, then she needs to go back and see them! She can see an advisor who will take her new possition into consideration.

If your parents are on speaking terms could you or her ask your dad for a written (signed) letter saying that he is kicking her out?
This will further help her application.

She should also apply for benifits single person, low income agin this will help with her application and with a bit of cash.

If she is unsure what she can apply for the councill will help there aswell.

Hope everything works out ok.

Answer 6

Citizens advice,council(as others have mentioned) and the Samaritans,as they too have an emergency accommodation list and for who to contact in an emergency.
If you phone them they will not ask name,address,etc and be very straightforward in their answer and after your mum has given them the information they need ,she will be pointed in the right direction ,or given help there,as sometimes they come from all walks of life,council workers,solicitors,doctors,administrators,so try them.
Citizens advice will also be able to help you very practicably.
Your mum needs you so as she has brought you into this world after all she is you MUM you should be there for her also.
Its a bit like payback time.
Good luck

Answer 7

Go now to the CAB
and get some guidance
Phone up yyour locl council and explain the situation and see if you can get moved up their list
Get a part time job in a store like Tescos
Lots of young people stack at nite

Answer 8

explain to your mum you cannot move out yet as you have no money and you cannot get a job tell her she needs to support you at a time like this as its hard for you. if your friend is renting a 4 bedroomed house then ask him if he would mind you moving in for a little while untill you got a job and started getting back on your feet. tell him you have no money but you are looking for a job and will be able to pay rent when you get some money and would be grateful if he would let you stay.

Answer 9

What your mum needs more urgently than full-time work is a good lawyer. A lawyer who will explain to her just what part of her husband's property / money she's entitled to. He will have to contribute to her support until such time as she is able to do so herself. The number of years he is responsible for financially supporting her often depends on the number of years they were married. Tell your mum to look into this as soon as possible.

Answer 10

i am guessing from your questions and answers that you are in the uk, first thing your mum needs to do is go to the local council offices, within each office there is a "money matters" adviser, that is their actual title. they will advise her of benefits she is entitled to, working or not, she will need to make an appointment so tell her to phone, asap, she will be told to take wage slips etc to prove her income and they will do everything for her from there. she will be entitled to a reduction in council tax and will get housing benefit, they will pay all, or part of her rent, as long as she is living in suitable accomodation (ie they wont pay for a 5 bedroom house for a single person) this will enable her to rent privately and in a lot of cases once claim of benefit is established they may help her with a deposit/sureity bond. so she needs to visit the council, they will even fill in the social security forms for her, and liase with them on her behalf. help is out there for her, you do need to go ask for it though, i wish your mum good luck

Answer 11

I would say move back in with your mom and help her with rent monies. Who knows what may happen. Or better yet have her come leave with you. she can still get a part time job and on day when she does not work you get home cooked meals and clean clothes..

All i can say is that she needs you now so be there for her..