Topic ID 1908
[:0]can some one tell me why? there are so many three, four and five bedroom houses in the ware area that are being occupied by residents who obviously dont need these properties, thanks....[:)]
Reply ID 20129
quote:Do they own the properties in question?
Originally posted by queen victoria
[:0]can some one tell me why? there are so many three, four and five bedroom houses in the ware area that are being occupied by residents who obviously dont need these properties, thanks....[:)]
Reply ID 20130
quote:How is it 'obvious' to you? Do you know their circumstances? If I had the opportunity to own a 3 bed house rather than a 1 bed flat I know what I'd take. I certainly wouldn't want people looking down their nose at me thinking I shouldn't live in a 3 bed property.
Originally posted by queen victoria
[:0]can some one tell me why? there are so many three, four and five bedroom houses in the ware area that are being occupied by residents who obviously dont need these properties, thanks....[:)]
Reply ID 20133
Probably people who have raised a family who dont want to move (and why should they). They are paying more council tax & bills for these properties anyway. New build properties are on the whole cramped, expensive, limited parking etc etc. If its housing association properties then its a matter that should be raised with them, i dont think they can force people to move on the basis the property has more bedrooms than the occupants.
Reply ID 20134
In 'day's gone by' the issue was forced. My Grandmother died, the my Grandfather, at his most vunerable my Uncle was asked to move as it was too big it had been his only home for about 60 years. They offered him a studio flat, overlooking his old garden which he had lovingly tended from a child. I had many happy times there. This was preying on the vunerable, luckily he had a stong family and although he did agree to move he did get a very nice flat. I feel that was wrong but have a personal interest.
Reply ID 20136
I can fully understand what every one is saying, no its not nice to have to leave your home especially if you've lived in it all your life, but some people haven't and some people lie in order to live where they are, using families as an excuse. There's no reason why housing associations can't provide these people with suitable accommodation and near to where they live. I've personally never took it up with riversmead, but i know people who have, and by what I've heard its put me off. I'm sorry if i've offended anyone but I was just asking. It's a shame that's all... thanks
Reply ID 20137
its a hard subject, i symphatize with both sides, my friend has 5 children plus herself and her partner and they live in a 3 bedroom house because there are no bigger properties available, also I'm in a 2 bedroom flat with my partner and 1 child and one on the way, our flat is covered in mold and is causing us ill health, but its a matter of whats available, yet there are LOADS of people in the same road as us who are on there own in a 4 bedroom house, but why should they have to move its there home.
Reply ID 20140
People who live in 5 bedroom houses have generally worked extemely hard to get them. Whether they need them or not is completely irrelevant!
Reply ID 20142
quote:Angel, don't know how this works but with the health issues, especially a young child and baby on the way, could maybe your GP have some sway in this, at least in tackling the mould issue. It is to their budget benifit aswell. I wish you luck.
Originally posted by angel6669992002
its a hard subject, i symphatize with both sides, my friend has 5 children plus herself and her partner and they live in a 3 bedroom house because there are no bigger properties available, also I'm in a 2 bedroom flat with my partner and 1 child and one on the way, our flat is covered in mold and is causing us ill health, but its a matter of whats available, yet there are LOADS of people in the same road as us who are on there own in a 4 bedroom house, but why should they have to move its there home.
Reply ID 20149
quote:I'm not sure what you're referring to here - are you talking about private houses or about council/housing association houses?
Originally posted by queen victoria
I can fully understand what every one is saying, no its not nice to have to leave your home especially if you've lived in it all your life, but some people haven't and some people lie in order to live where they are, using families as an excuse. There's no reason why housing associations can't provide these people with suitable accommodation and near to where they live. I've personally never took it up with riversmead, but i know people who have, and by what I've heard its put me off. I'm sorry if i've offended anyone but I was just asking. It's a shame that's all... thanks
Reply ID 20157
I think this is the critical point here .. if the original Forum was raised to owners of Private housing i have to agree with Gagging4it .. Council / Association housing is completely different. As heart wrenching as it maybe as a community resource, It has to be utilised for the greater good of the community and hence the larger properties should be reserved for families that need the space.
Reply ID 20173
thankyou warebear im off to see the doctor tonight to see if he can write a letter or something.
quote:
Originally posted by WareBearquote:Angel, don't know how this works but with the health issues, especially a young child and baby on the way, could maybe your GP have some sway in this, at least in tackling the mould issue. It is to their budget benifit aswell. I wish you luck.
Originally posted by angel6669992002
its a hard subject, i symphatize with both sides, my friend has 5 children plus herself and her partner and they live in a 3 bedroom house because there are no bigger properties available, also I'm in a 2 bedroom flat with my partner and 1 child and one on the way, our flat is covered in mold and is causing us ill health, but its a matter of whats available, yet there are LOADS of people in the same road as us who are on there own in a 4 bedroom house, but why should they have to move its there home.
Reply ID 20182
quote:Angel, hope the result was a positive one and hopefully a way forward for you and your family.
Originally posted by angel6669992002
thankyou warebear im off to see the doctor tonight to see if he can write a letter or something.quote:
Originally posted by WareBearquote:Angel, don't know how this works but with the health issues, especially a young child and baby on the way, could maybe your GP have some sway in this, at least in tackling the mould issue. It is to their budget benifit aswell. I wish you luck.
Originally posted by angel6669992002
its a hard subject, i symphatize with both sides, my friend has 5 children plus herself and her partner and they live in a 3 bedroom house because there are no bigger properties available, also I'm in a 2 bedroom flat with my partner and 1 child and one on the way, our flat is covered in mold and is causing us ill health, but its a matter of whats available, yet there are LOADS of people in the same road as us who are on there own in a 4 bedroom house, but why should they have to move its there home.
Reply ID 20185
I agree that if someone is in a 3 bed home on their own, it is better for as all that they are moved to a smaller accommodation. If an elderly or non-working person is on their own the rent for a 3 bed house (appx 600pcm) will be paid for by the state, if a working family are moved in then they pay the rent and no-one else. Whatever some people think, having a local authority home is not a freebie, it sounds to me like its more expensive than some pay for a mortgage and due to circumstances some people can't always get a mortgage.
Reply ID 20188
Whether the person is a private tenant or in a council/housing association property, there are obligations on both sides of the tenancy agreement. Surely one of those most basic obligations is security of tenure? You still have rights even though you don't own the house - after all, you are paying rent for not only the upkeep of the house but also the property itself!
Reply ID 20190
BOLLY- its true we cant get a mortgage cos were self-employed and it does cost more but its the only way for us i'm afraid. WAREBEAR- my doctors told me as there has been no tests done on weather mould is dangerous to a persons health, so he cant write a letter, he said mould is incurable and keeping windows open would not cause my child to have catch colds, and it must be a coincidence that when the mould gets really bad my child has to have inhaler's. Basically it was a waste of time. i showed him pictures that id taken but he didn't seem to understand. he just kept on about how he gets mould in his bathroom!!!
Reply ID 20195
quote:Angel, he does sound rather insensitive. I am fortunate enough to own my own house but never would be able to sell it with mould. There are cures - no expert but Damp Proofing experts would be able to help. The authority that own your house should be able to sort this out. The only other option I can think of after the GP is write to your local MP and Councilers, keep a diary record, including 'photos to back this up if possible and just keep at the relentlesly. Again I wish you all the best, for you child and baby this is an impossible situation. Not sure what rent prices are but there are Mortgage options for self-employed, especially with proof of income, more expensive if not. Keep us posted on your progress with the house. And I'm sure that if your GP really had mould, he would sort it out. 'Pass the Buck' I think
Originally posted by angel6669992002
BOLLY- its true we cant get a mortgage cos were self-employed and it does cost more but its the only way for us i'm afraid. WAREBEAR- my doctors told me as there has been no tests done on weather mould is dangerous to a persons health, so he cant write a letter, he said mould is incurable and keeping windows open would not cause my child to have catch colds, and it must be a coincidence that when the mould gets really bad my child has to have inhaler's. Basically it was a waste of time. i showed him pictures that id taken but he didn't seem to understand. he just kept on about how he gets mould in his bathroom!!!
Reply ID 20198
I would say the mould is codensation caused by lack of ventalation. Wipe the mould with a strong bleach such as Domestous.Keep your windows open for ventalation with the heating ticking over.Unfortunatly this happens a lot this time of year particularly when all the windows are closed to keep the warmth in.Another precaution is to keep damp clothes in washing baskets in a well ventalated room.Most damp companies offer a free appraisal and offer reccomendations such as extractor fans etc.
Reply ID 20199
Angel, I have found a couple of pages which indicate there is a healthrisk with Mould. I would ask the Housing Association/Landlord to examine and sort out the mould and dampness causing it. http://www.disasteradvice.co.uk/Mould http://www.disasteradvice.co.uk/Mould
Reply ID 20204
Angel, You could also try Citizens Advice in Hertford, tel. 08448 489 700, or Environmental Health at the council.
Reply ID 20207
Interesting link to East Herts housing stats - lots of data in there if you can be botheed to hunt for it! http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/local%20plans/Documents/Housing%20Needs%20Survey%20Executive%20Summary.pdf
Reply ID 20208
Angel, from what I can tell, East Herts have a points system for housing - not sure if it applies to moves but I suspectr it does - I'm sure you're more clued in than I am about this [:)] In case you haven't seen it, this is a link to the points allocation criteria, so it makes sense to make your case to get as many points as possible: http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/Housing/tableofHRpoints.pdf I note that one of these criteria is "poor housing condition" and I would have thought mould would qualify for that. Of course, the only potential problem in going down that route is that they may just fix the problem for you rather than move you... Good luck!
Reply ID 20299
thankyou everyone for your help
Reply ID 20317
My friend filled out a form for Riversmead housing association that she found online, stating that she had heard nothing for over a year and listing her circumstances could they let her know when she was likley to be moved from her two bed house (she has 3 kids)and within 3 weeks was offered a house. I'm sure she was lucky but its worth having a look at their website.
Reply ID 20357
i was told by Environmental Health that they dont deal with members of the public ,so no luck there.
Reply ID 20360
There may be some who scoff at this but if you can't get satisfactory results from various officials do try BBC Three Counties Stephen Rhodes Consumer program (do a search for the details) it's on the radio 10am to 1pm weekdays. The powers that be don't like adverse publicity and Stephen and his team don't take prisoners. Downside-you may have to speak on the radio but people with very similar problems have got excellent results.
Reply ID 20377
Angel - it sounds like you need to find out chapter and verse what your rights are regarding (a) getting the mould problem in your flat sorted out and (b) your eligibility for a transfer. The Shelter website http://www.england.shelter.org.uk has some guidance for tenants on their rights and responsibilities. They also have an email advice service which you can access from the website. The Citizens Advice Bureau http://www.england.shelter.org.uk also has some very helpful factsheets on housing issues. If you prefer to talk to someone face to face (and it usually makes life easier!) you could go down to the local CAB office in Ware - advisers there would be able to tell you exactly what your rights are and advise on how best to tackle your landlord. Good luck!
Reply ID 20378
someone else mentioned the radio programme to me, got the problems with her washing machine sorted.
Reply ID 20403
i would do the whole radio and papers thing but im worried about them evicting me or something.
Reply ID 20419
quote:Angel, Does anyone else near you have similar problems? I would not have thought they could evict you though on the grounds of standing up for our families' health.
Originally posted by angel6669992002
i would do the whole radio and papers thing but im worried about them evicting me or something.
Reply ID 20426
yeah there are a couple of people with the same problem but not as bad as ours. they said they have given up. i printed all the info that people on WOL gave me links too, and ive posted them to the housing association, they said they had never heard of these rules/rights before so there going to forward them to there HEAD OFFICE so hopefully we might get some sort of FIX soon, also there sending off the paperwork to there insurance company because they refused us compensation because it was condensation and not water damage, but as i read there are liable to replace ANYTHING belonging to us that is distroyed by the mould. so thankyou again everyone for your help.
Reply ID 20429
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you - good luck!