Eviction?

[Scarlett]

My landlord wants to sell the flat I've been in for 11 years. Being unable to walk/stand is making things really hard as I can't pack easily, and there is literally nothing coming up on the websites for me to apply for. I have enquired about a few, and I'm either ignored by the estate agents, or told the property has already gone, or that the landlord is considering the list of applicants! I am unable to live somewhere with stairs or where a car can't easily drop me close to the front door. I've been searching since February and still nothing. I am also reliant on some benefits which I know most landlords will not want to go near, even though I have always paid 6 months in advance.
I am on the council list but every time I bid, so do about 60 other people who have been waiting longer than me, I am in Band C for medical need, and I believe that if I told the council that I may be homeless, this would downgrade me to Band D, and the best I could hope for would be to go into a hostel which is not going to be suitable for my medical problems or all my belongings! I'm over 50- not young, so all this is very hard.
Any advice would be great. I can't believe my landlords are doing this during the pandemic when everything is so difficult anyway.

[bednobs]

can you give your tenants notice and move back to your gaff?

[Scarlett]

Bednobs, no, my gaff is several hundred miles away, and full of stairs I can't manage.

[bednobs]

sell your place and buy somewhere where you want to be?

[Buenchico]

I doubt that it really helps much but there's some background information here:
https://www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/landlord-selling-property

Also check out the Shelter website. If you can't find anything relevant there, call their helpline:
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

[bednobs]

it probably all seems overwhelming, but your landlord might not be a knob - it might be that she has to sell because of the pandemic? i think they are perfectly entitled to do so though

[Redhelen72]

Could you sell your house and buy something suitable?

[Scarlett]

My flat has been interest only- it's worth nothing. I can't buy now as I can't work. If that was a viable option, I would be doing it.
Thanks Buen for the helpful links. My landlord is selling because they have 5 chimney stacks to repair. I jest not.

[goodgoalie]

You might be able to stay, Scarlett - I certainly wouldn't buy any property with five chimney stacks to repair!

[Scarlett]

goodgoalie, they had a sprawling country pile, they sold it and bought an even bigger pile- with even more chimneys. She is 65 and he is 82. Why they didn't downsize I'll never know!

[goodgoalie]

Sorry, I thought it was your property that was in need of repair :)

[William51]

My advice would be to go in to the council and tell someone face to face how serious your situation is. Also you could go in to the Citizens Advice Bureau, they are helpful with advice.

[bobbinwales]

Or see your mp

[barry1010]

Do you need to stay in that area or could you move to anywhere in the country?
Don't panic about the packing - you can pay the removal people to pack absolutely everything.
Have you tried searching for 'disabled rented property'?

[roadman]

You need to contact citizens advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/

[Scarlett]

I have phoned CAB and am awaiting them to call me back; this rarely happens. You get an answer machine and no person to speak to. I've written to the council and am waiting 10 days for them to reply. I have to stay where I am as my work/support network is here. Barry, I have googled disabled rented property, but it seems to just come back to the council; there't nothing specifically built for people like me, unfortunately.

[AuntPG]

Scarlett// My flat has been interest only- it's worth nothing. //

Struggling to understand what you mean here. You have a property bought on an interest only mortgage. This means, either you were going to sell it at the end of the Mortgage term, to pay the Capitol off, or have an Assurance policy that matures at the end of your mortgage to pay off the Capital. Whichever you have its not 'worth nothing'. I doubt you will get a council house if you already have a property.

So, my advice would be to get your Mortgaged property valued -you may find out it has gained substantial value over the years, and you may have a tidy sum left after selling and paying off the Capital owed on the Mortgage.

Short term, speak with your Landlord and ask that instead of eviction, you can extend your Tenancy on a rolling monthly Tenancy, which will mean if they do sell the house quickly (unlikely) the house will have vacant possession on Completion of sale. ( it can take up to four months minimum from accepting an offer to Complete)

[Redhelen72]

Would you be allowed a council property if you own your own property?

[bednobs]

could you get some stairlifts in your house?

[ladybirder]

APG has it right. Having an interest-only mortgage doesn't stop you selling it. It is in your interest to sell it if you want help from any Council.

[bednobs]

from my recollection, scarlett's own house is in the north somewhere and she currently lives in the south, therefore selling her northernhouse (and paying back the capital to the mortgage co) will not leave her enough to buy a place in the south. Even if it's a cheaper place she wont be able to have enough to buy somewhere; in fact she'll probably be "worse" off in the fact she wont get any benefits cause she'll have cash in the bank i suppose. Even having money wont help if she wants to rent - if there is nothing available in her price range and suitable for her needs, all the money in the world wont help.
Scarlett, you may prefer living where you are now, but arent you self employed from home? If so, couldnt you do that from wherever? if there was a way of making your house liveable for you (stairlifts etc) wouldnt that be the easiest solution?