Urgent advice required - notice to quit from Poplar Harca

[marty21]

What a tricky situation. I feel for you and also for your landlady who is not coping by the sound of it.

Just a thought - it may be worth approaching the local authority to say you are threatened with homelessness.

It used to be that LAs would only provide housing (i.e. temporary accommodation until a permanent solution is found) to people who are classed as 'vulnerable', i.e. those with children, or physical or mental health problems. There was a statutory duty to provide advice and assistance to those who fall outside these categories.

The LA may approach Poplar HARCA to investigate why you are being threatened with homelessness and this may give them a kick up the backside to get it sorted so you know where you stand.

Interested to see if anyone with more recent knowledge of housing law/policy and practice knows any more about this.

But, as marty21 has said, nothing will happen on the day the notice expires.

In my council they have homelessness prevention workers who would contact the HA & negotiate with them.

 

[scifisam]

Thanks for this. As above, she told me it was in hand but refused to give me further details as it stressed her to talk about it, and the other day ripped up a quarterly rent statement showing £1200 in arrears. Which was still addressed to J, so she either hasn't applied for succession or they're ignoring her. Long story short, I don't know where I stand as C won't tell me, so I'm looking for new accommodation, but feel guilty for leaving her as she's drinking too much and is clearly in a bad way.

I think you're right to leave, because she's not your responsibility and you do need to look after yourself too, and fortunately it looks like you have a couple of options.

Her reactions are understandable, though. She's still grieving, and in an environment - the pandemic, lockdown, continual uncertainty - where there are lots of other worries too, and less support than there would usually be. Getting a rent arrears letter addressed to your dead partner would distress most people. It's not sensible of her to tear it up but I think an awful lot of people would do the same.

Do the HA know you were living there - I mean, was it agreed with them? If they do, it might be an idea to contact them yourself, and state what's been happening.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

I think you're right to leave, because she's not your responsibility and you do need to look after yourself too, and fortunately it looks like you have a couple of options.

Her reactions are understandable, though. She's still grieving, and in an environment - the pandemic, lockdown, continual uncertainty - where there are lots of other worries too, and less support than there would usually be. Getting a rent arrears letter addressed to your dead partner would distress most people. It's not sensible of her to tear it up but I think an awful lot of people would do the same.

Do the HA know you were living there - I mean, was it agreed with them? If they do, it might be an idea to contact them yourself, and state what's been happening.

Yes, J let them know I'd moved in so they could adjust his housing benefit. However, if they won't talk to C citing data protection as the reason, I don't hold out much hope they'd talk to me!

 

[scifisam]

Yes, J let them know I'd moved in so they could adjust his housing benefit. However, if they won't talk to C citing data protection as the reason, I don't hold out much hope they'd talk to me!

They might not talk to you, but if you could get the neighbourhood officer's name from a letter, you could still talk to them.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

They might not talk to you, but if you could get the neighbourhood officer's name from a letter, you could still talk to them.

I'll give it a go Monday when the phone lines are open!

 

[izz]

LeytonCatLady, you may not be able to take action with your housing association on C's behalf but you can certainly do so on your own. Clearly C isn't able to be proactive at the moment but you are. My advice is just do whatever you need to without worrying if you're stepping on her toes. Don't forget Shelter, their main aim is to keep people on their homes. Good luck.

 

[kalidarkone]

I'll give it a go Monday when the phone lines are open!

Also put in writing and send as well in order to leave a paper trail. This may help C in the future.

 

[5t3IIa]

What a crap situation, for everyone I only have interpersonal advice, that you are free to ignore!

Do you have a clear idea of the actions that need to be taken for C to remain in her home? You have sought advice and have been paying attention, which is admirable and sensible as this is your home too.

It is obvious that you give a shit about her so maybe you’d feel better about looking after yourself and moving forward if you write her a list of things she needs to do/people/orgs to talk to? Like, a numbered “1. Speak to X to find out Y. 2. Write to Z at PH including a copy of The Thing” list so you can start your planning with the clear knowledge that you’re not walking away from her and being sure you’ve done all you can. Email it too, so you can send it again. Perhaps C will reach a point here she can get her head around this and your list will be helpful.

I dunno. It’s hard to put oneself in C’s position as it’s fucking tragic, and of course she’s at a stage where everything is 100% overwhelming. So to think of yourself isn’t selfish or whatever. I personally love a list, but not everyone else does but maybe it's a small way ease any feelings of ‘washing your hands’. Looks like everyone agrees you should, but it doesn’t have to be without a second glance.

Hope this is even slightly appropriate! Good luck

 

[farmerbarleymow]

A list of things to do is a good idea 5t3IIa - hopefully she'll eventually face up to dealing with the issues she needs to sort, so this might help her later down the line.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

What a crap situation, for everyone I only have interpersonal advice, that you are free to ignore!

Do you have a clear idea of the actions that need to be taken for C to remain in her home? You have sought advice and have been paying attention, which is admirable and sensible as this is your home too.

It is obvious that you give a shit about her so maybe you’d feel better about looking after yourself and moving forward if you write her a list of things she needs to do/people/orgs to talk to? Like, a numbered “1. Speak to X to find out Y. 2. Write to Z at PH including a copy of The Thing” list so you can start your planning with the clear knowledge that you’re not walking away from her and being sure you’ve done all you can. Email it too, so you can send it again. Perhaps C will reach a point here she can get her head around this and your list will be helpful.

I dunno. It’s hard to put oneself in C’s position as it’s fucking tragic, and of course she’s at a stage where everything is 100% overwhelming. So to think of yourself isn’t selfish or whatever. I personally love a list, but not everyone else does but maybe it's a small way ease any feelings of ‘washing your hands’. Looks like everyone agrees you should, but it doesn’t have to be without a second glance.

Hope this is even slightly appropriate! Good luck ☺

I think that's a great idea, and will definitely do this. I'll be staying in touch with her anyway, as we're planning a memorial for J on his birthday in November to scatter his ashes and have a get-together of all his mates. So she can still get in touch with me if she needs help with anything. But you and the others are right that I need to focus on finding another place.

 

[equationgirl]

I'm sorry for your friend LeytonCatLady but I think her actions are forcing you down the route of seeking and securing alternative accommodation. I appreciate your friend is not doing great and yes, the courts won't evict as soon as the notice period runs out, but you can't take the risk of becoming homeless. You can of course still support her, but if she chooses to continue to drink that is not on you. Thinking of you and hope you find somewhere secure soon.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

I'm sorry for your friend LeytonCatLady but I think her actions are forcing you down the route of seeking and securing alternative accommodation. I appreciate your friend is not doing great and yes, the courts won't evict as soon as the notice period runs out, but you can't take the risk of becoming homeless. You can of course still support her, but if she chooses to continue to drink that is not on you. Thinking of you and hope you find somewhere secure soon.

I'm sure I will! I haven't been able to look this week due to other stuff I had to sort out, but I'll start looking this week. If I get up at six every morning and spend all my spare time answering ads and going to viewings, I could hopefully be in my next place within a week or so, although obviously I won't rush into anything I might regret.

The thing about the eviction process and court backlogs is, yes, it's unlikely they'll evict us as soon as the 13th rolls around. But on the other hand, someone's going to be first, and why wouldn't it be me and C? This is what I've been trying to tell her. I haven't seen her at all today, although I've heard her come and go. When I do bump into her, I'll remind her again and let her know the UC can backdate the rent element from the Sunday after J's death - all we have to do is push Poplar Harca to get the succession!

 

[scifisam]

I'd also suggest to her that if she can make any contribution towards the rent, maybe from what you pay her, then that will make a big difference when it comes to any potential eviction. You could even do it yourself if she gives you the details for however Poplar Harca takes online payments. UC pays in arrears, anyway, so getting slightly ahead of the rent (when the UC housing element eventually comes in) isn't a bad thing.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

I'd also suggest to her that if she can make any contribution towards the rent, maybe from what you pay her, then that will make a big difference when it comes to any potential eviction. You could even do it yourself if she gives you the details for however Poplar Harca takes online payments. UC pays in arrears, anyway, so getting slightly ahead of the rent (when the UC housing element eventually comes in) isn't a bad thing.

We use a Poplar Harca issued top-up card, so we both contribute what we can. I'm on UC myself at the moment as I can't busk so each of us pay £30 per month equalling £60 as this was the amount J paid them due to the non-dependant deduction from having me there.

 

[scifisam]

We use a Poplar Harca issued top-up card, so we both contribute what we can. I'm on UC myself at the moment as I can't busk so each of us pay £30 per month equalling £60 as this was the amount J paid them due to the non-dependant deduction from having me there.

Awesome, that will help. If it does get to the point of going to court, the main thing she needs to do is make sure she turns up. If she does, and explains the situation, it's unlikely (I'd like to say extremely unlikely, but that might be too much) the judge will authorise an eviction.

 

[MrSki]

Certainly not the most popular landlord.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Hi guys

The good news is I have found somewhere to live! It's a room in a shared house in Tottenham and I met with the landlord today, signed the contract and collected the keys. I've been spending the day moving my stuff in and will hopefully complete that task by tomorrow or Tuesday. I initially viewed on Friday and met with one of the housemates, who was friendly and I got on really well with him. He gave me coffee, admired my Black Sabbath T-shirt and we also found out we were both cat lovers. He said very nice things about me to the landlord and that I'd be a great fit for the house. I'll be just a 10 minute walk from Turnpike Lane, so I'm well chuffed with the location. Apparently, one of the other housemates is also talking about getting a kitten!

I've told C, and she's happy for me. I explained it was no reflection on her, I just wanted to avoid the unpleasantness of a court order and she understood that. She's said she's not bothered as she knows she's in the right, but personally I'd rather find somewhere I know I'm secure.

 

[equationgirl]

Hi guys

The good news is I have found somewhere to live! It's a room in a shared house in Tottenham and I met with the landlord today, signed the contract and collected the keys. I've been spending the day moving my stuff in and will hopefully complete that task by tomorrow or Tuesday. I initially viewed on Friday and met with one of the housemates, who was friendly and I got on really well with him. He gave me coffee, admired my Black Sabbath T-shirt and we also found out we were both cat lovers. He said very nice things about me to the landlord and that I'd be a great fit for the house. I'll be just a 10 minute walk from Turnpike Lane, so I'm well chuffed with the location. Apparently, one of the other housemates is also talking about getting a kitten!

I've told C, and she's happy for me. I explained it was no reflection on her, I just wanted to avoid the unpleasantness of a court order and she understood that. She's said she's not bothered as she knows she's in the right, but personally I'd rather find somewhere I know I'm secure.

Hope you're settled in your new place ok

 

[farmerbarleymow]

Glad you've found somewhere LeytonCatLady and hope you get settled in soon.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Yeah I am, thanks guys! I moved the last of my stuff in on Wednesday, so that was my first night here. I gave C a list of bills before I went, like water and Internet, with instructions on how and when to pay them, and also how to operate the gas and electric meters. I also reminded her to let UC know I'd moved out so they won't deduct from her housing costs when awarded.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Hi guys

Just thought you'd like to know I've heard from C and she's finally been granted the tenancy on the flat! She's obviously very relieved, and I feel the same on her behalf. Just wanted to share the good news!

 

[marty21]

Hi guys

Just thought you'd like to know I've heard from C and she's finally been granted the tenancy on the flat! She's obviously very relieved, and I feel the same on her behalf. Just wanted to share the good news!

That is great news .

 

[farmerbarleymow]

Hi guys

Just thought you'd like to know I've heard from C and she's finally been granted the tenancy on the flat! She's obviously very relieved, and I feel the same on her behalf. Just wanted to share the good news!

That's good news - and a happy ending.

 

[tufty79]

 

[StoneRoad]

Hi guys

Just thought you'd like to know I've heard from C and she's finally been granted the tenancy on the flat! She's obviously very relieved, and I feel the same on her behalf. Just wanted to share the good news!

Very Pleased to hear that.
The situation was very worrying & difficult.

 

[equationgirl]

Wonderful news LeytonCatLady and I hope you are doing ok too.

 

[TopCat]

Great news.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Wonderful news LeytonCatLady and I hope you are doing ok too.

I am, thanks equationgirl . I'm sharing with three blokes, with a fourth due to move in in a few weeks, and we all get on well. One of them's got a six-month-old kitten who's really cute and thinks she's human! I like the area too and feel safe and happy here. Thanks for all the support and advice everyone's given me and C on this thread, it really helped to know people cared.