If you’re on a low income, housing associations may be a better bet to find an affordable home, over private landlords. You can apply direct or find suitable homes through your local council. You can also apply to more than one housing association at the same time.
If moving in or out, read up on creating pet-safe gardens. And avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Due to the present climate, it’s likely you’ll go on a long waiting list. If you find somewhere suitable, then you usually will start on a 12-month tenancy. After that you can progress to an assured tenancy (so can stay there for life) or a fixed-term tenancy of at least 5 years.
You can then at a later date swap homes with others or even buy your home. You also are able to get your home repaired, by whoever owns it. You can move with notice, and if you don’t keep the property in good order, the housing association can evict you.
Housing associations must ensure the home is of good repair, warm and equipped with needed facilities. You can also apply through your council for council housing and sheltered housing (these have wardens and alarms, for older, disabled or vulnerable people).
Homefinder UK is the main place to look for affordable housing association properties nationwide. You can request homes outside your area, but must be registered with a council or housing association, in order to apply.
Peabody is England’s oldest non-profit housing association. If you find a property (London or home counties), you can also request a repair online. This site has a useful page for anyone on safety considerations, so you know what to check, to ensure your home is safe. This covers:
- Fire safety and cladding
- Damp, mould and condensation
- Gas and electric safety
- Asbestos
- Water safety
Places for People lets you search for affordable homes in England and Scotland. We entered ‘Sutton’ (in Essex) within 50 miles and it brought up one property in Bedfordshire. A small flat near shops with a communal launderette, for £575 per month.
