Signing away the house that you have lived in since you were born is not a pleasant experience. I really don't recommend it...
I have 6 months to move out, or I'm homeless.
[EDIT]
Pretty much, the general jist of it is that my house was still in my mothers name and I have been battling since February to get it signed over to mine. I was originally told that there'd be 'no problems', it'll be straightforward and I'd get my house signed over along with the tenancy. The person we saw would just have to forward our forms to her boss after she returned from a holiday the week after.
Then, about a week or two later we got a phonecall. "Oh, yeah. We've looked it over. We have a problem."
1. We don't believe you or your mother have been living in that house.
2. The landlord needs to give consent
We were like "WTF", we've been living in the house for years and years. My mother has lived there since before I was born, in fact. I've lived there all my life. We had proof too! How can they, someone we've been paying, say that?!
And the landlord part? Well, the tenancy agreement doesn't exactly make that clear at all. In fact, it only really says 'if you are of a certain tenancy type, you'll need consent'. But, ok. What tenancy type are we?
We ended up visiting them at their branch and discussed the whole thing. They said they'd try their best and that they'd offer me a place. A 1 or two bedroomed house. Failing that, I might be allowed to keep my house! Great, I thought. She even admitted that they have a shortage of places, so it was almost certain I'd keep it.
Not the case.... Suddenly we are back to 'Nope. Can't have it.'
We hired a solicitor and she said they were talking out their asses, so she'd sort it out and get me the house. Literally saying she wouldn't give up until I had it.
Much to-ing and fro-ing between her and the landowners ensued.
In about 1995/97, the council signed over the properties to the housing company. This meant everyone had to sign new tenancy agreements. But, according to our solicitor, we still had the same rights as before when we were a 'secure tenant'. These rights including assignment of the property which was actually to be classed as 'succession' (Where the person is entitled to the house due to partner/parent death.), even though no one had died. But, housing refused that was the case and said that I don't have any rights and that they have no responsibility towards me. However, they'll offer me a place 'suitable' to my needs.
A one bedroomed flat.
¬¬
From a 3 bedroom house with all our stuff to a flat!? They have to be kidding!
The solicitor THEN changed her tune and said that it wouldn't stand up in court, so I've had no goddamned choice but to sign...
Oh and... It's conditional too.
Originally, they said that they'd make and offer after 6 months. If after that 6 months they haven't, they'd 'review it'. Then, it changed to 'If after that 6 months they haven't, we'll take repossession action'. And now they are denying they ever said that in the first place.
But, I'm only going to be offered one. If I don't like it, I WILL be out on my ears. (Lee too.) And they said it'd be 'suitable' in the landlords eyes, so knowing them it'll be a hell-hole!
I have severe dog and cat allergies, which means if I get offered a house that's had dogs or cats in, I won't be able to even set foot in the door without endangering my life. I mentioned this to them and they just shrugged and said it's not their problem.
I'm also on incapacity benefit as you know, which means I can't look after myself properly. (IE: Lee looks after me.) Yet, they only seem to be considering me in all this, as if it's just going to be me living in the place!
Not only that, but by the time all this is sorted, I'm going to be having my next operation. How the fuck am I supposed to deal with all this bullshite?
