I’m trolled for getting a council house when I used to rent privately – yes, I’m saving cash but I don’t feel guilty
A WOMAN has revealed that she used to rent privately, but now lives in a council house.
Beth Owen, a mother of four, explained that her family-of-six were recently made homeless, and were then moved into a council property.
But now, trolls have questioned why Beth didn’t go back into private renting.
Posting on social media, Beth was keen to clap back at haters who criticised her lifestyle.
Beth responded to a comment from a troll that read ‘Why didn’t you just rent privately again if you were private renting anyway.’
To this, Beth shared her clip with the caption ‘Private rent houses aren’t always available and not always affordable.’
Beth, who receives Universal Credit, then explained: “Last year we were given an eviction notice to leave our private rented house – we were privately renting it for over three years, until we were given a two month eviction notice.
“On the day that we got our eviction notice, I went straight to the council to update my application with them and then we were put through to the homeless department.
“Within those two months we did have a look to see if there were any other private rented houses around the area but there wasn’t any – there was one near the end which was £1,500 which was not affordable.”
Beth explained that she was evening phoning estate agents and signing up to emails to see if there were any new properties, but after nothing came up, her family were then moved into temporary housing, and then eventually they got offered a council house.
She explained that she doesn’t feel guilty about living in a council house, as not only is it cheaper and saving her money, but it also provides her family with more stability.
The mother continued: “I see absolutely no problem in this – I’ve privately rented four houses in the past and every single one has been more expensive than the other as the years have gone by.
“I personally think a council house gives you more stability and doesn’t give you that risk of eviction like private rent does.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @bethowen22, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 148,300 views.
How can I get a council house?
To apply for a council home, you need to fill out and hand in an application to your local authority.
To find your local authority, simply use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
Once you have access to your local council’s website, it should offer you guidelines on how to complete your application.
After applying, you’ll most likely have to join a waiting list.
Bear in mind, even if you are put on a waiting list, this doesn’t guarantee you a council house offer.
Your council should also offer you advice on how to stay in your current home and solve any issues you might have, such as problems with a private landlord or mortgage.
You are eligible to apply for council housing if you are a British citizen living in the UK providing have not lived abroad recently.
Each council has its own local rules about who qualifies to go on the housing register in its area, but it is based on “points” or a “banding” system.
For example, you’re likely to be offered housing first if you:
- are homeless
- live in cramped conditions
- have a medical condition made worse by your current home
- are seeking to escape domestic violence
Once you are high enough on a council’s waiting list, it will contact you when a property is available.
Some councils let people apply at the age of 18, while others let you apply even sooner at 16-year-olds.
EU workers and their families and refugees may also be eligible.
A council house is reached through a points system, so depending on your housing needs, you may be considered low priority.
The council will contact you about any available property once you are high enough on the waiting list.
There is no limit on how long you can expect to be on the waiting list.
Social media users rushed to the comments to agree with Beth, as many slammed the rising costs of private renting.
One person said: “Private rent is getting out of control.”
Private rent is ridiculously expensive, I’m glad you and your family have got a forever home
TikTok user
Another added: “I agree it is more secure to be a council tenant. I always say private rental isn’t as the owner may need to sell.”
A third commented: “Totally agree. And private rent you don’t have any security.”
Meanwhile, one woman wrote: “Private rent is ridiculously expensive, I’m glad you and your family have got a forever home.”
Whilst someone else claimed: “The rent for the house next door to mine is £800 more a month than my MORTGAGE. Literally not affordable at all.”