Upset mum shows reality of council home when you first get the keys – but is slammed for moaning about her ‘free house’
A DISTRESSED mum has been slated online for showing the state her council house was in when she first got the keys.
The housing accommodation was in need of some serious TLC, but viewers said she was “lucky” and told her to “be grateful.”
TikTok user @raisingmytwogals posted the clip on the video sharing platform, simply captioning it: “Be honest! What’s your initial thoughts?”
In the video she takes the viewer on a walk-through tour of the house, heading up a set of exposed stairs that had litter strewn across them.
The upper floor of the house had two spacious bedrooms which, although dated, had plenty of room for storage.
There was also a large airing cupboard in between the rooms, with more than enough space for bedsheets and towels.
Moving back to the ground floor, it became clear that the house was in need of a new carpet all over – as wooden floorboards lay bare.
There was a large downstairs shower room and several cupboards and cloakrooms off the main entrance hall.
Rules on transforming your council house
According to Gov, the kind of improvements you can make to your council property depends on the type of tenancy you have.
Introductory tenants are usually limited to minor improvements like redecorating inside.
If you’re a secure tenant, you have the right to carry out improvements to your property. These include:
- installing a new bathroom or kitchen
- building an extension
- putting up a garden shed or greenhouse
- installing a new gas fire or fireplace
- cavity wall insulation
- redecorating the outside of a house
- fitting an aerial or satellite dish
You might need your council’s written permission for work you do. Contact your council if you’re not sure.
In addition to this, there was a huge L-shaped living space and kitchen – along with a large pantry and handy utilities room.
The house had big, wide windows that flooded the space with natural light.
It was evident the house was in need of a complete clean and tidy before DIY efforts could begin.
But viewers pointed out that she was lucky to have so much space, and that the need for an overhaul was the perfect opportunity to make the space her own.
The comments section was divided.
“So much storage! A pantry! A utility… blank canvas with a lot of space – good luck!” said one viewer.
“It’s massive with lots of storage, I would love a house like that!” said another.
While someone else said: “First thoughts……roof over my head, let’s make this a home.”
It’s a blank canvas for you to do your thing. A council house is a treasure.
TikTok user
And another person said: “First thought – be grateful.”
While other people pointed out the potential costs of the much-needed renovation.
“Always baffles me that council houses often don’t come with flooring…” said one user.
“If I rented privately I would 100 percent expect flooring, those in council housing often don’t have the money to fit flooring.”
“I cried when I got the keys to my flat,” another wrote online.
“I saw how much work it would take to make it a home and I was a single mum.
“I couldn’t afford carpet and was scared I wouldn’t be able to let my baby crawl.”