Private renting or council housing?

Question

hi all, just looking for some information/advice..

would people leave a council housed 2 bed flat (which is only 65 pounds rent per week) to go private renting (a house approx 100 a week)

just looking for some information for a friend (with a 2 year old) wanting to leave her council property (small ground floor flat and shared garden) to go private. What is your advice for this situation, and the pros and cons of council property and private property. thanks in advance

Answer 1

stay with the council property...nobody in their right mind would give up a council place to go into private rent...at least council rents are regulated somewhat....& they are tied to repair your property when needed.  tell her to stay where she is & try to get an exchange!

Answer 2

I don't know what it is like where you live, but here in Ireland council tenants have the opportunity to buy out their houses after a period of tenancy (not sure how many years) and the price is much less than on the open market.  If this applies in your area too, moving out would cancel that opportunity.

Your friend must have some reason for wanting to leave.  If she does not feel safe there, then go, fast.  Otherwise, perhaps she should stay longer.

Answer 3

unless the area she is currently is not safe going private may be much more expensive with bills and council tax

Answer 4

In general, those who rent from the council have far more protection and stability, and of course it's cheaper.  There are rules to prevent them from increasing the rent quickly and excessively, and they can't just end the lease and kick you out when they feel like it.

But, it depends on the location.  I live in South East London, and there is no way you would catch me anywhere near a council estate - you'd just end up getting stabbed.  But I suspect that council estates aren't as bad in other parts of the country.  Of course, I'm aware that there are equally dodgy areas in which private homes are located, so you wouldn't want to live there either, but at least if you rent private you can choose your location provided that it fits within your budget.