Family Rights Group | Kinship carers’ Forum

Hi i have my grandson on a supervision order and am facing moving home due to lease running out, ( private let ) i have given up my job due to having to care for my G/s as he is just a baby and now waiting to hear about benefit can anyone tell me if there is antwhere i can apply to for help with rental deposit on another house i have asked sw but no joy and also how to i stand with having my grandson if i cant secure somewhere before end of lease starting to panic now

s strang

hi indie, and welcome,
first of all, don't panic ~ you need to keep very calm, and your wits about you. there are several ways through this situation, but do not act in haste!
in theory you can probably get a deposit from benefits people, but in practice it can be very difficult as they are notoriously slow and private landlords want deposit up front.
have you considered council housing? depends on your area, but with a small baby you'd at least be on the list.
do you have a nearby legal centre? if so, stand in the queue and get their advice.
also, go to the citizens advice centre ~ they have the local info on local possibilities and availabilities.
above all ~ do NOT move out of your current home until you have somewhere else to go. just because your lease is coming to an end does not mean you have to move out instantly ~ they have to take you to court first ~ and even if the outcome's the same it would give you a little extra time to sort out your next home.
call the frg helpline for any further advice.
keep logging onto this site, for strength and solidarity ~ you are not alone ~ but your home is such an important thing it can be very distressing worrying about an unwanted move.
best wishes,
old bear

Is there no way to extend your lease?

Many councils hold a list of private rented accommodation with landlords who will accept the deposit guarantee scheme, you wont have to stump up the deposit in advance, its guaranteed by the council.

I think though you might be better trying to get a property with a housing association that will offer a more permanent solution and you dont run the risk of being given notice to quit. Contact your local council to get put on their waiting lists.

Is there any other order attached to the child? who has PR?

hi just to say i think there is a rent deposit scheme , ask about it in your local dss or the housing then you shld nt have to put a deposit down ,hope this helps you xx hugs x

Indie, welcome to the Family Rights Group discussion forum.

Can I check - are you posting from Scotland - your mention of your grandson living under a Supervision Order makes me wonder, as means something different under Scottish law than under English law.

If you are living in Scotland, then you are more than welcome to take part in our discussions about being a family and friends carer, but we won't be able to give you advice about legal matters because of the different legal systems, and our lack of expertise in the Scottish legal system.

Scotland does also have its own housing legislation. Other posters here have made some excellent suggestions, but it could also be worth getting some advice specifically about the Scottish situation, eg from Shelter Scotland: http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/

David R
FRG Policy Adviser

Thank you for all your advice will go see cab and see if they can help yes im from scotland

s strang

The other site you might find useful if the legal side gets complex is the Scottish Children's Legal Centre. They are the experts in Scottish children law and from reports here are very helpful.

Robin

Grandparent carer in Suffolk [:)]