Update
 

When I last posted I had just accepted a job and was renting a room in a house (around June 2014). The room in the house didn't work out - the landlord announced in September that the heating wasn't going on until December and removed the thermostat so I could not switch the heating on. Both the landlord and his partner became more and more difficult to live with as well - I realised after I moved out that the partner felt threatened by me living there (I think).

So I jumped into renting a flat by myself but it was too expensive to manage and the new landlords were also very difficult. On top of that the job I had turned out to be incredibly stressful with a manager who had a history of grievances brought against him by staff.

By November I realised I couldn't make ends meet on the salary I was being paid and my work situation was also very very difficult and not something that was going to change. I also realised I was unlikely to be able to get a mortgage in the UK with my age, savings and income taken into account and I couldn't face more bad UK private renting experiences. I left my job at the end of that month and decided to apply to do an MSW in Ontario and return to Canada. I was ill for all of December and January with a viral infection but got my MSW application in and prepared to move back. In February I found out I had a place on the course. In March I went out to Canada to sort out an apartment - but found out I couldn't make a decision which was very strange. I also experienced very bad anxiety. All this coincided with my menopausal symptoms getting worse - I didn't realise one could get really ill from hormones getting seriously out of balance - the symptoms I was experiencing were related to that.

I came back from a visit to Canada and decided to put a move back in place. Then I had a panic attack the same week (which I didn't realise was a panic attack) and thought it meant I shouldn't move back (it was another menopausal symptom). So I cancelled the move. Had to pay landlords 6 months rent up front as otherwise I was going to be homeless (they were not pleased I had just rescinded my notice even though they didn't have anyone else lined up to move in).

However when I fully realised what I had done (cancelling the move) and given up my MSW place I had a nervous breakdown. Then I got given HRT which helped but got the wrong treatment and very poor medical care for a month. (Meanwhile Canadian university said I would need to reapply for a place on the MSW next year - but they are changing the course and may also be changing the admissions criteria).

Then someone stepped in and helped me switch Dr's and I was put on another form of HRT and started to get better. But am still recovering from the breakdown.

Turned out that as I hadn't been in the UK two out of the last three years, I wasn't eligible for any benefits and the savings I had (not substantial but over the threshold) also made me ineligible for benefits. So have been living off savings and relying on the emotional support and kindness of people in the community since I got ill. If I hadn't had my dwindling savings I would have been destitute.

It's been a horrendous experience. Am getting better but I have not worked since the end of November and don't know when I will be able to fully - hoping I can in the next few months.

Having said all that, today I got offered an almshouse flat which is at a much lower rent than market rents and the people seem very very kind. I am hoping at some point I can start my life over again. The experiences of the last year have broken my spirit and the private rental experiences I have had have been utterly horrendous.

Re: Update
 

I'm very sorry to hear that you have had such a horrible time. I remember that you moved back to the UK after a relationship breakdown, and about your difficulties with accommodation. I'm glad that you've got an almshouse flat. I hope it does mean a new beginning for you.

Re: Update
 

Thank you Editha. I knew things would be challenging moving back to the UK but I had no idea things would work out the way they have. I have to say that the rental market in the UK is really difficult now - I'm a really good nice tenant (take care of things, pay bills on time, am considerate etc) and my experiences with both landlords have been extremely unpleasant. The rents are also high up North compared to lower salary levels too - so even moving up North isn't a solution (as some people I've met have suggested). It's like the rental market bears no relation to the mortgage market - and because there are no rental controls and very little regulation to protect tenants and there's such a shortage of accommodation, landlords are just behaving appallingly. I've met so many people who's adult children are living at home because they simply can't afford to move out. If you haven't got family support or two incomes coming in, you're basically in an untenable position in terms of trying to afford anything to rent, beyond being a lodger in a room.

I mention this because, although there have been a few nice things about moving back to the UK, knowing what I know now about the housing crisis, I would never have moved back unless I could have afforded to buy (which I can't). I think anyone looking to move back and rent in the UK is fortunate if they have a good experience and that buying UK property is the only way to ensure one can live in reasonable peace given the current rental market.

So I am incredibly grateful for the almshouse flat - the people seem very kind and I just really hope it works out. But longterm, depending on how things go, I haven't ruled out moving back to Canada because, at least there, they know how to run a fairer rental market.

Re: Update
 

I read your post with growing alarm. How awful for you. I can understand how this hell transpires ( I had terrible boss at work, couldn't leave so ended up on anxiety Ned's after two years of chronic insonnia) so mine is so much less than yours and it's been terrible to deal with.

I want to say I am sending you much online support from afar and hope it now continues to go well. :fingerscrossed:

Re: Update
 

I am puzzled by this sentence 'Turned out that as I hadn't been in the UK two out of the last three years, I wasn't eligible for any benefits' I thought as a UK citizen once your established that once you had established you fit the criteria for The Habitual Residence Test, you would be eligible for any benefits you would normally entitle to?
This is copied from Age Uk org.uk website

The Habitual Residence Test
The Habitual Residence Test (HRT) is a test to see if you normally live in the
United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Republic of Ireland or the Isle of
Man. If you have been absent from the UK and are applying for local authority
housing or income-related benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit,
or Council Tax Reduction you may be subject to the HRT.
There is no legal definition of 'habitual residence' but there is a substantial
body of case law indicating the factors that should be taken into account.
Decision-makers will look at:
 what you have done to establish a home in the UK, before and after arrival
 where you expect to live in future
 your reasons for coming to the UK
 the length of time you spent abroad
Factsheet 25  March 2014 4 of 23
Returning from abroad
 family ties in the UK and in the country you have come from.
The HRT is applied to the claimant so if you are one of a couple, decide
which of you is most likely to pass the test.
If you do not pass the HRT you will not be able to access housing and
income-related benefits. It can take anything from a few days up to six
months to pass the HRT but if it takes over three months, decision-makers
should have to give convincing reasons as to why you are required to wait
this long.
If you have been abroad for a temporary period, or you are re-establishing
ties in the UK, you may be treated as habitually resident from the first day of
your return to the UK. The decision maker should consider factors like your
intentions when you left the country originally (whether you intended to return
at some stage), the ties and contacts with the UK that you established and
maintained while you were abroad, and the strength of your intention to
resettle in the UK.
If you are likely to need benefits and housing as soon as you arrive in the UK
think about how you would cope if you did not pass the HRT.
If you apply for state benefits and are refused on the grounds that you are not
habitually resident, seek advice about appealing the decision. Submit a new
claim for benefit each time you are refused, and appeal every negative
decision. If you end up with more than one appeal, it is likely that they will all
be heard in one hearing. Taking this approach will ensure that you get your
entitlement at the earliest possible date.

Did you not pass it because you were contemplating doing a further qualification in Canada? By giving up that place you should now fit the criteria.

Re: Update
 

So sorry to read your horrendous story about your rentals and job. I am really sad for you but hang in there, it is possible that maybe now you will receive some form of benefits. Sending you hugs ((( ))))

Re: Update
 

I feel for you and it would appear that you have been badly let down as well as treated unfailry.

My advice would be "go to see the Citizens Advice Burea" asap.

All the very best

Re: Update
 

If your savings are over 16K you're not entitled to any UK benefits apart from PIP which replaced Disability Living Allowance. However, when PIP replaced the Disability Living Allowance the rules were changed so that if you haven't spent 2 of the last 3 years in the UK (even if you're a British born Citizen) then you don't qualify for PIP which is not means tested and is for people who are sick.

I actually went to the CAB for advice and have also been supported by a mental health agency worker - and they checked it out too.

So the Habitual Residence Test doesn't enter into it for me.

Re: Update
 

Went to the CAB - they said I was a "unique case" and there was nothing they could unfortunately do given the way the system is run at the moment. Basically don't have a breakdown when you've left your job to move back to another country and are in between jobs and have savings over 16K! You have to exhaust your savings before you get any help - and my savings aren't that huge and were intended to go towards retirement (well, I had originally hoped to put them towards a mortgage but that dream flew out the window when I saw the house prices and relatively salary levels ...).

The other horrible thing I've discovered (and i don't know how many councils are now doing this) but the council that I'm with won't even allow me to be registered on the council housing waiting list because the demand for housing is so great and I have savings ... savings incredibly insufficient to get a mortgage with but that make ineligible to be registered on the housing list. So if I was to send a form in (and I completed one before the agency worker who is supporting me spoke to the council) all I will receive by return of post is information on the private rental sector and part rent/part buy properties - which I also can't afford as I don't have sufficient capital for the costs.

So the UK housing market has become a complete crap shoot unless you have money and income to get a mortgage OR you go through some horrendous experience and the almshouse association help out (and I've been told I'm very lucky to have got the help I have with them because they are in demand too - and I am incredibly grateful given what I've gone through).

Re: Update
 

Just saw this article on line which also highlights the horrendous UK rental situation:

Can We Make Renting Better? - The Billfold

Re: Update
 

Is the almshouse a nice place to live, and do you have security of tenure?

Re: Update
 

Compared to my lovely Canadian apartment, the almshouse studio flat is very different ... much more basic and in not a particularly good state when I saw it (but that was due to the last tenant leaving it in a not very good state) - they are going to decorate and clean it so hopefully by the time I move in, it will be decent but very basic - but I just feel so damn grateful that I've got it that I will make the best of it because I've always taken care of properties I've lived in. Plus the people I am renting from are so so kind - and that means more to me (after the experiences I've had) than anything.

In terms of tenure, I basically can stay there for as long as I like - they are not going to kick me out. All they ask is that I give them 1 months notice if I want to leave - but even that I can't be held to (although I would definitely do that if I did decide to move - highly unlikely at the moment). There's no tenancy agreement - basically you are invited to live in the almshouse by letter I think (I haven't had the paperwork yet). The person I spoke to said that in the past (and I guess in the present too) people are invited to live in the almshouse - you are selected. But in the past people who were in difficulty had the work house, the poor house and the almshouse and people selected for the almshouse were often selected on the basis of what they had done for the community as well. And that feels nice to know as I've done a lot to help people over the years volunteering and working in social services - I just never thought I would be in the situation I'm in now and be on the receiving end - and I'm so grateful for their help.

There's also no deposit - which is a relief. My current landlord has a deposit of almost a 1000 pounds and even when I move out, 144 pounds will be deducted by the letting agent simply as a charge for me vacating the property ... usury is what I would call it. I also had to pay 220 pounds in letting fees simply for the agreement and inventory when I moved in - and then corrected the inventory with the letting agent as it was full of errors. I also had to buy a fridge at 144 pounds as the landlord wouldn't buy one/provide one - but I'm taking that with me as the fridge in the almshouse needs replacing and I have a perfectly good one that will fit in its place with no extra cost to the almshouse people (kindness begets kindness).

Re: Update
 

Just saw this story in the Guardian and the accounts tell you everything you need to know about how awful renting is all over the UK:

Generation rent: how does it feel to be locked out of the housing market? | Money | The Guardian

I was particularly struck by the individual who had rented in Toronto and compared his experience to the UK - this is identical to my experience of Canada compared to the UK and was a major driving force for me to move back because the stress of renting in the UK is just horrendous and at 52 I knew I couldn't take much more of it. Although hopefully renting in the almshouse will be easier (I really really hope so).

Re: Update
 

Sounds good.

Re: Update
 

What a horrendous time you have had. My hope for you is that both your fortunes and your health now improve & continue upward.

The almshouse should be a good community place to be , with lovely caring people. All the best with living there.

All the best too with whatever you decide for your future

Hugs

BEVS

Re: Update
 

I am terribly sorry things worked out this way for you but there is hope. Not all experiences are like this.

I moved back home one week ago and I am basically in the NW of England for now. I was lucky in that I was able to do a sublet apartment through a friend of a friend. The apartment is very nice although the appliances are old but it is a great starting point and lovely building. The rent is not high either.

The area I live in is very nice although some parts in the town are quite run down.

My landlord is very nice at least at the moment.

I had a horrendous job with abusive boss for the last year so doc put me on anti-depressants. I had to arrange a huge worldwide event in Asia and combining that with the boss issue and plans to move there were times I though I'd lose it. I am getting better.

I am glad to be here and do not miss the USA so far. I DO miss the bathrooms there. I get frustrated trying to learn to work some of the appliances, not finding flavoured liquid coffee creamer in the supermarket, etc. but these are things I expected.

This opportunity was a great start for me because the location allows me to look around the UK and find out where I want to settle.

I am still looking for a job but then I have only been here one week.

Just wanted to write this to let you know that not all landlord experiences are bad. There is hope. I do feel a bit at a loss because I don't know my rights as a tenant and what should happen if I get a job out of this area and have to move before lease is up but that might not happen. I would just like to know my rights about everything but perhaps it is just a matter of time.

Re: Update
 

It is very important that you do know the rules and regulations re your tenancy agreement. Especially if you do have to move fairly quickly. Please go the the nearest Citizens Advice Bureau - it is free. And ask for the information that you are seeking.

All the very best:wave:

Re: Update
 

Windsong I would echo what the major has just written. You may be in an illegal sublet in which case you could be kicked out at a moment's notice - tenant contracts in the UK are very different from North American one's. I found myself in an illegal sublet by accident once (someone let a room to me without letting the real owner know) - I nearly ended up homeless then too, except the landlord was a heck of a lot nicer and took a chance on me.

Even if you're not, you may find you have to give far more notice to break the contract than you anticipated - most UK contracts bind you for 6 months minimum. If you find work where you are that won't be an issue but if you have to move, then it will be if you also have to pay rent on a new place too.

I wish you well but I have to say that the UK housing crisis is dreadful and I think only going to get worse and worse with the present government. I'm just hoping that the almshouse works out for me because the experiences I've had over the last year have wrecked me.

Re: Update
 

Hi Englishmaple,

I am so sorry for what you have been through, it sounds truly awful and no-one deserves that. What an awful start to returning home.
Have you been renting through an estate agent or direct with landlord?

I don't understand the 6 month notice requirement as we have to give 2 months notice if leaving our rental within 2 years, after that it reduces to just 1 month, although the landlord has to give us 2 months if she wants us to leave.

We have been very lucky, I guess. We have been renting our current house for almost 2 years. We have bought a house and knew we would have to give 2 months notice but wasn't sure how that would work with the unknown exchange date. So we called the estate agent and were honest about everything and they, along with the landlord, have been great. Our rental agreement ends 15th August and we are only just about to exchange on our house but they are being very flexible with us and allowing us to keep our rental for an extra week/s if required.

I really hope you can find happiness in your new accommodation and start to enjoy being home again. I wish you luck :)

Re: Update
 

We've recently let our house whilst in the U.S. for 2 years. Even though we had a letting agent (useless), I did spend time acquainting myself with my responsibilies as a landlord.

Here are a couple of useful websites for private renting in the UK:

https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/y...sponsibilities

Private renting - Shelter England

For any specific problems/enquires I'd also recommend joining Landlord Zone and posting on their forums. There's some extremely knowledgable posters, amongst whom are ex-barristers:-

http://www.landlordzone.co.uk

EnglishMaple - I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck in your new home and hope that you begin to feel more settled and that your health continues to improve. If I'm remembering your previous posts correctly, I'll also add Patanjali 1:33 :starsmile:

Re: Update
 

I went through a letting agent who found tenants for the landlord but did not manage the property for the landlord. So once she had found me, I signed the paperwork and then had to deal with the landlord direct for any issues. Having said that, after one occasion where one of the landlords started screaming at me down the phone, I contacted the letting agent for help. She was helpful and told me that "given that xxxxlandlord is so hot headed, if you need to deal with them in the future, go through me." I haven't contacted either the letting agent or the landlords since I paid 6 months rent up front at the time I rescinded my notice and then had my breakdown.

With respect to the 6 month notice - it's not 6 months notice - I have to give 1 month's notice. However when you sign an assured shorthold tenancy, you have to rent the property for a minimum of 6 months - i.e. you can't just sign the tenancy and then give a month's notice three months later ... you have to live in the property for 6 months and then you can give a month's notice. That's what I did - but then I rescinded my notice because I was ill and didn't realise what I was doing, and then I had to pay 6 months rent up front in order to stay for the remainder of the 12 month tenancy. Hope that makes sense?

It also sounds like you are a rolling rental contract whereas the rental contract I have is an assured shorthold tenancy that has to be renewed every 12 months. It's much more precarious. And it's designed to discourage people from staying as there is a clause in the contract that stipulates that the rent has to go up by the % rise in the consumer price index including housing - so the longer you stay, the more and more you pay. That said, my rent in Ontario used to go up but it wasn't by the massive amounts that rents go up here.

Your landlords and estate agents sound much nicer. I really hope the almshouse works out for me. I got a copy of the agreement this morning. There is a clause in it saying that my situation will be reviewed in January 2018. There's also a clause saying that if my economic situation improves, then I may have to move - but it really is couched in very vague language and given the fact that I do not have any property I own and my future pension provision is tiny, if they did ask me to leave, I would have nowhere to go but back to the private rental sector. So I have to take it on trust when the trustee said to me they are not going to kick me out. I got one private pension statement through the post recently and it said that if I retire when I'm 70 they will pay me around 700 pounds a year ... so that's clearly not going to go far.

It would just be nice to be well enough to work again to be honest as my savings are going down more and more. At the moment I think I appear 'normal' to people but I tire very easily and it doesn't take much for my nervous system to go into overdrive so that I have these weird shaky adrenalin surges which are not pleasant. My Dr has given me beta blockers which help but I'm not where I was when I was fully well and I don't know how long it will take for me to get back to the way I was. As well, getting work and starting over is just so much harder when one has had something like this happen in one's 50's.

Re: Update
 

Yes Patanjali 1:33 is a good one :)

Re: Update
 

ahh I understand what you are saying now. Yes our estate agents have been managing the property, including sending someone round every 3 months to check all is ok with us and the house.
I really hope it all works out for you and you are able to stay in almshouse for as long as you need. Talk about stressful...it's no wonder your health has been suffering!

Re: Update
 

I have a legal Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. I think that's the correct one to have. What I don't know are my rights. It seems I am bound to stay here, per the agreement, for six months before I can move if a job should come up elsewhere, per the agreement. I am not considering moving until the lease is up but simply read that part of the agreement to see what happens here should the need arise.