Rent in Hackney?

Submitted by Janine on 25 April, 2005 - 9:49

Council housing is often poor but what is it like renting from private landlords in Hackney? If you're
rich you can take your pick from many renovated and new flats springing up on every available space. If not - and you can forget about getting a council flat, what luxury! - you're faced with poor quality expensive homes, and very little hope of something better.

I rent privately in Hackney - two thirds of my wages go towards paying for a one bedroom flat above a shop for my family of four. The landlord hasn't even seen the property since before we moved in. flood stained walls, mice - great fun with a newborn baby - and not nearly enough space. This was the cheapest we could get, and were still finding it hard to pay. Hackney Housing benefit thinks we are entitled to six pounds a week help - thanks.

We're in band B for a council flat which means NIML - not in my lifetime. There are ten thousand on the waiting list and 16 new homes were built last year.

What's the solution? Get rich, buy a house? Win the lottery? And if this isn't an option? Hackney council has the solution. Come to the Housing Open Day!

The recent housing open day at the town hall had little to offer - a collection of estate agents offering different ways of selling the same thing - buy/rent (works out dearer than buying but you might be able to afford the deposit on half a house), or why not move away? Hackney Council would love you to.

If you've had enough of poor housing and Hackney, with 'Fresh Start' they will help you emigrate to poor housing up north. They'll even pay for the removal van, with no return journey included. Yes - emigrate to somewhere where you won't be our problem.

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