Housing

Thanks for your replies, unfortunately though they are now working , my daughters does two jobs. They got in to financial difficulties years ago when first DGD was born and have bad credit rating, and no way to save for a mortgage. Hence us thinking maybe we could help.

The laws governing landlords have been reviewed over recent years and things that were acceptable 5 years ago are not acceptable now. I do not see how a house can be described as adequate if the ceiling in the hall is collapsing.

Try again.

Could she and her DH approach local housing associations about a shared ownership property, if they cannot afford the mortgage or deposit on a market property?

As I said previously get on to the local council. They have a department to ensure private landlords follow the law. With some councils this is part of the Enviromental Health Department others its the housing office. If in doubt contact CAB and they will point you in the right direction.

She was on the housing list for ten years and they removed her as she was ^adequently, housed! The boiler is on its last legs, the ceiling in the hallway is collapsing

I would have thought that she stood a good chance of obtaining a HA property if she has two children, is pregnant with a third and is living in sub-standard housing now.
Is she on the list and has she applied for any?

Hildagard Can your DD not apply to the local HA and become registered for one of their properties if her living conditions are bad she may be lucky.

Perhaps you could encourage your daughter to investigate shared ownership Hildagard.
www.helptobuy.gov.uk/shared-ownership/

It's very difficult for anyone on here to say what you should do Hildagard as only you know your financial situation.
However I can understand your desire to help your daughter if you can.

Of course, how much we need in old age is such a difficult question to answer, but if you are in a comfortable position, then by all means contribute towards the deposit, providing that by doing so doesn't impact too much on your own standard of living.

I'm sure you are pleased about the baby, but ultimately it was their decision to have a third child despite living in a run down rented property.

No its not selfish Hildagard. We all want to help our children and I am in a similar situation, wanting to help my daughter with her living conditions but the thing is I havent the finances in place to do that.
Two things spring to mind. Firstly could you help with say the deposit on a better rented property rather than helping to buy? They might struggle with a mortgage themselves so renting a better home may be the way to go.
Secondly why not speak to the local council with regards to the landlord not doing repairs? They will be able to put pressure on him to fulfil his legal responsibilities. We did that with my daughters landlord and the lovely people at the council were great.
Good luck and congratulations to your daughter.