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Looking for a flat, but have severe dog phobia and OCD issues

Hope

I am in the process of looking for a flat close to home, because my OCD and Aspergers puts stress on my family and I want to have an independent life, particularly as my parents grow old. I am on Band A for social housing , meaning that I am high priority due to my disability.

The problem is that I have a really severe phobia of dogs, have OCD about fires and living around others in a flat complex, and am worried about the social aspect of flat living. The dog phobia, however, is the main concern because most of the flats allow dogs, and even the ones that have a no pets policy in practice never enforce it, or so I have been told. I cannot be anywhere near most dogs without having a panic attack, the exception being Golden Retrievers.

 

The county council do have a limited supply of private, social rented bungalows, but they give priority to those in wheelchairs and the elderly, but a bungalow would completely meet my needs as I would have a private door. I believe the council does not understand mental health and invisible disability needs. What should I do? Have I a case for a bungalow? Should my needs be put behind a physically disabled person?

  • Do you have any family who could help you? I guess it is a case of keeping up the protest, sending letters and emails and making phone-calls to social services. Unfortunately, you do have to make a fuss in order to be heard. Stress your needs, and cite the Autism Act if need be.

  • Thank you. Not been diagnosed yet.

    I've asked for help time and time again and am known to social services as a disabled person. Despite this, they're giving me no help at all.

  • I would try and get some support Stranger, because your Aspergers is a disability just like any other, and your needs should be taken account of. Most Housing Associations do have some flats with private doors so it is worth investigating, although it could  take a little bit longer.

     

    Best of luck

  • Hope you find something soon. I'm also looking to move out. But as someone under 35, I'm only entitled to the shared room rate. This is despite the fact that I am hypersensitive to noise and light - making living with others difficult.

  • Well, I looked round the flat today with the Housing Association people and the Floating Support Officer, and I have declined the flat. The reason for this decision is that one of the tenants, a man, is prone to aggressive behaviour, I felt anxious in the confined hallway (which stank of cigarette smoke), and dogs are allowed. I have now been told to only apply for flats with a private door, and I will be better supported to bid correctly, although why they did not properly understand my needs before surprises me. But it is better to make the correct decision. I will stay on Band A, and the hunt for a suitable flat continues...

  • Hope said:

    The problem is, I find it very hard to compromise...

    Believe me, I understand that all too well!

    Hope said:

    ...If I accept this flat but then decide to move out, I would lose my place on Band A and would go back to being band C, so it is one almighty gamble.

    That's what I mean by indirectly being put under pressure to compromise - and the longer it takes the more of such indirect pressure you'll find yourself being put under.

    Just remember you do NOT have to take just anything you're offered, and if you feel what you're being offered is not suitable then do not accept it.

  • The problem is, I find it very hard to compromise.

    I have a flat viewing tomorrow for a flat that I like the look of and would accept, but there is a dog living there. I fear having to walk past it, and just the prospect of bumping into it in the building makes me feel jittery. The housing officer has told me that a flat with a private door would suit me best, but they are in short supply. If I accept this flat but then decide to move out, I would lose my place on Band A and would go back to being band C, so it is one almighty gamble.

  • I know exactly what you mean, Hope.

    Whilst I don't have the kind of problems you describe, I was essentially forced to move into a flat I really didn't entirely want to move into, and I too would have far prefered to have been able to have a bungalow.

    I hope you're able to find truly suitable housing, but I fear you, like myself, will be, either directly or indirectly, forced into accepting something of a 'compromise'.