We were in temporary accommodation provided by the council through a private agency. It was clean and nice and everything was there, fridge freezer, cooker with oven, carpets and wools decorated. I had plenty of food stored in the freezer and fridge due to the Covid-19. I only went to shops once a week but always stocked up to make sure we could stay at home for 2 weeks if needed. I also tried to be very careful with my shopping to protect my partner who is in clinical risk from the virus.

It was pleasant living there however, it was also very stressful. To start with we knew that the council can ask us to move somewhere else any time and we have to go or we would be on the street.

We also had regular 10 weekly inspections, where the inspector took photos of all rooms. If something was not up to their standards we would have a letter reminding us that unless it improves we could be evicted. However, since the Covid-19 lockdown we had no inspections due to social distancing and infection prevention. It was such a relief!

Part of our situation was that we had the opportunities to bid on more stable accommodation via the council website. It meant going on the site and registering our interest in any of the properties advertised. It was an opportunity, but also a duty as if we did not do this we would be more likely to be allocated just any kind of accommodation without a choice and we would have to go there even if it was completely unsuitable, but suitable according to the council standards. This would have also included accommodation in another city or part of the country many miles away, such as Durham. I bid every week.

The places that we liked and were suitable for us (from the very short description provided) were coming up less and less frequently. One time I bid again on a 1 bedroom flat in our area. We ended up 2nd in the queue for the property. We did not hear anything about it for 2 weeks so I thought it was allocated to the 1st bidder along with those I bid on in the past.

We also felt anxious about moving in the pandemic as my partner has underlying conditions and by that point had been staying at home isolating for about 5 months.

However, after about 2 and half weeks my partner received a threatening email that he had failed to answer calls and had to call the council immediately to view a new accommodation allocated to us that we had bid on. He discovered the email about 2 days late and it was written in a threatening manner.

A couple of days later an allocation officer called my boyfriend and arranged a viewing with him. We also arranged to have support with us. A progression manager from Groundswell was willing to support us and oversee the signing of the agreement. She called directly to the officer. A viewing was arranged for later that week

Towards the end of the summer my partner told me while in terrible distress that he received another threatening email, saying that he will be made street homeless because he did not comply with the condition of tenancy by not arranging a viewing. We nevertheless went for the viewing that week.

My partner was very anxious as by that time he had not been outside our old flat for 5 months, apart from twice for a walk. He had found that outing stressful even without meeting any people. He also has a diagnosis of adult autism which makes dealing with strangers awkward for him.

We met our support and then we met a housing officer from the council in front of the property. She was nice and very patient, but had no idea about our homelessness status and my partner’s health and vulnerability.

The flat was nice in a pleasant area not so far from our previous accommodation. However the state of it was shocking. It was very empty. Not only was there not any cooking and food storing facilities – simply no white goods at all – but also a big part of the flat had old damaged decoration and damaged wallpaper, with mucky walls.

What was most shocking was the lack of carpet. Any carpet that used to be there was torn out and a strange stony black floor covered with ingrained dirt and paint marks was left. No floor covering.

We were told it was on us to sort it all out ourselves. Furthermore, all the utilities were disconnected apart from water. We were expected to move there just a few days later.

We complained that this was not liveable and without help we were not able to make it liveable by the move in date (in one full working day) and move as well. We did not sign the agreement.

It was very lucky that the progression manager was there. She liaised with the council on our behalf and complained about the situation. Thanks to this, we were told that if we signed the agreement by a specified time, we would get 1 week free rent so that we would have 1 extra week to prepare the new place and move there a week later.

My partner signed the agreement during a second viewing. We called all the recommended numbers. We registered for a new gas and electricity supplier. We liaised with our Rent Officer, who helped us apply for us for housing benefit.

As gas, electricity, internet and water heating were completely disconnected, it took many calls to get it connected and it was very stressful. All had to be reconnected not only remotely with the previous supplier, but also various engineers had to visit the property. It had to be reconnected by the previous suppliers with whom it had been disconnected so we had to find out who they were.

The only thing we managed, despite continuous efforts, was to connect the electricity the evening before we were supposed to move there. Gas, hot water and the internet took a further 3 to 4 weeks. We were consequently living in the property without hot water for 3 weeks.

Due to these challenges and not being sure about the electricity till the night before we were behind with our packing and ordering a removal service for our possessions. We had at least partly packed, so after we got the electricity working I tried to order a removal service. I was not able to find any affordable removals – even the one I booked was still £120 for a van and assistance from two men, as we had a bed to move too. It was still lots of money for me, but the cheapest available.

I was also not sure we would have had enough money to pay for the removals as our benefit payment was due to come in on the same day. On the move-in day my partner travelled first, by a taxi with our cats, litter tray, food and other cat stuff. Half an hour later the removal men came to our 2nd floor and removed and put into the car our bed, cupboard and any heavy things I was also helping to take things down.

The 2 men were very nice and helpful, and knew the area well. However they were not wearing masks. Not even in the cabin, where I travelled with them to the new address. I had to go with them in the cabin as I would have struggled to get there otherwise. I wore a mask. But I did not dare to complain, I did not want to upset them. They helped to get our stuff to the 1st floor. The new neighbours also kindly helped. The neighbours put on masks.

I was exhausted. The next day, on Wednesday, I went back to the flat to tidy up. I was afraid that all we left behind could have been thrown away by the agency, but it was all there totally undisturbed. Nevertheless, there were still too many things to take by hand or even a taxi.

I was panicky. But it occurred to me to order a courier service (such as Addison Lee) as it was too late to get regular removal service. Couriers are much more expensive but one needs only a few hours to book them. Also, as there was not any more furniture I only booked a van and 1 man. I had to agree to take all the bags down the staircase myself for it to be ready just to go into the car. This cost an additional £90. The driver was helpful, but did not know the area so it was all more challenging.

He also did not wear a mask. I did. I was stressed and afraid to complain as I really needed the service. After we got the possession into the new flat I did not go to sleep. I went back to the old flat again to do final clean up and pick the last possessions forgotten behind. I was done at 5am.

There was still a bit too much to carry. I tried to get a local cab, but the cab office was closed overnight due to the Covid-19. So I took a bus instead and had to carry the things up a hill for the rest of the way where the bus does not go. It was challenging. I carried half of the possessions and left the other half behind. Then I came back for the rest and then all over again until I finally got there.

I went to sleep and then called the council about our old key. They said I could put the key through their office letter box, but there would be nobody at the office due to the Covid-19. They suggested I call the agency, which I did. An agency employee came to the flat to collect the key. I returned it and he was happy with the flat’s condition as the flat was well kept.

He then took photographs of everything in the flat, including inside of the oven and the four gas cooker flames lit. I did not have to stay for him to complete this. I forgot to ask for a signature to confirm I returned the key.

Although I had packed any leftover food from the freezer into a cooling shopping bag, nearly all the food went off.

Since then we have had a British Gas engineer, BT engineer, council gas engineer, housing officer and others come round. This all was necessary.

Now 6 weeks later our benefit is still not sorted and we have already received a letter that we could get evicted for being behind with the rent. It is being dealt with and we’re getting support so I hope it will be ok.

We still have no fridge or cooker and no carpets. We are applying for a grant. I now go shopping for food every day as food goes off very fast.

By now Covid-19 virus seems to be spreading again. I do not think we could self-isolate as we need to buy food every day as we cannot store food and cannot really cook properly. I would just have to go to get food no matter what.

I cannot protect my partner as I used to. I’m also more tired so I am less vigilant as I get used to being busier. I keep forgetting to put on a mask and often have to go to buy a new one once I am already out in the shops.

We are very relieved that we will hopefully not have to move in short notice again. This accommodation should be permanent for my boyfriend (I am only part of his household, therefore a bit worried about my status) after a 12 month period. However, moving into a half-ready place on short notice is not ideal in the pandemic.

The author of this blog has chosen to remain anonymous.