u/Former-Estimate2095

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice from people who understand housing law or have experience with supported accommodation in Birmingham.

I’m currently living in women-only supported accommodation in Birmingham, and I’ve been having ongoing problems with other residents and the way my complaints have been handled.

There have been repeated breaches of the house rules, including cannabis being smoked in the property, men being brought into the women-only accommodation, overnight guests, excessive shouting and disturbances throughout the night, unhygienic behaviour in communal areas, harassment and intimidating behaviour from another resident which I had to report to the police, and other incidents that I’ve reported. In addition to this, when I first moved to this property, two residents who were living here at the time got into an alteration and one falsely accused the other of strangulation which did not happen and police were called.

The current residents have been causing issues ever since the last two moved out. One resident in particular has received many warnings, including a final warning for breaking the rules but the behaviour has continued. I was told she would be evicted but she hasn’t been. I’ve also reported incidents that have affected my asthma and my ability to sleep. Most recently, I was kept awake until around 5am because of another resident screaming and shouting, and I subsequently heard her making racist and ableist comments - called a racial group ugly and made fun of someone with cancer.

I’ve made multiple complaints to the housing provider and my support worker, but I don’t feel that they’re being taken seriously. There has also recently been an issue where my support worker told this resident that I had complained about her and had provided video recordings of her behaviour. Given the existing conflict, I’m concerned about the confidentiality of my complaints, a clear breach of data protection and, more importantly, my safety. This support worker also laughed while this resident badmouthed me and insulted me while sat outside my bedroom door. She didn’t try to deescalate and engaged in conversation with this residents as she spoke about me.

The situation is now seriously affecting my physical and mental health, and I don’t feel safe remaining in the property. I’m considering escalating the matter formally to the organisation above the housing provider and/or contacting Birmingham City Council to explain what has been happening and ask about my housing options.

My main concern is: could I put myself at risk of being evicted or losing my accommodation by making formal complaints to the relevant housing authorities/council?

I’m not trying to cause trouble. I just wanted to move so I could get my housing sorted and get better job opportunities in this town. Yes, I struggle with anxiety but I don’t let my circumstances get in my way. I have a first class degree, I have many passion projects, Ive freelanced and I genuinely have a plan. I don’t want to be stuck in this housing situation.

I feel so disappointed because this company brags about their reviews, supporting women and having firm rules, but I don’t feel supported at all, especially after what my support worker did. I’ve been a great resident too. I follow all the rules, I respect the household by keeping it clean, I’m respectful towards the other residents and their boundaries, despite their disrespect, I pay my service charge on time and I attend my sessions, and I don’t drink or smoke. No one has had a bad thing to say or complain about me, the others only have issues because I’ve reported their behaviour.

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone familiar with supported accommodation, housing associations, Birmingham housing, or eviction procedures. Is it generally safe to escalate legitimate complaints like this, and are there any particular steps I should take to protect myself from retaliation or being accused of causing problems?

Thanks in advance.