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Georgia Garside, 20, and her two babies spent months in homeless accommodation as she looked for a private property which accepted housing benefits. The property found is part of a scheme where the council pay the deposit and first month’s rent.

But Georgia was heartbroken, Manchester Evening News says, when she discovered the house was “a tip.” 

The mum-of-two said: “The floorboards inside the house are so thin and the whole property smells of urine. The house is just terrible.

“I wouldn’t let an animal live in it let alone someone with young children.

“I got there and it was dreadful – it was dirty and there was mud everywhere.

“The floorboards weren’t level and the skirting boards had gaps so wide that my daughter would be able to fit her fingers through there.

“My bedroom has a huge dent in the floor and there is a big crack in the wall.

“It is just a mess.”

I wouldn’t let an animal live in it let alone someone with young children… The floorboards inside the house are so thin and the whole property smells of urine. The house is just terrible

Georgia Garside

Georgia says she was told all the rubbish from the property in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, would be removed, but claims it had all been dumped in the back garden.

The mother claims an inspection was carried out by Labour-controlled Manchester Council before she moved in, who deemed it safe for her, her partner and two children.

“The council pays for the deposit and first month’s rent and they inspect the property first to make sure it is OK,” she said.

“I have two children aged 22 months and three months. My youngest was premature and has problems with his chest.”

Georgia says she was told by the council to carry on looking for a new property after she raised the complaints.

A spokesperson from the council confirmed they are supporting Georgia in the search for a suitable house.

“It is really heartbreaking,” she said.

“I do keep looking but it is so hard to find somewhere that accepts housing benefits and I really thought I had hit the jackpot with this one.

“It was a two bedroom house and had a garden. It has really devastated us.”

The family are currently living in homeless accommodation in Fallowfield, Manchester, and Georgia says they are desperate to get out.

“Of course I appreciate having a roof over my head but some of the people you get living there and in the area – it’s not very family friendly,” Georgia added.

“I don’t want this to happen to other young mums like this.

“I waited four months for this house and it is just devastating.”

A spokesperson for Manchester Council said: “The council has been supporting Georgia to move out of her current temporary accommodation into a suitable private sector tenancy through a scheme whereby the council pays the deposit and first month’s rent on behalf of a residents.

“Georgia located a private sector home and was advised that the Council would support her to move into the property if she found it suitable.

“At no point was she told that she had to move into the property and she chose to pass on the home following a viewing.

“The council will continue to support Georgia and the search continues on her behalf to find another suitable home.

“Georgia has also been advised that if she finds a home in the meantime, the council will support her to secure it.”

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